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The following excerpts are from National Commander Dave Rehbein’s acceptance speech at the 90th National Convention in Phoenix.

There are two words that my campaign has been about, that I’ve spoken to you about as I’ve traveled – those two words being “pride” and “purpose.” You’ll continue to hear them because that’s really what this organization is about. That purpose that those World War I vets felt when they came home from Europe 90 years ago, understanding that they had stood beside their comrades during combat in the trenches, understanding that they still needed to stand beside their comrades as they came home because their comrades needed them, just as our comrades need us now. That purpose stayed alive for 90 years and will stay alive for another 90 years because our comrades will always need us.

And beyond our comrades, our country needs us – our communities and the work we do back home to make them better places to live, the work we do in the government, the work we do for the United States of America. We understand why veterans organizations need to come together. We understand why veterans organizations need to stay strong.

That purpose is fueled by our pride – our pride in the uniform that we wore, and the pride that we’ve now brought forward in the service to this organization. Everyone who’s worn the uniform has felt that connection.

I want you to think back to (the convention’s mass re-enlistment program) when you and I stood and raised our right hands along with those young men and women. I dare say that, for many of you, it brought back memories you haven’t felt in a long time but that are still in your heart. That’s the kind of pride we need to show those folks who are serving now. They know what they’re accomplishing. And they’re proud of what they’re accomplishing. When we meet with them, we need to let them know we’re proud.

Now, we have some challenges, both outside of the organization and inside. We have a budget process in place, as it is every year. And every year it tends to lag a little farther. Congress made a big improvement last year in the amount of the budget it applied to the Veterans (Health) Administration. But we need to make sure it continues to feel that heat. That money, in my opinion, is enough to open Veterans Affairs medical centers to all veterans. Put the Category 8s back in. Last year’s budget is just a start.

We need to rebuild our (armed) forces. We need to increase the size of our forces because we have challenges around the world, challenges that right now we have difficulty meeting.

We need to know who and what are crossing our borders, whether it’s the border to the south with Mexico, to the north with Canada, or the ships coming into our ports.

We must have the ability to find and identify, and destroy terrorists wherever they are. We cannot allow political timidity to stop us from the global war on terror. We have not been hit inside this country for some time. That does not mean we never will be.

Those are the problems we have externally. How do we meet them? One way. Sixty-eight days from now, we will go to the polling booths, and we will choose the leadership of this country. It’s up to us to make wise choices. It’s up to us to help the people of this country make wise choices.

We have internal challenges. Beginning this year, for the next few months, there will be a moratorium on the Direct-Mail Solicitation program. That means that the 200,000 members that program has brought to us won’t come this year. We need to go back to traditional methods. We need to go back to depending on us for membership recruitment. I want to remind you that in the first decade of existence of this organization we went from zero to a million members, and it was done by Legionnaires knocking on doors and asking their fellow veterans to join. It’s not something new.

We have challenges in our youth programs. The numbers have gone down. They’re our future. If we don’t take the time to teach them American values, who will? We need to address that decline. That’s simply nothing more than us going to the schools, identifying young people and enrolling them in the programs.

Our visibility – too often, in too many communities, they don’t see us. They don’t know what we do. It’s going to be our responsibility to address that.

You’ve given me a great honor by electing me your national commander. I think there’s really only one way to express the feelings that go with this, only one word: wow. I think we can make The American Legion a stronger organization in the next year. It’s not about us. It’s about those young men and women on the floor with their right hands raised, because 25 to 30 years from now, some of them will need the advocacy of The American Legion – the service of The American Legion. We need to make sure The American Legion is there for them when the time comes. We’ve got a strong foundation. It’s now ours to keep strong, to build upon.

Show off the pride that you feel.

Reprinted from The American Legion Dispatch. To subscribe to The American Legion Dispatch, click here.

Thanks to the efforts of Legionnaires and ACO Hardware in Michigan, a wealth of sporting goods has been delivered to U.S. troops fighting in Iraq. Enough volleyballs, footballs, golf clubs and basketballs were collected to fill 18 large boxes. Legionnaire Gary Tanner and ACO Vice President Bob Dunlap coordinated "Operation Recreation," which attracted volunteers from American Legion posts, Michigan Military Moms, Michigan National Guard family readiness groups, and local veterans and servicemembers returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Bob Dunlap contacted our department adjutant, Pat Lafferty, and our PR director, Warren Stensrud, with a request to do something corporate-wide for our troops," Tanner said. After discussing several possibilities, it was decided that another collection drive would be best. "We took a survey among our various volunteer groups, and the overwhelming response was ‘Send them sporting goods!'" Tanner said.

ACO Hardware volunteered to use its trucks to collect donated equipment and store it in a vacant fabric store in Dearborn. But that store was sold before all the golf clubs and various types of balls could be sorted and packed. The Legion needed another storage place - fast.

"I contacted FOX-2 News in Detroit to see if they could help us," Tanner said. "They agreed to run our story, and sent out a camera crew to get some footage and interviews." When FOX-2 ran the story on its TV broadcast, four viewers contacted the station with offers to help. One of them suggested the Legion contact Kalitta Air out of Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti; it had supported U.S. troops during Desert Storm and is currently supporting them in combat zones.

Tanner called up Kalitta Air and asked for help. Fittingly, the company has a U.S. postal contract to fly mail from the United States to Iraq and Afghanistan. Conrad "Connie" Kalitta, the company's owner, said Kalitta Air could fly everything overseas if the Legion could get the sporting goods to its maintenance facility in Oscoda (about 200 miles northeast of Dearborn).

"Less than an hour later, Bill Ashton of Kalitta Air called me back to say they had hangar space available for us," Tanner said. "If we could get everything to Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, they'd haul it to Oscoda in their corporate truck," and volunteers could start sorting and packing the donations.

ACO Hardware brought the goods from Dearborn to Ypsilanti, and Kalitta took care of the rest. A 747 aircraft arrived at Oscoda for scheduled maintenance, and on Sept. 4 all those golf clubs, golf bags, golf balls and other sports gear departed Michigan for Newark, N.J. The next day, the 747 left for Bahrain.

From Bahrain, Operation Recreation made its way to Iraq - the Air Force base in Balad, the Marine base at Al Asad, and the Army command in Mosul. "This amazing journey sure took some unexpected twists and turns, but in the end went from crisis to miracle in one week flat," Tanner said.

Thanks to ACO Hardware, The American Legion's Department of Michigan and several volunteer organizations, U.S. troops are now enjoying golf games in the world's largest sand trap.

Reprinted from The American Legion Online Update. To subscribe to The American Legion Online Update, click here.

Throughout our history, the men and women of the Armed Forces have put our Nation's security before their own, doing their duty in the face of grave danger. On Gold Star Mother's Day, we pay solemn tribute to the mothers of the patriots lost serving this great Nation.

Gold Star Mothers inspire our Nation with their deep devotion to family and country. These extraordinary women serve their communities, dedicate their time to helping members of our Armed Forces and veterans, and bring comfort and hope to families whose loved ones laid down their lives in the defense of our liberty. Nothing can compensate for their sacrifice and loss, yet Gold Star Mothers demonstrate tremendous courage and resolve while working to preserve the memory and legacy of all our fallen heroes.

On this day, we honor our country's Gold Star Mothers and remember their sons' and daughters' noble service and great sacrifice. We offer them our deepest gratitude and our most profound respect, and we ask for God's blessings to be upon them and their families.

The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as "Gold Star Mother's Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in its observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 28, 2008, as Gold Star Mother's Day. I call upon all Government officials to display the flag of the United States over Government buildings on this special day. I also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our Nation's sympathy and respect for our Gold Star Mothers.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

National Commander Dave Rehbein has created a post excellence award program to honor American Legion posts that achieve a high standard of participation in each of four key areas: membership, youth activities, community service, and support of our U.S. military or veterans.

Standards to be achieved in areas include:

Membership. Membership must be at least one member greater than the previous year.

Youth activities. The post must sponsor and actively participate in at least one of the primary youth programs: American Legion Boys State, American Legion Baseball, Oratorical, Boy Scouts or Junior Shooting Sports.

Community service. The post must carry out a community service project that involves members of the Legion family actively working in the community outside the post home. There’s a large range of potential projects, with some centering on a Children & Youth program fulfilling strictly local needs. Monetary donations are allowed but may not constitute the entire project.

Service to U.S. troops or veterans. The post must carry out a project supporting troops or veterans in the community, with Legion family members outside the post home. Projects might include the Family Support Network or Heroes to Hometowns, or helping a local veteran with needed updates to his or her home. Monetary donations are allowed but may not constitute the entire project.

District commanders responsible for each post will certify the achievement of the four specified criteria. They also will submit a list of posts meeting the criteria each month to their department headquarters, including the post’s name, number, address and commander’s name.

The last two criteria will ideally include documentation, such as copies of press releases submitted to the local media. That method ensures the projects were not only accomplished, but that an effort was made to enhance the Legion’s media image. Copy submitted should include a date-time stamp showing receipt by the media outlet. The department adjutant will transmit information each month on qualified posts to Internal Affairs at National Headquarters in Indianapolis.

For each qualifying post, a framed certificate will recognize its achievement. Certificates will be mailed to district commanders to be awarded to posts. Commanders of districts in which 50 percent or more posts achieve certification will receive framed certificates denoting their achievement.

District commanders in departments, whose districts achieve the highest percentage of posts recognized, will receive an additional award. In the event of a tie, all district commanders having the same percentage will receive recognition.

www.legion.org/members/officers/nationalcommander

Reprinted from The American Legion Dispatch. To subscribe to The American Legion Dispatch, click here.

The American Legion is expressing strong support for a new rule that offers monetary and medical benefits to a greater number of military veterans who have contracted amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Studies have shown that military veterans are more susceptible to ALS than members of the general population.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published an interim final rule in the Federal Register today establishing a presumption of service connection for ALS for any veteran with at least 90 continuous days of active duty service who develops the disease any time after separation from service. An older rule had established a presumption of service connection with the disease for veterans who developed ALS within a year of their separation from service.

ALS is a rare and fatal neurological degenerative disease with no known cause or cure. The strongly identified link between military service and the disease remains a mystery.

The new regulation is effective immediately and applies to all applications for benefits received by VA on or after September 23, 2008. The regulation also applies to claims pending before VA or one of the various appellate courts on the effective date of the interim final rule.

“The American Legion has long supported an indefinite presumption for ALS and we applaud the Secretary’s decision to finally create this overdue regulation,” said National Commander David Rehbein.

One of the first indications of a link between military service and an increased incidence of ALS among veterans came in 2001 when pre-published research suggested that 1991 Gulf War veterans are twice as likely as their non-deployed counterparts to develop the disease. Subsequently, a 2005 Harvard University study stated that men and women with any history of military service in the last century are at a nearly 60% greater risk of the disease than men and women who did not serve in the military.

Concurrently, at the request of VA, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) conducted a review of the few existing peer-reviewed studies on ALS in the veteran population to ascertain if, indeed, an association exists between military service and the development of ALS and to make recommendations, if an association is indicated, that would help to identify risk factors. In the IOM report released in 2006, entitled Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Veterans: Review of the Scientific Literature, the IOM Committee concluded that there was a limited and suggestive association between the development of ALS and military service.

“Although more research needs to be conducted to identify possible military-related risk factors that cause ALS in veterans, the IOM’s determination that there is suggestive evidence of an association provided the evidence and justification necessary for VA to make benefits available on a presumptive basis for those whose service in the military may have caused the disease to develop,” added Rehbein.

The American Legion is hopeful that future research will identify the risk factors that make service members more susceptible to this horrific disease. Identifying these risk factors will help in determining necessary protective measures that could prevent the illness from ever developing in veterans.

Veterans diagnosed with ALS, including those whose claims were denied in the past, or the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of ALS, are encouraged to contact their American Legion service officer for more information or assistance with filing a claim by calling 800-433-3318.

Photo By James V. Carroll

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2008 – The U.S. military never stops searching for servicemembers reported as captured or missing during the global war on terrorism or those missing from past wars.

“The combatant commanders that are out in the field today are working to find any servicemembers who are missing in the current conflicts” in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Air Force Capt. Mary R. Olsen, a public affairs officer for the Pentagon’s POW/MIA Office in Arlington, Va.

No U.S. servicemembers, she said, are now listed as missing or captured during operations in Afghanistan. One U.S. soldier is currently listed as missing-captured in Iraq. The search continues for Army Spc. Ahmed Altaei, who was reported as being captured in Iraq on Oct. 23, 2006.

The remains of three other U.S. soldiers who had been reported as missing-captured in Iraq were recovered and identified earlier this year, Olsen said.

Army Spc. Alex Jimenez, of Lawrence, Mass., and Army Pvt. Byron Fouty, of Waterford, Mich., were captured in Iraq on May 12, 2007. On July 10, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner positively identified their remains. Army Staff Sgt. Matt Maupin, captured April 9, 2004, was identified March 20.

Jimenez and Fouty were part of a patrol that was ambushed by enemy forces south of Baghdad on May 12, 2007. They were assigned to the 10th Mountain Division’s 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Iraqi police found the remains of a third soldier who was first reported as missing in the ambush -- Pfc. Joseph J. Anzack Jr., 20, of Torrance, Calif. -- on May 23, 2007.

U.S. commanders in Iraq had conducted intense searches for the missing soldiers who were identified this year, Olsen said. The discovery of the remains of the missing soldiers, she said, helped “to bring some closure to their families.”

Jimenez and Fouty were part of a patrol of seven Americans and an Iraqi army interpreter when they were attacked by insurgents. At the time, the area in and around Mahmudiyah was a stronghold of al-Qaida in Iraq. A quick-reaction force dispatched to the scene found five soldiers killed in action and three missing.

Maupin, an Army reservist, was among two soldiers and seven contract employees reported missing after insurgents attacked their fuel convoy west of Baghdad on April 9, 2004. Maupin was later reported as the only missing soldier. The Army announced March 20, 2008, that it had found and identified Maupin’s remains through DNA.

Modern satellite-enabled communications devices and advanced forensics greatly assist today’s recovery and identification operations, Olsen said, so that “servicemembers don’t go [on] missing.”

Additionally, Olsen’s agency and the Joint POW-MIA Accounting Command are involved in ongoing efforts to find servicemembers reported missing from conflicts conducted decades ago.

“We are showing today’s servicemembers and the families of today’s servicemembers that these people that we send in harm’s way will not be forgotten, if, God forbid, something should happen,” Olsen said. “We will do everything in our power to bring them home and that we will remember their sacrifices.”

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates recognized the four then-missing soldiers at last year’s POW/MIA Day ceremony held at the Pentagon Sept. 21, 2007.

“They may not be well known to the public, but within the brotherhood of arms, they will never be forgotten or left behind,” Gates said of the then-missing soldiers Maupin, Jimenez and Fouty, and the still-missing Altaei.

“These men are the latest additions to the ranks of tens of thousands who remain missing from previous conflicts,” the defense secretary said of the missing soldiers. “And they are the latest additions to the ranks of those we remember today.”

A Pentagon ceremony tomorrow for this year’s National POW/MIA Recognition Day will feature troops from each of the military services. The president will issue a proclamation commemorating the observances and reminding the nation of those Americans who have sacrificed so much for their country.

Photo By Craig Roberts

National Commander Dave Rehbein says The American Legion strongly opposes a VA plan to hand over the administration of new GI Bill educational benefits to private contractors. The Legion's challenge to GI Bill outsourcing has been amplified by several members of Congress who question the wisdom of VA's decision.

"We cheered loudly when the Post-9/11 GI Bill was passed earlier this summer," Rehbein said. "The new GI Bill brings the benefits package earned by America's young warriors up to date, and that's a good thing. Naturally, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) now wants to bring the processing of benefits up to date, too. That's also a good thing - but the way they want to do it is not."

VA is moving quickly to hire an outside contractor to design, build, implement and operate, on a continuing basis, a computerized system to handle benefit claims requests and processing.

"That's all well and good," Rehbein said. "We have no quarrel with the idea, but we believe strongly that VA currently possesses the talents, skills, expertise and resources to implement such modernization. VA was created to fulfill obligations like this, not to hire someone else to do it."

Rehbein reinforced the Legion's stand the morning of Sept. 11, in his testimony on GI Bill outsourcing before the House and Senate Veterans Affairs committees. He also testified on VA medical care, mental health care, VA nursing homes and the medical claims backlog.

That afternoon, the House Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity conducted hearings on GI Bill outsourcing and followed Rehbein's lead. Members of Congress leveled some pointed questions at Keith Pedigo and Keith Wilson, two VA officials sent to provide more details.

Rep. Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin, D-S.D., the subcommittee's chairman, expressed disappointment that VA Secretary James Peake had declined to appear at the hearings. She also noted, along with Reps. John Boozman, R-Ark., and Bob Filner, D-Calif., that the subcommittee has requested a plan from VA "with as much detail as possible," yet Pedigo and Wilson arrived with little information.

"You give us four pages, you give us a PowerPoint," Filner said. "It looks like you have no accountability on this issue." In general, the two VA officials seemed unprepared for the hearings. When Sandlin asked what VA needed, internally, to meet the August 2009 deadline for implementing the new GI Bill system, Pedigo said, "I can't answer that question."

"We heard a concern from The American Legion this morning about the direction you're going in," Boozman said, as he tried to get an answer from the VA officials as to how much their program would cost. Congress has already set aside $100 million for the VA program's implementation, but Pedigo and Wilson said they could not calculate the cost until they had selected a vendor.

One capable vendor that VA did not approach is MicroTech in Vienna, Va. Owned by a service-disabled veteran and employing about 250 people, the company excels in providing information technology services and consulting to clients in federal, state and local government agencies.

Steven Truitt, senior vice president at MicroTech, said the company had been tracking the VA opportunity, but said, "We were not aware an RFP (request for proposal) had been released. We would have been excited to submit a bid."

In the House subcommittee hearings, Pedigo admitted that VA has never briefed Senate members or staff on its GI Bill outsourcing proposal. To this, Sandlin said, "I told The American Legion this morning that I wanted to withhold judgment, but I share Congressman Filner's concerns." Acknowledging the program was going to be difficult to administer, and that she was worried about the timetable, she said, "We're going to stay on top of this and keep asking questions."

The following exchange between Filner and the VA representatives was typical of the hearings:

Filner: "You don't know what you're going to get, you don't know what it's going to cost, you don't know what you'll do if it fails."

Wilson: "Thirty-two vendors who got the RFP are capable of delivering the system."

Filner: "You have the expertise to put out a 165-page RFP, but not the expertise to run this program? What if it doesn't meet the objectives?"

Pedigo: "We are planning for the possibility that it could fail, which means we're putting together a contingency plan."

Filner: "Could you give us the contingency plan now?"

Pedigo: "We have not fully developed a contingency plan."

Filner (to Sandlin): "This is going to be a disaster, Madame Chairman."

Sandlin expressed serious concern that VA was trying to bring an information technology (IT) system online next year that wasn't supposed to be operational until 2013. Pedigo said that contracting for IT solutions in government is something that's done all the time.

"I don't disagree," Sandlin said. "Here is my concern: you're trying to accelerate your own internal timetable. And you must depend on DoD information. We want to make sure that DoD information for active duty and reserves is actually available in time."

The subcommittee is requesting more information from Peake, specifically: Who are the 32 vendors who got the RFP? Who are the finalists for the contract and what are their bids? What vendor will VA select for the contract? The information is supposed to be supplied before a vendor is chosen. The subcommittee plans to conduct a follow-up hearing before the end of September.

The Legion's National Executive Committee passed a resolution during the 90th National Convention in Phoenix last month opposing efforts by VA to hire outside contractors to fulfill the requirements of the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act.

Watch Rehbein's concluding remarks

All of Rehbein's testimony is available on American Legion TV - visit the link and then click on "popular videos" tab.

Reprinted from The American Legion Online Update. To subscribe to The American Legion Online Update, click here.

DoD Photo

The American Legion has speeded up its process to assist Legionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members who have been victimized by Hurricanes Ike or Gustav. Financial grants are available through the organization’s National Emergency Fund.

“Many of these people need immediate help,” said American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein. “The American Legion stands ready to assist. I have directed that our NEF process grants of up to $500 as quickly as possible to those eligible. This money is intended to address their immediate lodging needs. They can also apply for an additional $1,000 of assistance in case they need more. If you have not been affected, The American Legion needs your monetary donations to the NEF so we can assist these veterans and their families who have already lost so much.”

To be eligible for special immediate assistance, Legionnaires or SAL members must have been current on their membership when the storm hit and they must reside in a county or parish that was mandatorily evacuated, even if they remained in place.

Those in need of immediate assistance can call toll free at (800) 588-3365 between 8 am and 4:15 p.m. Eastern time. Those who are not in dire need can apply through the regular procedure by downloading an application at www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/nefapplication_1007.pdf . American Legion posts that have been damaged by the storms are eligible for up to $5,000 of assistance.

Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to: The American Legion, National Emergency Fund, PO Box 6141, Indianapolis, IN 46206. They can also be made online at https://join.legion.org/NEF/donate/.

The American Legion created The National Emergency Fund in 1989, shortly after the devastation of Hurricane Hugo and a San Francisco earthquake. More than $6.5 million in grants have been awarded during the life of the fund.

“The NEF has already distributed more than $175,000 to recent victims of floods and tornadoes in the Midwest,” Rehbein said. “It is imperative for us to help our fellow Legionnaires and SAL members in their time of need. Hurricane season still is not over and our resources are not limitless. If you can give, please make a donation. If you are in need of NEF assistance, please allow us to help you.”

With a current membership of 2.6-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and patriotic youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

DoD Photo

As you are all aware, devastation has come to the United States again by way of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. We cannot even begin to describe the horror and tragedy that has come upon the citizens of Louisiana and Texas. But we can help through the National Emergency Fund (NEF) to provide some immediate assistance to our fellow impacted Legionnaires.

The American Legion's National Emergency Fund is set up to aid Legionnaires and SAL members and their families during a disaster to provide immediate assistance for food, clothing and shelter. The Departments of Louisiana and Texas are currently experiencing such a situation. To be eligible, our Legion and SAL members must be current on their membership and in an area which was mandatorily evacuated by a government agency

We have had contact with the Department Headquarters in Louisiana and Texas as they start to work through this huge support effort. They have no way to ascertain the amount of damages or how much the National Emergency Fund will be utilized to assist at this point. All they know is that it is bad. Their focus is on ensuring their members are able to return home, safe and sound.

Because of the magnitude of this disaster, a decision has been made to streamline the National Emergency Fund grant approval process as an exception for those that reside in the disaster areas. Typically, grants are to go from the member to the Department Headquarters who would then recommend approval and forward to National Headquarters for determination. Checks are then mailed back to Department for disbursement to the member.

We have activated a process where we can take grant applications directly over the phone (800-588-3365) for those needing immediate assistance (up to $500.00), and are residing in a county or parish that was mandatorily evacuated.

Once the application is called in we will mail the check back to the member directly at the address he/she indicates to us via first class mail.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Eligibility open to Legionnaires and Sons of The American Legion members.

2. Those residing in counties or parishes on mandatory evacuation and/or still evacuated and in need of immediate funds, we will issue checks right away up to $500.00. These checks will be mailed first class (3 – 5 business days) to the address you provide to the Customer Service Representative via the toll-free number. If at a later time period you determine that additional funds are needed, you may re-apply for more funds (up to $1,500 total), utilizing the proper procedures through the Department Headquarters and providing copies of receipts showing out –of-pocket expenses.

2. NEF funds are not meant to replace or repair items, only to meet most immediate needs (i.e., temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.)

3. Membership must be active at time of disaster and the time of application

4. No more than $1,500 per household will be granted.

5. Not designed for insurance compensation, loss of business, outbuildings on your property (barns, tool sheds, silos, etc.), equipment (tractors or other farm vehicles), or any type of automobile.

How To Apply During Hurricanes Gustav and Ike Disaster

Call toll-free at: 800-588-3365 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) and our Customer Service Representatives will complete the form for you.

For those members that are not in dire need, they can apply using the regular procedure and can down load the NEF Grant Application at this link and submit through their Department Headquarters: http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/nefapplication_1007.pdf.

How You Can Help

We have an obligation to assist those less fortunate members when the need arises, and we do – through our donations to the National Emergency Fund. All contributions made to this fund are deposited in a special account and are used exclusively to meet our member’s most urgent needs. Not one single contribution dollar is used for fundraising, administrative costs or fulfillment. It is given directly to our members in need – not to meet any administrative expenses.

The money in the fund comes by way of generous donations from American Legion Posts, Legionnaires and Sons of The American Legion members.

Send your tax-Deductible Contributions To:

The American Legion
National Emergency Fund
P. O. BOX 6141
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206

We will also be able to take donations directly from the web site at the following link:

https://join.legion.org/NEF/donate

Related Link:

For those unaware of it, FEMA has instituted a web site that will allow you to find lodging that they will pay directly for your displacement. Go to the following link to find out more:

http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=45791

In July, the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix hosted a gathering that honored all women who served in World War II. The event was attended by many female veterans who served in the armed forces during those wartime years; a few even wore their uniforms.

One special guest was Helen A. Glass of American Legion Post 73 in Tucson, Ariz. "She's been honored by President Bush and many high-ranking individuals for her many years of volunteer work," said David Carrasco, a retired Vietnam War veteran and member of Post 41 in Phoenix.

Glass served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation machinist's mate and rose to the rank of petty officer second class. Her wartime memories have been recorded as part of the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.

At the Hayden VA Center, each World War II vet received a coin etched with the words of George Washington: "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation." Joey Strickland, Vietnam War veteran and director of the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, presented the coins.

After the ceremony, the female veterans boarded a motor coach and were escorted to the US Airways Center in Phoenix, by volunteer motorcycle riders of the Patriot Guard. "To have the riders come out in the heat of the day to honor and escort them, with U.S. Flags flying high, was more than they could have imagined," Carrasco said.

At the US Airways Center, the women were saluted by U.S. military personnel and cheered by a large crowd, then honored with plaques given in recognition of their devotion to duty.

Then the women enjoyed a professional basketball game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Seattle Storm. At halftime, special recognition was given to the oldest war veterans in attendance: Ethel Farr, (Army), Rhoda Claytor (Navy), Jeannette Williams (Army Air Corps) and Lorayne Christensen (Marines). The oldest Coast Guard veteran of the group, Shirley Krabbe, could not attend but received her plaque later.

About half the proceeds from ticket sales for the event were donated to Veterans First Ltd., for military women outreach events across Arizona, including homeless women veteran "stand downs" in partnership with USVETS VIP Women's Program.

This first "Salute to Arizona Military Women and World War II Women" is being followed up with plans to do the same next year for Arizona women veterans of the Korean War.

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A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

September 11, 2001, was etched into America's memory when 19 terrorists attacked us with barbarity unequaled in our history. On Patriot Day, we cherish the memory of the thousands of innocent victims lost, extend our thoughts and prayers to their families, and honor the heroic men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives so others might survive.

Since 9/11, we have recognized the threat posed by terrorists to the safety of the American people and worked to protect our homeland by fighting terrorists abroad. We are confronting terrorism by advancing freedom, liberty, and prosperity as an alternative to the ideologies of hatred and repression. Our Nation pays tribute to our courageous men and women in uniform serving around the world and the devoted members of our law enforcement, public safety, and intelligence communities at home who work night and day to protect us from harm and preserve the freedom of this great Nation.

Seven years ago, ordinary citizens rose to the challenge, united in prayer, and responded with extraordinary acts of courage, with some giving their lives for the country they loved. On Patriot Day, we remember all those who were taken from us in an instant and seek their lasting memorial in a safer and more hopeful world. We must not allow our resolve to be weakened by the passage of time. We will meet the test that history has given us and continue to fight to rid the world of terrorism and promote liberty around the globe.

By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2008, as Patriot Day. I call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. I also call upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and remembrance services, to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Click above for video PSA by Gary Sinise

Suicide Prevention is everyone's business, and VA is enhancing its efforts in this vital area of veteran health.

Know the Signs
Watch for these key suicide warning signs, and provide the Lifeline number to anyone exhibiting them.

• Talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
• Trying to get pills, guns, or other ways to harm oneself
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
• Hopelessness
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
• Acting in a reckless or risky way
• Feeling trapped, like there is no way out
• Saying or feeling there's no reason for living.

Outreach

• During National Suicide Prevention Week Sept. 7-13, 2008 VA will release a nationwide Public Service Announcement featuring actor Gary Sinise, who portrayed a suicidal veteran that is saved in the movie Forrest Gump. Another announcement featuring newswoman Deborah Norville is being developed to reach the family members of veterans.
• VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Michael J. Kussman sent a personalized letter to all veterans, asking them to call VA for help if they are undergoing an emotional crisis.
• VA will also expand on a recently released pilot project for a display advertising campaign that debuted in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area. The ads are designed to make veterans and their family members aware of the VA Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK/8255), which is available around-the-clock, seven days a week.
• VA has sponsored two Suicide Prevention Days and placed announcements about suicide prevention and the VA Lifeline on the main VA website as well as on the web pages of medical facilities.
• VA also has been distributing brochures, wallet cards, bumper magnets, key chains and stress balls to veterans, their families and VA employees to promote awareness of the Lifeline number and educate its employees, the community and veterans about how to identify and help those who may be at risk.

Toll-Free Suicide Prevention Lifeline

An around-the-clock Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 1-800-273-TALK — is staffed by trained professionals 24 hours a day to help in an immediate crisis. After one year of operation, 62,000 veterans, family members, and friends of veterans have called the Lifeline. Of those there have been 1,400 rescues to prevent possible tragedies.

Current VA Initiatives

• Each VA Medical Center has a suicide prevention coordinator to make sure veterans receive needed counseling and services. Calls from the Lifeline are referred to those coordinators.
• VA has hired more than 3,900 new mental health employees since 2005 – bringing our total number to more than 17,000. Of these, 400 are devoted to preventing suicide among veterans.
• VA is adding 61 new Vet Centers (bringing the total number of Vet Centers to 268) throughout the nation to provide more individual, group and family counseling to veterans of all wars by the end of fiscal year 2009.
• VA educates veterans and family members, and trains employees about suicide risk factors and warning signs of suicide.
• All new patients at VA centers and all new veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom are screened to determine if they are at risk for suicide. Veterans currently in mental health and substance abuse programs who miss appointments are contacted to make sure they are not lost or in need of follow up care.
• VA has opened a Mental Health Center of Excellence in Canandaigua, NY, which focuses on developing and testing clinical and public health intervention standards for suicide prevention.
• A new VA Research center in Denver focuses on the clinical and neurobiological conditions that can lead to increased suicide risk.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa
Special to American Forces Press Service

OKEECHOBEE, Fla., Sept. 8, 2008 – As Hurricane Ike moved westward toward Cuba yesterday, emergency management officials cautioned residents in Key West and South Florida to pay close attention to the hurricane's track in case the storm turned north toward the United States.

The storm struck Cuba today, and while its projected path now takes it into the Gulf of Mexico, forecasters at the Florida Division of Emergency Management noted there is still uncertainty in the long-range forecast and that the storm could still pose a threat to Florida.

"It is important that all Floridians and visitors continue to monitor future forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and begin preparations now for any potential impacts," read a statement on the Florida Emergency Response Team's Web site.

All Keys residents and visitors were under a mandatory evacuation order and Florida emergency officials urged residents to heed local warnings in advance of the storm.

In anticipation of flooding, Florida National Guard Special Forces reconnaissance teams were staged in the Florida Keys yesterday to assist first responders and identify potential areas where water and wind damage could occur. The teams were also prepared to conduct immediate post-storm damage assessments.

Throughout the state, Florida National Guard planning cells were activated in the event soldiers and airmen were called for hurricane recovery missions, and 20 liaison officers were activated.

Noting that an earlier storm track showed Ike might hit Miami and the Florida peninsula, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez reminded citizens that Ike was a powerful hurricane and to remain prepared in case of a dramatic shift in the storm.

"We need to watch it closely over the next couple days," the mayor said during a news conference at the Miami-Dade Emergency Operations Center yesterday. "As of today, Miami-Dade County is outside of the cone of error and that is extremely good news; however, that does not mean we will not feel its effects."

Less than 100 miles northwest of Miami, local resident James Donnan joined other sportsmen yesterday as he placed his refurbished 13-foot airboat into the waters of Lake Okeechobee. The 730-square-mile lake is the second-largest freshwater lake wholly within the continental United States, and has a drainage basin covering more than 4,600-square-miles in South Florida.

Donnan, a resident of the city of Okeechobee on the massive lake's north end, noted rains from the recent Tropical Storm Fay have flooded parts of the area, and he said he is wary of other storms that could bring more flooding.

"I'm really concerned," Donnan said. "Okeechobee is kind of a low-lying area. With any major rainstorms, we get major flooding."

He said when Tropical Storm Fay drenched the area in late August, his property was badly flooded. "You couldn't see my whole yard,” he said. “At the deepest point, it was probably two and a half feet. My trailer house is on stilts, and the only place that didn't have water was underneath the house on the pad."

Donnan, who uses Lake Okeechobee for fishing and recreation, said even though Hurricane Ike is forecast to avoid his area, he still heeds the emergency management warnings and follows the National Hurricane Center tracks.

"You make minor preparations: food and water and gas," he explained. "It's kind of far away now to make any drastic preparations like boarding up [windows] and evacuation, but you still pay attention."

Over the weekend, the Florida National Guard was actively preparing for landfall. Officials said more than 9,000 Guard members are available for call-up.

Guard Special Forces reconnaissance teams staged in Key West and Key Largo for immediate post-storm damage assessments yesterday, said Army Lt. Col. Ron Tittle, a spokesman for the Florida National Guard. "These teams linked with local officials and located adult living facilities, locations where the homeless live and other areas where Floridians would be vulnerable," he said.

In other actions, the Florida National Guard:

-- Evacuated 20 patients from Key West to an alternate medical center in Statesboro, Ga., aboard a North Carolina National Guard C-130 aircraft.

-- Deployed to Homestead Air Reserve Base, the State Logistics Readiness Center in Orlando, and the Orange County Civic Center to assist with State Emergency Response Team logistics activities.

-- Activated planning cells across the state to be ready to stand up the task forces as needed.

-- Activated 10 State Emergency Response Team liaison officer teams to deploy to affected counties.

-- Prepared 10 Black Hawk and four Chinook helicopters for deployment in South Florida, and coordinated with the National Guard Bureau to pre-position 14 more helicopters in Savannah, Ga.

"These actions are accomplished out of the abundance of caution so the governor can respond very early," Tittle said.

(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa serves with the Florida National Guard.)

DoD Photo

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2008 – An assembly of thousands gathered this morning at the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery, the starting point of the fourth annual National America Supports You Freedom Walk.

Ending at the Pentagon, where a hijacked airplane killed 184 people when it barreled into the building on Sept. 11, 2001, the Freedom Walk in the nation’s capital is one of 330 similar processions around the world that will take place in all 50 states and 12 foreign countries.

Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England told the crowd today’s walk not only commemorates the attacks on America that occurred seven years ago this week, but also represents a day for Americans to commit themselves to the preservation of freedom.

“That day we lost 3,000 people of 60 nationalities,” England said. “I’ve concluded that we lost 3,000 people that day because the terrorists did not know how to kill 30,000 or 300,000 or 3 million, but they would have if they could have, and they are still [trying].

“We wake up as a free people every morning, and that’s not by accident, and that’s not by chance,” he continued. “We wake up free every morning because great Americans put who put on the uniform of our country for 230 some years have gone forward to protect and defend those freedoms.”

England thanked servicemembers who protect and defend American liberty, and praised the sacrifices made by their families.

“We have, as a nation, an amazing debt of gratitude to all these people who have given their lives for these many years for our freedoms and for the freedoms of future generations,” he said, drawing applause.

In addition to the Freedom Walk, today represents the beginning of a week of commemorative events, including the dedication of the Pentagon Memorial -- a two-acre park near the point of impact with an illuminated bench and lighted reflecting pool dedicated to each victim -- that will take place on the seventh anniversary of the attack.

Following the opening remarks, columns of walkers wearing Freedom Walk tee shirts headed south, skirting the Potomac River on the opposite bank of American icons like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, en route to the Defense Department headquarters.

America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families, hosted the event, which attracted a reported 10,000 participants, according to Pentagon Channel figures.

The one-mile walk culminated in the south parking lot of the Pentagon, where Marine General James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed the crowd from a raised stage.

Cartwright thanked those who participated in the event, which included walkers representing many states across the country, homefront groups manning kiosks in the Pentagon lot and country music performers the Oak Ridge Boys.

“And then a word to those who are not here for all the reasons that there are: deployed forward, sacrifices,” he said. “All of the things that they do, whether they’re in uniform or civilian, to support this nation and serve us so that we can get up every day free.”

Cartwright, citing those around the world participating in Freedom Walks, expressed awe at the evolution of the event.

“When you think that this started four years ago, and now we’re up to 330 of these types of events in which we acknowledge, and America acknowledges, service to this nation: that’s a pretty big thing,” he said.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke
Special to American Forces Press Service

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 4, 2008 – Four states along the East Coast are employing their National Guards as Tropical Storm Hanna nears. Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina have almost 40,000 Army and Air National Guard members available to their governors, if needed. This includes almost 11,000 in North Carolina, 9,000 in Florida, 11,000 in South Carolina and 9,000 in Georgia.

"The National Guard is pre-positioning several multifunction force packages of trained people and equipment that will be used for transportation, distribution of supplies, ground evacuation, swift water rescue and security of impacted areas," said Army Maj. Randall Short, a public affairs officer with the National Guard Bureau.

Florida and Georgia expect to avoid a hit from Hanna, but two Air National Guard units in those states have evacuated their aircraft nonetheless. The 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville, Fla., has evacuated 13 F-15 aircraft to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah, Ga., has evacuated four C-130 aircraft to McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville, Tenn.

In South Carolina, Gov. Mark Sanford announced in a briefing today that about 250 soldiers from the South Carolina National Guard will remain on standby. He also asked for the voluntary evacuation of Georgetown and Horry counties in the northeast section of the state. Three emergency shelters in those areas would be opened for anyone needing assistance.

At McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., the Army National Guard plans to shelter all of its aviation assets on base, while the 169th Fighter Wing will keep 12 of its F-16s in hangars. The unit's 12 remaining F-16s and one C-130 will be evacuated to Texas tomorrow, said Air Force Maj. Jim St. Clair, a public affairs officer with the South Carolina National Guard.

In North Carolina, Gov. Mike Easley ordered 270 Guard members to state active duty yesterday in preparation for the storm. Guard members will start arriving for duty today and will be in place tomorrow, said Army Maj. Matt Handley, the state public affairs officer for the North Carolina National Guard.

The North Carolina National Guard will field several multifunction force packages of about 50 personnel each, capable of providing security, ground evacuation, transportation, and equipped with swift-water rescue personnel, according to a news release from the state.

Other Guard members will provide logistics support, and six UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters are on standby to conduct missions if needed, the release stated.

North Carolina Guard planners also met with state emergency management personnel over the last several days to finalize plans as the storm approached. All state active duty missions are coordinated through the state emergency management agency.

The North Carolina Guard has mobilized for numerous hurricanes and brings a great deal of knowledge and expertise to these types of operations, Handley said. The last deployment for a hurricane was in 2006, when North Carolina mobilized about 220 personnel for Tropical Storm Ernesto.

Virginia Gov. Timothy Kaine declared a state of emergency in his state today in anticipation of Hanna. He authorized state agencies to identify and preposition resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia, according to a news release from the governor's office.

The Virginia Emergency Operations Center has increased its operations in response to this declaration, and the Virginia National Guard has personnel alerted and on standby for potential response and recovery missions associated with the storm, the release stated.

"Current forecasts predict Hanna will bring tropical-storm-force winds to Virginia, causing coastal flooding and the very real possibility of tornadoes and power outages," Kaine said in a news release. "Virginians should listen to their local government representatives and local news media for instructions for the duration of the storm."

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported today that the center of Hanna was located about 205 miles east of Nassau and about 670 miles south-southeast of Wilmington, N.C. The storm is moving toward the northwest at about 14 mph, a pace expected to continue for the next couple of days with a gradual increase in speed, according to NOAA.

On this track, the center of Hanna will be near the southeast coast of the United States by late tomorrow.

(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke serves at the National Guard Bureau.)

The American Legion signed an agreement last week with the War Veterans Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States (nine of 15 former Soviet republics), supporting activities of the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on POWs/MIAs. The Legion's National Executive Committee passed a resolution last May at its Spring Meetings to sign on with the commission, formed in 1992 by Washington and Moscow.

The pact was signed by outgoing American Legion National Commander Marty Conatser and retired Gen. Ruslan Aushev, president of the War Veterans Committee, during the 90th American Legion National Convention in Phoenix on Aug. 25. Aushev spoke to the Legion's National Security and Foreign Relations Commissions on Russia's role in helping the United States identify POWs and MIAs.

"This is a first step in cooperation, and this is a first step in accountability," Conatser said. "As we look at the common thread of veterans worldwide, the cooperative efforts of all veterans groups will make a huge difference in the world. We appreciate this first effort. Where it progresses to is yet to be seen, but you've got to start with a first step."

Aushev, a decorated Soviet veteran who fought in Afghanistan, spoke optimistically of the partnership between the two organizations and two countries. He is also former president of Ingushetia, a republic bordering Chechnya.

"We can, and are willing, to help our American colleagues to resolve (POW/MIA) issues," Aushev said through a translator. "We are convinced that the humanitarian aspect alone should prevail over departmental and bureaucratic considerations ... This is specifically true to finding persons who were witnesses to events in the Korean and Vietnam wars. In these areas, we can be of interest to the American side."
Russia has 271 soldiers missing in action from Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1988). Aushev said the United States can reciprocate in helping to discover the fate of those soldiers.

"When I was fighting in Afghanistan, the Americans actually helped the mujahedeen to attack and to capture our soldiers," Aushev said. "The Pakistani secret service has a lot of information ... (and) the United States has a very good relationship with (them). Both sides of the commission, the Americans and the Russians, need to work actively to resolve these issues so that those who gave their lives on foreign land can be returned to their own homeland."

PHOENIX, Aug 28, 2008 -- A research metallurgist and U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam era has been elected national commander of the nation's largest veterans organization.

Delegates to The American Legion's 90th National Convention here chose David K. Rehbein of Ames, Ia., to lead the 2.7 million-member organization of wartime veterans for a one-year term.

Rehbein served as an infantryman with the 4th and 1st Armored Divisions in Germany from 1970 to 1971. After leaving the Army, he attended Wayne State College and Iowa State University, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in physics and a Master's degree in metallurgy. Following graduation, he accepted a position as research metallurgist at the Ames Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, a position he held until his retirement in July 2008.

A member of Ames Post #37, he served as its commander and adjutant as well as 12 years as finance officer. He has been district commander and state vice-commander and represented Iowa on The American Legion's National Executive Committee. He served on many department committees, including Membership, Oratorical, Strategic Planning and Junior Shooting Sports. During his term as department membership chairman, Iowa achieved target membership three times in 1991, 1992, and 1993. He was appointed by Iowa Governor Vilsack to a position on the Iowa Commission on Veterans Affairs.

Rehbein served on the National Americanism Commission 1989-99, with service as an instructor on the National Information Conference staff, conducting the judge's briefing for the National Oratorical Contests and as Match Director of the Junior Shooting Sports national finals. He has served as chairman of the National Foreign Relations Commission, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission and the Legislative commission.

Cmdr. Rehbein took the oath of office along with five other national officers. Serving as national vice commanders are Michael J. Landkamer of Columbus, Neb.; Harley W. Ray of Albany, Ore.; Tracy D. Simmons of Vidor, Texas; James W. Davis of McMechen, West Virginia; and James A. LaCoursiere of Old Lyme, Conn.

National Historian Charles J. Zelinksy of Champaign, Ill.; National Sergeant at Arms Randy L. Freel of Nevada, Iowa; and National Chaplain Lawrence L. Vollink of Ypsilanti, Mich., were appointed to their positions by Cmdr. Rehbein following the close of the national convention.