National American Legion College

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2009-07-23T05:44:00.000-07:00

Military and veterans health care should not be part of any national health care bill, says The American Legion

WASHINGTON (July 22, 2009) – The national commander of the nation’s largest veterans service organization has reacted to tonight’s urgent call by President Barack Obama for national health care reform.

“While The American Legion appreciates the complexity of the healthcare reform challenge facing the President and Congress,” said David K. Rehbein, “on behalf of our nation's 26-million veterans and the nearly two million personnel now on active duty in more than 130 countries, we urge Congress to ensure that veterans’ and military health care not be part of any national health care bill. They should be exempt in the legislation.”

Rehbein added, “Our nation must maintain its long standing tradition that veterans’ and military health care systems will remain independent and focused on our most deserving citizens.

“The American Legion has a proud tradition of securing and preserving the earned benefits of America’s veterans,” Rehbein said. “Ensuring timely access to quality healthcare for today’s military and veterans is of paramount concern. These are the citizens who have borne our battles in previous wars as they still are in Iraq and Afghanistan. They have earned our care the hard way. We, as a nation, have an obligation to ensure that their healthcare is not compromised,” he concluded.

With a current membership of 2.5 million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and the mentoring of youth. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
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Media contacts: Craig Roberts, (202) 263-2982, Cell (202) 406-0887 or Joe March, (317) 630-1253; Cell (317) 748-1926. A high resolution photo of Nat. Cmdr. Rehbein is available at www.legion.org.

Historic Increases in Support of our Military and Veterans:

2009-07-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

With passage of this bill, Congress has provided a 58 percent increase in funding for veterans health care and benefits since January 2007. This funding has resulted in a total increase of 8,300 claims processors, 145 community-based outpatient clinics, 70 Vet Centers, and more than 47,000 additional Veterans Health Administration employees. These additional resources will provide our veterans with their benefits more quickly and improve access to health care and other services. Congress has also funded several initiatives to improve the quality of life for our military and their families to include: $2.8 billion for new military hospitals, $1 billion for new child care centers to serve 20,000 military children, and $570 million in additional funding for barracks.

News from Congressman
Chet Edwards
Chairman, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Room H-143 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3047
17th District, Texas • 2369 Rayburn Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-6105
Homepage: www.house.gov/edwards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Josh Taylor
July 10, 2009 202-225-6105

Edwards: Historic Veterans, Military Construction Bill Passes House
Respects Service of Troops, Veterans, Includes Advanced Appropriations for First Time, & Builds on Historic Funding Increases Since 2007

(Washington, DC)— U.S. Representative Chet Edwards announced that the House passed vital funding for troops veterans, and their families under the fiscal year 2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill. The bill builds on the $17.7 billion in historic increases for veterans passed into law by Congress since January 2007. The bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 415 to 3.

Edwards, Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee said, “This bill sends a clear message to America’s servicemen and women, their families, and our veterans that we deeply respect their service and sacrifice. With passage of this bill, Congress has provided a 58 percent increase in funding for veterans health care and benefits since January 2007. In addition we have a new 21st Century GI Education bill that now also transfers this important benefit to the children of those service members who have died while serving our country. This is an unprecedented increase in Congress’ commitment to veterans, and in my book, our veterans have earned every dime of this funding.

“This funding has resulted in a total increase of 8,300 claims processors, 145 community-based outpatient clinics, 70 Vet Centers, and more than 47,000 additional Veterans Health Administration employees. These additional resources will provide our veterans with their benefits more quickly and improve access to health care and other services. Congress has also funded several initiatives to improve the quality of life for our military and their families to include: $2.8 billion for new military hospitals, $1 billion for new child care centers to serve 20,000 military children, and $570 million in additional funding for barracks.”

The bill is strongly supported by major veterans service organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, and many others.

Glen M. Gardner Jr., a Vietnam veteran from Round Rock, Texas, who is the national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars said, “This is a huge step forward for disabled veterans, and the historic funding increases the House provides will dramatically improve the healthcare programs our nation delivers to her defenders. We have to thank House leadership from both sides of the aisle for making this happen, especially Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Chet Edwards (D-Texas) for spearheading the legislation.”

Overall, the bill provides $77.9 billion in discretionary spending, $53 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, $24.6 billion for Military Construction, Family Housing and BRAC, and $266.8 million for related agencies. It is $239 million more than the President’s request and $5 billion more than fiscal year 2009 level. For the first time ever, $48.2 billion is provided in advance appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for three medical accounts: medical services, medical support and compliance, and medical facilities.

Bill Total
2009 Enacted: $72.9 billion
President’s Request: $77.7 billion
House Passage: $77.9 billion

KEY INVESTMENTS

Historic Increases in Support of our Military and Veterans: With passage of this bill, Congress has provided a 58 percent increase in funding for veterans health care and benefits since January 2007. This funding has resulted in a total increase of 8,300 claims processors, 145 community-based outpatient clinics, 70 Vet Centers, and more than 47,000 additional Veterans Health Administration employees. These additional resources will provide our veterans with their benefits more quickly and improve access to health care and other services. Congress has also funded several initiatives to improve the quality of life for our military and their families to include: $2.8 billion for new military hospitals, $1 billion for new child care centers to serve 20,000 military children, and $570 million in additional funding for barracks.

Overview of the Fiscal Year 2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act:

DEPARMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: $108.9 billion, the same as the President’s Request and $14.5 billion above 2009, for veterans medical care, claims processors, and facility improvements. In addition, for the first time ever, $48.2 billion is provided in advance appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for three medical accounts: medical services, medical support and compliance, and medical facilities.

Veterans Health Administration (VHA): $45.1 billion, the same as the President’s Request and $4.4 billion above 2009 after adjusting for transfers approved by the Committee on January 6, 2009, for veterans medical care to include:

• Medical Services: $34.7 billion, the same as the President’s Request and $4.0 billion above 2009 after adjusting for approved transfers, to improve access to medical services for all veterans.

• Mental Health: $4.6 billion, the same as the President’s Request and $800 million above 2009, for mental health care.

• Assistance for Homeless Vets: $3.2 billion, the same as the President’s Request and $949 million above 2009, includes $26 million for a Presidential Initiative to combat homelessness, $150 million for the homeless grants and per diem program, $20 million for supportive services for low income veterans and families, in addition to $21 million to hire additional personnel for the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program.

• Rural Health: The Department estimates that $440 million will be spent in fiscal year 2010 on innovative practices to improve access to care for veterans in rural areas. More than 3.2 million (41%) of enrolled veterans live in rural or highly rural areas.

• Medical and Prosthetic Research: $580 million, the same as the President’s Request and $70 million above 2009, to include a $48 million increase for research to address the critical needs of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans.

Major and Minor Construction: $1.9 billion, $123 million above the President’s Request and $252 million above 2009.

General Operating Expenses: $2.1 billion, $132 million below the President’s Request and $290 million above 2009, to enable the Department to hire roughly 1,200 additional claims processors to continue to work down the backlog of benefits claims and to reduce the time to process new claims. The most recent VA quarterly status report estimates that nearly 397,000 claims are pending. Additionally, the bill funds the Paralympics Program at the fully authorized amount of $10 million.

Inspector General: $106 million to include increased funding to provide additional oversight personnel including initiatives regarding financial audit and information technology program reviews.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION: $23.2 billion, $1.8 billion below 2009 is provided for the base programs. The decrease from 2009 is attributable to the expected decline in BRAC construction requirements and the success of the family housing privatization program. In addition, $1.4 billion is provided for Overseas Contingency Operations, for a total funding level in the bill of $24.6 billion, $226 million above the President’s Request and $472 million below 2009.

• Trainee Troop Housing Initiative: $450 million to accelerate the Army’s program to modernize troop housing facilities for trainees. The Army has a need for $2.2 billion to bring all 115,413 trainee barracks spaces up to standard and the program currently is not scheduled to finish until 2017.

• Guard and Reserve Initiative: $200 million in additional funding is provided for Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy and Marine Corps Reserve, and Air Force Reserve construction to address critical unfunded requirements, in recognition of the tremendous contributions made by Guard and Reserve personnel to emergency assistance, homeland security, and national defense.

• BRAC 1990 Environmental Cleanup: $537 million, $140 million above the President’s Request and $78 million above 2009, to address the large unfunded backlog of environmental cleanup for bases that were closed during the four previous BRAC rounds.

• 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and Re-stationing: $7.5 billion, same as the President’s request, to implement base closures and realignments, and support the re-stationing of troops and their families from overseas to the United States.

• Military Housing: $2 billion, same as the President’s Request, to further eliminate inadequate military housing.

• Overseas Contingency Operations: $1.4 billion to support additional military construction requirements to support operations and troop increases in Afghanistan.

RELATED AGENCIES

American Battle Monuments Commission: $61.8 million, $1.5 million above the President’s Request and $2.3 million above 2009. This funding provides for the care and operation of our military monuments and cemeteries around the world.

United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims: $28.1 million, including $2.8 million for the Pro Bono Program to provide assistance to low income veterans.

Cemeterial Expenses: $42.5 million, $5.3 million above the President’s Request and $5.8 million above 2009, for Arlington cemetery. The additional funding will enable relocation of power and telephone line to make ground available for over 8,000 gravesites.

Armed Forces Retirement Home: $134 million, the same as the President’s Request and $71 million above 2009, for the Armed Forces Retirement Home, including $72 million for capital expenditures.

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Joshua P. Taylor
Communications Director
Office of U.S. Representative Chet Edwards
2369 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-6105

2009-06-08T12:09:00.001-07:00

I received quite a bit of responses from my original message regarding “another Veterans Corps”…

Thank you all for caring.

From many of the responses, there are valid arguments made for and against this new “Veterans Corps”.

On the one hand, this new initiative, if properly supported by existing VSOs, can help launch an awareness program to returning veterans and introduce them to the traditions of “veterans serving veterans”. This will help increase awareness for VSOs like The American Legion amongst younger veterans and get them involved. And with some mentoring from older veterans, we can expect these young veterans who get involved in the “Veterans Corps” eventually volunteer their time with the VSOs and continue to make an impact. As one legionnaire wrote “If the new Veterans Corps is to strengthen and enable organizations to build capacity for their own missions to assist fellow veterans, then there is a chance this new initiative will actually accomplish something.”

On the other hand, if improperly executed, this program risks wasting taxpayer money and further disenfranchise veterans who are already doing everything they can.

Your collective wisdom has enlightened me in the fact that given this initiative, we can either be counter-productive and argue who can provide the best assistance to our veterans, or we can see this opportunity and work together to help mentor a generation of returning veterans the importance of peer-support and volunteer services to strengthen their communities.

And keeping true to the grassroots, I urge you to find out more about this Veterans Corps and ask your American Legion representatives, and your congressional representatives, to ensure VSOs critical role in developing the “Veterans Corps”.

another Veterans Corps???

2009-06-08T09:23:00.001-07:00

Congress is trying to establish a new “Veterans Corps” under the established programs of AmeriCorps. (http://hamptonroads.com/2009/03/worthy-AmeriCorps-program-benefit-veterans) The provisions introduced to both the House and Senate asked that the taxpayers to put more money into a bureaucracy and establish a program from the ground up to do the job that so many Veterans Service Organizations are already doing. From what I can tell, this new initiative will give AmeriCorps the funding it needs to establish transition assistance volunteers to help veterans.
Now correct me if I’m wrong, but I’ve always thought the point of VSOs, like The American Legion, are chartered by Congress to organize volunteer efforts, manage donations, and bypassing the government bureaucracy, and putting the efforts and initiatives at the hands of veterans who understand how to help another veteran. Maintaining true grassroots and empowering fellow veterans to serve their peers not only ensure the quality but also the bond that ties a veteran to his/her community. Why do we want to waste more taxpayer’s money to build something that is already there???
So why is the Obama administration looking in another direction on helping our veterans??? Can it be simply that Obama, or Congress, didn’t really think this through? Are they just jumping into the bandwagon to simply do something for the sake of doing something???
If it were up to me, I’d say instead of building another veterans’ service organization under AmeriCorps, Congress and Obama should look at what all of the VSOs are doing, and help build partnership across the board and help facilitate peer support to reduce the redundancy and maximize support to those returning veterans that need the help…
I think this is a case where politics and the appearance of doing something needs to take a backseat. Acting with reason and operating with the best interests of our veterans and servicemembers should be our first responsibility. Congress can really make a difference by coming to the VSOs and ask for an alliance or some sort to establish this “Veterans Corps”… but that’s just my opinion…

How to start a good social network for veterans:

2009-04-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

I hear a lot of ambitious people wanting to start a social network these days to “provide transitional service and connect the veteran community”. While I admire their initiative and desire to help, often they lack the knowledge of what social networking really is and don’t know how to really tap the potential of social networking and employ the power of social media and new media.

One example:

I recently received a call from CPT “Socialnetwork Champion” to discuss his social network for the Marines. I asked a few questions about his desires, and this is the facts I collected:

• They have a brief market analysis and have determined that their targeted audience should be Marines and Veterans age between 18 and 35.
• They want to provide transitional services to these veterans.
• They have lined up one headhunting company to provide this employment service.
• They want to provide a matching feature to connect Marines with potential mentors and employers.
• They want to provide a vehicle of communication for active duty Marines and veterans.

I think what they have so far is great, but here are some problems:

• Their market research is incomplete and failed to capture the growing market share in Baby Boomer generation that encompasses the Vietnam generation veterans.
• If they do not target the older generation then how are they to provide the matching service for young veterans? Just peer-peer will not get them the experience and institutional knowledge our older veterans have with regards to the VA and other processes necessary to ensure a successful transition.
• Their identified goal of providing transitional services is too general. There are just too many issues for any one person to tackle. Transition means anything from PTSD support, to financial services, to family life mentoring, to job placement, to social reintegration. If a social network does not identify and target a function to provide a service, users may be distracted and do not recognize the things that makes your social network unique. The point here is that social networking is like any other competitive market, where you have to offer something new and useful in the product you are trying to deliver to ensure users return. Social networks are nothing if you don’t have users and no one is coming back for a unique service and/or function.

If you are thinking about using a social network to connect and provide a service to our veterans, here are some of the things to think about to ensure your success:

• You need to identify your targeted audience. Be as precise as you can and cast your net as wide as you can. What you may need to do is to segment your audience types and by demographic. Once you have that, then do your market analysis to determine just what the needs are in each segmented section and determine the services and function you can provide to that section.
• Then you have to carefully determine the risk and return on your investment on each of the sections of your segmented audience group. If you are providing a peer-peer support service to women veterans, then you need to determine what competitive edge you have, is there a existing social network providing the exact thing? Also keep in mind that the functions you decide must meet a need and has to depend on your Voice of Customer analysis. So you may want to do a small online survey to see just how many people may be interested in getting online peer support for VA home loan process (or whatever else you have identified). What you don’t want to end up with is a high price function, connecting Marines with golf courses that provide discount to veterans, that only serves a small population and is not demanded by users on the social network environment.
• Also you need to design a functional process that your social network will adopt and practice. You must always identify key input variables and output variables of that functional process so you can improve on this process int eh future depending on user input.
• You must identify all open-sourced social networks and see if any of them can provide what you wish to accomplish before you decide to spend a few million dollars on tech cost. A lot of times software companies will sell you on things that they know won’t work because they know the exact same function is being performed by Facebook or Boomj. But they will sell you the software solution anyhow just to make money off you. So do as much as you can open-source, and host only critical information on paid technology. I recommend that database functionalities are a must pay service since that allows you to collect user data for your own segmentation and targeted marketing.
• And lastly, know your users and keep up on your users. Drive your users to your site. Your social network is nothing without users so don’t focus too much on the technology and forget your users…

2009-02-06T10:46:00.001-08:00

The American Legion and the GI Bill

2008-12-23T09:41:00.001-08:00

2008-12-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning to all legion college grads.

First I want to thank you for your dedicated work in membership.

I also want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May the new year bring you renewed passion for the world’s greatest and largest Veteran Service Organization.

Allow me to be a bit philosophical for the moment: it was taught to me that no matter of our success, we shall continue to learn and better ourselves in whatever our endeavors maybe. With that said, there is a wonderful upcoming opportunity for all of us to sharpen our skills and rejuvenate our minds.

This year’s National Grassroots Conference will be February 4-7, 2009 - Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club - St. Petersburg, FL. There are a range of topics you may find interesting. Such as:

- (Re)Building Your Grassroots Program
- How to Write Effective Messages
- Ethics & Transparency in Grassroots
- Finding & Training Your Key Contacts
- Speed Networking
- Web 2.0/Social Media Crash Course
- Grassroots and Diversity
- Effectively Involving Your Senior Management
- Integrating CSR and Grassroots Strategies
- Prioritizing Issues and Managing Demands
- Association Grassroots Management
- Grassroots Communication
- Embracing Social Media

As you can see, there is something for everyone there. I have always heard that volunteer management is difficult, and our most profound challenge is to motivate and utilize our dedicated workers effectively. I believe this conference will give you some ideas and help you with your work at the department level.

To view a complete agenda please go to http://pac.org/conferences/grassroots/agenda
You can also visit http://pac.org/conferences/grassroots/registration for registration information. Note: we are not a member of the Public Affairs Council and will have to pay the non-member registration fee if attending.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

eligibility question

2008-12-15T12:54:00.000-08:00

I received an email today regarding the eligibility of Lebanon and Grenada veterans. apparently there are some confusions... here is my reply, with some research, i think will benefit you in case you are being asked the same questions...

Here is the original message:

"Maybe I am looking in the wrong areas but when I look for eligibility for the Grenada area, it either don't show up or I see a statement such as "Congress has not enacted legislation that would make the periods covering the 1983-1984 Lebanon crisis or the invasions of Grenada and Panama wartime service.92". Can you link me to something or send me a congress act which declares this as a wartime? I guess I am one of them stubborn ones that just have to see it in writing somewhere. You attention to this is appreciated. ....And "Merry Christmas" to You and all your Staff!"

In effect, Lebanon and Grenada are not Congressionally declared wars. Since the Constitution of the United States divides the war powers of the federal government between the Executive and Legislative branches: the President is the Commander in Chief of the armed forces (Article II, section 2), while Congress has the power to make declarations of war, and to raise and support the armed forces (Article I, section 8). Over time, questions arose as to the extent of the President's authority to deploy U.S. armed forces into hostile situations abroad without a declaration of war or some other form of Congressional approval. Congress passed the War Powers Resolution of 1973 in the aftermath of the Vietnam War to address these concerns and provide a set of procedures for both the President and Congress to follow in situations where the introduction of U.S. forces abroad could lead to their involvement in armed conflict.

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 is a United States federal law providing that the President can send U.S. armed forces into action abroad only by authorization of Congress or if the United States is already under attack or serious threat. The War Powers Resolution requires that the president notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action and forbids armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days without an authorization of the use of military force or a declaration of war.

After Republican President Ronald W. Reagan dispatched U.S. Marines to Lebanon in 1982, he reported to Congress, along the lines mandated in the War Powers Act. With a Republican majority in the Senate but a substantial Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, Reagan's military initiative encountered considerable opposition in Congress, resulting in persistent challenges to the deployment of troops in Beirut. The congressional challenges, motivated primarily by narrowly partisan political considerations, weakened and undermined the Reagan Presidency's negotiating position with Syria and with the various warring political factions in Lebanon, thereby making the situation in which the Marines were involved a whole lot more dangerous than it would been in the absence of congressional challenges.

In late 1983, however, congressional leaders worked out a compromise authorizing the President to keep the Marines in Lebanon for a period of eighteen months. Approved by the two houses of Congress, the compromise was sent to the President for his signature.

In other military actions initiated by President Reagan, he proceeded without invoking the War Powers Act and, in general, acted as if his military initiatives did not require congressional authorization in advance. A notable example was the U.S. invasion of Grenada on October 25, 1983. Seeing a serious threat to American national interests in the southern Caribbean region, Regan had the National Security Council and Joint Chiefs of Staff draw up a plan for the U.S. military operation in Grenada, explained the situation to Democratic House Speaker Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill, and informed him of the presidential decision that had already been made, as regards what was to be done about the situation. Speaker O'Neill, top leader of the overwhelming Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, indicated that, if the Grenada mission turned sour, Congress would not accept responsibility for the fiasco, that responsibility for the disaster (and its attendant political costs) would be borne either by the President alone or by the President and the Republican Party. Accepting responsibility for the operation, Reagan sent U.S. military forces to Grenada, effecting liberation of the small island nation from the Marxist-Leninist (Communist), pro-Cuban dictatorship that had been established through a coup d'etat.

Shortly after the American invasion of Grenada had begun, all resistance was overcome, since the greater part of the Grenadan population welcomed the invading forces as liberators. A rapid sequence of events ensued: U.S. citizens were safely evacuated from the island, the Cuban agents and so called "construction workers" (in reality, heavily armed and well trained paramilitary personnel) were expelled, the despotic Marxist- Leninist regime was overthrown, and a political coalition committed to democratic elections and more favorably disposed toward American interests was allowed to assume governing authority. Faced with a fait accompli, the U.S. Congress, after the fact, applied the War Powers Act, declining to grant an extension to the 60-day time limit and, in effect, requiring U.S. military forces to be removed from Grenada no later than December 25, 1983. However, the U.S. troops did not leave Grenada until June, 1985.

Therefore, the mechanism was there to enact the War Powers Resolution to justify Lebanon and Grenada, President Regan, however, did not fulfill his executive duties in compliance with Congress to resolve the conflict.

The Department of VA at this time does not recognize Servicemembers of this conflict to be eligible for wartime benefits. Therefore, The American Legion in support of our fellow veterans and recognizing their sacrifices, at the 19th Convention, passed a resolution to recognize operations in these countries. Please visit http://www.legion.org/documents/resolutions/08n124.pdf for review of this resolution.

To conclude, please keep in mind that The American Legion, although federally chartered, is a grassroots organization guided by the collective wisdoms of our membership. While our dates of eligibility reflects Congressionally declared period of war, it is not strictly bounded by congressional actions. Our eligibility dates are solely determined by our membership, amended at times to reflect the need for service to our fellow veterans. Under these conditions, The American Legion has seen fit to expand our eligibility dates to those veterans thereby ensuring their protection under civil engagements.

SURVEY

2008-12-09T06:14:00.001-08:00

If you have a second, please take this survey... it's a communication audit conducted by the national headuqarters...

thank you

CLICK HERE

Major Themes from the NALC Survey

2008-12-01T07:14:00.000-08:00

What do you tell others when they ask you about your membership in The American Legion?
I am a member of “largest and best” organization for U.S. veterans of war time
I describe the many programs and interactions with the community
I am a part of an organizations for veterans, that helps other veterans and builds relationships with veterans

What do you value most about your membership in The American Legion?
Making a difference in the lives of veterans
Building comradeship with other members
Helping the community through Legion programs

What led you to join The American Legion in the first place?
Someone asked me to join
Sought a sense of fellowship and belonging
Family history
Wanted to give back to the veterans and community

Based upon your own experiences, what do members at the local, post level think or say about The American Legion?
They worry about the increasing age of membership, remember the “good old days”
They hold the organization in high regard
They value the contributions they make to the community and the support they provide for one another
They want more interaction and direction from the top

Based upon your own observations, what do others in the local community – non-members – think or say about The American Legion?
·The people who know about the Legion and its programs love it and appreciate all that they do
·The people who don’t know about the Legion believe it is a place for “old guys to drink”
·Many people don’t know the American Legion exists

Thinking of The American Legion’s vision for a strong America:
● Strong National Security
● Taking Care of Veterans
● Mentoring Youth
● Promoting Patriotism and Honor

How would you synthesize these four pillars of service into a single, simple paragraphthat explains the Legion’s reason for being? Assume you were writing this for a family member or friend to explain why you are a member of The American Legion.
·Several members described the American Legion as a family who supports each other and supports the four pillars.
·Several members mentioned the American Legion as a continued commitment and service to their country.
·Many members also listed their actions and activities which help fellow veterans, the youth, the community and the country.

Considering the future, what do you think are The American Legion’s three greatest opportunities for growth and recognition at the national level? At the local, post level?

Note: The major opportunities for national and local were often the same.
·Creating cyber posts
·Increasing advertising and public relations
·Increasing membership and membership involvement
·Reaching out to Vietnam veterans

If you have any additional questions please feel free to ask.

VetCam

2008-11-17T10:56:00.001-08:00

The American Legion launches VetCam, a free one-on-one video conferencing – to enable you to talk face-to-face with friends and family across town or overseas; one-on-one; or with several people at a time.
Members of The American Legion, as well as members of the United States Armed Forces (active duty, Reserve and National Guard), their families and friends, are welcome to use this complimentary technology to remain connected with those people most important to you.
Visit http://vetcam.ncbintl.com/ for more information.

2008 Legion College Grads

2008-11-14T09:14:00.001-08:00

Here is a link to Legion TV with video recordings of our most recent grads and their thoughts...

http://www.legion.org/whatsnew/legiontv

Do you really think debates make a difference now?

2008-10-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

Statistics are showing that debates don't make much of a difference at this stage of the game. Everyone has picked their candidates and are ready to defend them, right or wrong.

Are we so apathetic that we really allow the media to sway us in our beliefs? What's happened to us? No more porches, no more getting to know your neighbors, no more time to enjoy the good things in life. Taking a walk, laughing with friends, listening to your kids. I guess I'm getting old!!!

"Best of the Best"

2008-09-15T06:48:00.000-07:00

As you think back over your Legion College experience, is their a particular moment that stands out? What class or event has been your personal favorite to participate in?

Web page for Legion College Alumni

2008-09-05T18:48:00.002-07:00

I am looking for input on developing a web site for the NALCAA. I have the web master but need your ideas on what should be on our site.

Keith Kerbaugh
President NALCAA
Class of 2006

Web page for Legion College Alumni\

2008-09-05T18:48:00.001-07:00

In Memory of William John Cowie, November 23, 1963 - August 26, 2008

2008-08-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

WILLIAM JOHN “WILL” COWIE, 44, of Stark, NH died unexpectedly Tuesday, August 26, 2008 after an electrocution accident at work in Wilmington, New York.
Born November 23, 1963 in Saugus, Mass a son of Edward F. and Elaine M. (Mattos) Cowie; he was a resident of Stark since 2000 coming from Carlyle, Mass.
Will graduated in 1981 from Burlington High School in Burlington, Mass. During High school he was a member of the All State and District Chorus and played the lead roll in “Guys and Dolls. After high school he joined the U.S. Air Force and proudly served his country with the 819th Red Horse Squadron from 1983-1987 and then again from 2002-2005 in the with the National Guard and the Maine Air National Guard 265th CBCS/ACC.
In 1995 he attended college and obtained his certification in small scale farm management, animal breeding and horse sciences then in 1997he received his Level II Municipal Waste Water Treatment Operators Certificate. From 1988 until 2007 he owned and operated Red Horse Construction Company and he was employed at the Graymist Farm in Groveton for a few years.
Will was currently employed by Transformers Service Inc. in Concord, NH.
Through out the years he was very active with the American Legion in both Groveton and Colebrook, he was past Commander, District 8; Past Adjutant Post #17; Chairman Leadership Committee; 2006 graduate National American Legion College.
Will was Treasurer for the Coos County UNHCE (County and State Advisory Council Rep.); North Country Council Economic Development/Trans/Plan Rep for Stark; Coos Economic Development Corp.; State OMK Committee with the NH 4-H, Guard Bureau; Past Stark Planning Board member; and past member of the Stark Volunteer Fire Department.
His hobbies included raising Siberian Huskies and amateur sled dog racing; recreational hiking and biking; and local politics. Will is on the State of New Hampshire September 9, 2008 ballot for State Representative. He was a member of the Yankee Siberian Husky Club and the Patriot Siberian Husky Rescue League.
Will was a true patriot and had many friends and was loved by all, he will be greatly missed and will never be forgotten for his sense of humor, integrity, leadership, and commitment to civic duty.
Will is survived by his wife of 18 years Margaret(Mize) Cowie of Stark; his mother Elaine Cowie of Billerica, Mass.; grandmother Marie Masci or Arlington, Mass.; his “Kids” Sasha; Isabella and Duke; sister Maria Reddington of Arlington, Mass.; brother Michael Cowie of Lynne, Mass. and sister Susan Cowie of Florida; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father Edward Cowie in 1989 and his “son” Ivan.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 from 6-9 pm at the Armstrong-Charron Funeral Home in Groveton. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at 11:00 am the St. Francis Xavier Church in Groveton, with Fr. Daniel Deveau, pastor officiating. Inurnment of cremains will be at a later date in the Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Will’s name to either the Patriot Siberian Husky Rescue League; at www.pshr.org.; or to the 4-H Foundation of NH-memorial William J. Cowie; Moiles House; 180 Main Street; Durham, NH 03824.

Sad News Concerning a fellow graduate...

2008-08-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of a fellow NALC Graduate. William "Willy" Cowie (Class of 2006, Department of NH) passed away as a result of a tragic and unexpected accident the morning of August 26th. You can view the obituary and sign a guest book at the following website: www.armstrongcharronfuneralhome.com

I apologize if I have erred in posting this information on this blog. I felt that word needed to get out to all NALC Alumni.

Wayne Beauregard
Class of 2002
Dept. of NH

Welcome new bloggers

2008-08-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

Good morning Legion College Graduates, I want to welcome the new bloggers this morning. Ms. Katrina Bentley from Idaho. I hope she will share with us her experiences and her adventures.

There is another feature i want all our official bloggers to try. You can set up your cell phone with this blogger account and this feature will allow you to take pictures on the go to send it directly to the blog... this is a exciting way to share with our readers the many places you visited on your Legion travels.

If you are interested on how to use this, please feel free to ask me...

jin

The American Legion Online Updates

2008-06-25T05:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Legion College Grads...

I am sure if you are keeping up with the Legion current action plans, you have seen the new Legion Online Updates. Well, we just launched The American Legion Online Updates and Discussions blog. The Address is at http://americanlegiononline.blogspot.com

Come and visit. Share your thoughts on the topics you seen. Talk with our editors and let the other legionnaires know your opinion...

Let's make it fun...

My Real Life Tour, Michael Peterson

2008-02-19T06:51:00.000-08:00

The Michael Peterson "My Real Life Tour" is now in Knoxville TN and will visit nine more cities. I spent yesterday with the tour...I witnessed a press conference and several radio/television interviews as well as a performance at the UT Medical Center. I encourage you to visit www.myreallifetour.com for tour dates and updates. I also want to thank
TN Post 2 and their commander, NALC 2007 classmate Marty Everett for their Herculean efforts to put the show on as well as the week-long events.

Dean

Dave Elmore

2008-01-07T06:28:00.000-08:00

I talked to Dave over the phone on Friday... he's doing well except all of the hurry up and wait army stuff... His new address is

MSG David Elmore
Task Force 113
845 Hase Rd Ste. 102
Ft. Stewart GA 31314

His address will change once he deploys, but this address is good until the end of FEB

2008-01-05T09:24:00.000-08:00

This, of course, is a great idea and I'll be on boaard with the project. Dave may take the "I'm all set" approach, so his needs may extend to the troups he comes into contact with. Steve Silvestri, Mass.

Dave

2008-01-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

Count me in!!! I will send as much as I can to Dave. If someone can post his address and his needs I will try to get anything he wants and send it to him.

Chris "Group 3's Computer Geek" Sandoval
Oregon

2008-01-04T06:15:00.000-08:00

Why don't we as NALC Marty Conatser Class of 2007 adopt Dave Elsmore during his tour in Iraq. We could send him care packages, etc. We would need a contact at National to see what he needs are as his tour progresses. The contact could post the items needed on this blog. We would each claim part of what he needs (you could list what items your taking care of in the comments section of the blog) and send it to Dave individually. The contact would have to provide us with Dave's address. This would make a great class project. Dave did a great job for us at NALC and this is a way to say thanks for that, but also for his service!

Dave from NH

Happy New Year

2008-01-03T06:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!!! With the coming of 2008, Dave Elmore is headed to Iraq, Bill and I are bubble wrapping all of Dave's stuff in his office... and the Lergion College DVD is finally out!!! You will receive the DVDs in the next few weeks or so...

jin

2007-12-24T04:36:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Dave from NH

Class photo

2007-12-04T14:12:00.000-08:00

Here is the class photo that was taken with my camera.

Chris Sandoval

I have been busy,but I am loving !

2007-12-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! I have been so very busy since I been back in West Virginia. With the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday there has been great needs with the Troops and Veterans families needing food and utility bills paid. My Post and I have assisted these families and it felt really great doing it.

I am no longer the Historian for my post ,but now I am the new Children and Youth Officer. Sine I been back I have worked on a news letter for the Post and I have gotten numerous of businesses in the community to become sponsors. Through the contributions of these sponsors I have raised over $700.00 so far. These funds will help with the mailing and printing. A donor who wants to remain anonymous printed over 400 copies of the newsletter for me for free. I hoping that the Newsletter will encourage the members of our Post that don't attend to start coming out to meeting and functions.

I am attempting to attached a copy of the newsletter to this post and if can't get please let me know.

I still haven't forgot about the H2H program I will be starting it in January.

Please have a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year

Lisa Groves -Group 2

Legacy Run Rides Again!

2007-11-30T05:23:00.000-08:00

I always try to give the Legion College community a chance to get breaking news a few hours before anyone else. Yesterday, the route plan for the 2008 motorcycle run to Phoenix, called The American Legion Legacy Run, was announced.

The dates are firm but the stops and events are under discussion with the Departments and Posts along the way.

August 16--Gather and register in Indianapolis
August 17--Departure, early Sunday morning for Fort Leonard Wood area, MO.
August 18--Departure early for Oklahoma City/Yukon, OK
August 19--Departure early for Tucumcari, NM
August 20--Departure early for Gallup, NM
August 21--Departure early for Phoenix, AZ

Spread the news! Our goal for the 2008 Run is the highest we've ever attempted at $350,000. And every penny we raise for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund will be placed into the principal of the Fund.

Giving Thanks

2007-11-22T08:34:00.001-08:00

Giving Thanks today for all the service members whose duty keeps them away from home. Our prayers go out to them and their families and to those who are still missing or made the supreme sacrifice. Because of them are we able to take comfort in our sharing with our family and friends. God Bless!

CA Chaplain

2007-11-19T05:41:00.000-08:00

I want to thank all the National staff for all their help during the college. It was a wonderful experience. When I got back home it was back to work and hit the ground running. I am glad to hear of all the wonderful things that my fellow classmates have been doing. I look forward to receiving my box of stuff and moving forward with all the programs. My Department wants me to write up a report on what the College was like. I think that I have found some candidates for next year also.

Anyone who took pictures please send me a CD or a DVD. You can e-mail me at prbandit1@aol.com and I'll send you my address or call me at 831-238-2590.

Paul C. Rodriguez

Coinage

2007-11-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

The coin/pin challenge is a great idea. What happens if a challenge is issued and the challengee is prepared, perhaps the challenger would be responsible for the contribution and they have a beverage together "Dutch treat"? The only drawback I see is the condition our lovely coins will be in after 30 years at the ready. I agree though that it sounds as if we'd all like have a beverage together, bottoms up. Where was the hospitality room? SMS

Challenge Coin

2007-11-18T04:31:00.000-08:00

I think Bill is looking for a free drink!! I totally agree with him and J-Bone on this one. This is another way of showing pride in our organization and pride in our school and it's graduates.
Dave from NH

greetings from detroit,mi

2007-11-17T04:27:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Veterans Day. I know for me it has been non stop from one meeting to the next, this is the first time i have had a chance to sit down and write a blog. I agree with the NALC coin challenge, i would like to also add the pin we received in the challenge. I have two more posts in my district signed on to help with the H2H program and hope everyone is trying to promote the program. Lisa from WV i haven't forgotten about you the DVD i have was scratched and i have to have a company try to clean it up for me and i'll send it out to you and anyone else who wants a copy just email me your info at nujay0425@comcast.net.
Very Respectfully Jeremy Bell aka jbone

Challenge Coins

2007-11-16T22:03:00.000-08:00

NALC Alumni,

The coins we received from the college, let's make them challenge coins.

If we cross paths with any NALC alumni and if an alumnus presents a NALC coin and the other alumnus does not present a NALC Coin for the challenge, the alumnus that did not make the challenge will have to buy the challenger a beverage of the challenger's choice and also make a donation to the American Legion National Emergency Fund, Children and Youth, etc.

Three dollars for the cause? What are your thoughts?

This idea is not just for this year's NALC, but all the alumni past, present and future.

Thanks,

Bill Roy NH
Group #3
NALC 2007

Soldier/Airman Serving in Iraq with a Wife @ Home w/Cancer

2007-11-16T05:12:00.000-08:00

I received the following message from a former college classmate. Currently I'm running down who Gary Hogan may be and the legimacy of the article. In the mean time it doesn't hurt to keep them in our prayers. Three T's in Tennessee.

IT MUST BE TERRIBLY DIFFICULT TO BE IN IRAQ WITH A SICK WIFE AT HOME. Bobby S. Briggs, MSgt, USAF 823 ESFS/SFOC Flight Sergeant BAGHDAD AB, IRAQ Tough times don't last... Tough people do!!!My name is Gary Hogan. Some of you receiving this know me, some do not. My wife, Cindy, is 32 years old and has just been diagnosed 3 days ago with stage 4 cervical cancer and her chances for survival are very slim. She was pregnant with our second child and had miscarried recently at 3 months, and now we know why. This is a request for you to forward this e-mail to every one you know asking for prayer. The more people that pray for her to be healed, the better. Pray and forward. It only takes a second to hit 'forward'.Please do it and don't delete this, your prayer can, and perhaps will, save her life. Please pray and ask everyone you know to pray for the HEALING of Cindy and the removal of all cancer in her body, so she may enjoy all that life has to offer, and to continue to be the wonderful mother to our 5 year old son, Michael. The power of Prayer is unsurpassed. I want the whole world to have her in their prayers the next few weeks. God will hear our cry. Please do not be offended by my plea. This is only a request for your help.Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this and helping with our request for healing! No words can express the power we have when we each do a little to come together. Regards, Cindy's in-love husband - Gary Thank you, and please send it to the far reaches of our world.

Photos

2007-11-14T11:22:00.000-08:00

I have made several copies of the photos I took at the college. Please anyone that wants a copy please e-mail me with your address.
Anyone who gave me there address at the college I am sorry but I left most of them to be mailed to me. So if you want them sooner please e-mail me your info.

I will update this list at they go in the mail

Bill R, Carol K, Marty E, John T and Paul R yours are in the mail.
Second mailing : Matt B, Lisa G and Paul A yours are in the mail today (Dec 1)

remembrence101@msn.com

Chris Sandoval
Group#3

2007-11-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

All,

I hope everyone made it home safe and have uncovered from what you put on hold while you were in Indy.

First off, I wish to thank everyone for taking time out from your busy life to spend a week here. Everyone on staff hopes you had a good time and the instruction you received here was worthwhile. Second, I wish to commend everyone for how they handled everything that was "thrown-at-you." We did some adjusting as the program went along and your inputs made, I believe, the experience better.

I can't wait until next year (I can say that because I know it's a number of months from now!) With your feedback and a few tweaks I believe next years college will be even better. And what about the 2008 class? You are the best recruiters for the NALC. Be on the lookout for those who qualify and let your Department know who they are. It is not too early to be looking for candidates to attend.

The subject line states that "the t-shirt will be on the way." Well not exactly a t-shirt but the CD and a DVD of the course will be sent soon. On the CD will be individual and group photos, the day-by-day schedules, the Resource Guide, all the final presentations, National HQ's phone roster and a roster of everyone who attended the 2006 National American Legion College (plus some other items I can't remember right now). On the DVD will be Nat. Adjutant Bob Spanogle's history of The American Legion talk along with a few choice videos from the class.

Now that you have had a chance to return home and back to the norm, I hope there is still some fire left in you to continue as an asset for your Post, District and Department. Don't forget your class blog that Jin Kong set-up for everyone to use.

Again, thank you for your participation. Please remember that I and all of your National Staff are a resource for your American Legion activities. And don't forget PNC Butch Miller. If you could not tell it when you were here, you will soon know that he will always be very interested in your future in The American Legion.

Again, I wish everyone the best.

Dave Elmore

MBIT

2007-11-12T17:51:00.000-08:00

Did not look at MBIT.

Wanted no preconceptions of anyone in the group and believed that people adapt to different situations. It worked!

Was really burned when my roomate told me my rating! He meant well.
Too much life experience to judge anyone by a book or a ranking. Must have flexbility in life and not be judgemental or again have any preconceptions. Don't believe everything you read. Especially when it comes to psychology.

Bill Roy

Thanks to Ron (Group#3)

2007-11-12T14:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks Ron for giving me the information I needed. I have e-mailed you some photos I hope that you get them. I will be making DVD's for everyone that wants one with all the photos that I took during the college. E-mail me your address and I will send them our next week some time.
remembrence101@msn.com

If you dont want to e-mail me your address then send me a e-mail and I will reply with my phone #. or you can send me your phone # and I will call you on my dime.

Chris Sandoval

Thank you group 3

2007-11-12T13:54:00.000-08:00

Thank you Group #3!

You made this Legionnaire's time at the NALC a week that will never be forgotten. You are the best and brightest individuals that one could ever be associated with.

To Paul, Chris, Ron, Al, Debbie, Carol, Tom and Matt we are truly a band of brothers and sisters. May our paths cross again.

Bill Roy NH

Beantown BULLetin

2007-11-12T11:08:00.000-08:00

Still hoping this is a good way to keep in touch.

Add to your Chritmas card list: A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20307-5001

H2H Program Alert: Sears/K-Mart is having a donation drive for what they call "Heroes to Home". I have researched and found that they partner with an organization called Rebuilding Together that distributes the building materials to adapt homes for the quilified returning servicemembers. I contacted "rebuildingtogether.org" to get details on the program and how we can work it into our H2H program (attn: J-Bone in Detroit). They sent me to the local affiliate - "rebuildingtogetherboston.org" with a physical address at 40 Adams St., Milton, MA 02186 (tele 617-296-0058). I'll keep you updated on my progress working this connection. This is something we can all start working on now in our particular areas of service. "Sears.com" also has a Veterans' Employment program that includes spouses of deployed soldiers. Follow the links and see if they can work for you. Stay in touch.

Beantown BULLitin

2007-11-10T09:53:00.000-08:00

Glad to see everyones making it home safely!?! Back to work and it seems like everything we crammed into our heads keeps oozing out my mouth, a quizical look is followed by more ooze then a look of understanding and I've got them. A "Cyber" Post???

Lisa, thanks for forwarding the Military Fathers video. I've forwarded to many, and like the stewardess in the business center, the tears could fill a bucket.

Well, let me go spread some more fertilizer.

Happy Veterans Day to ALL. Keep in touch with steve@goodtimeemporium.com.

Dave E. - We know you're watching! I didn't get a chance to say THANKS and so long!! The class was a fantastic and invaluable experience. Thanks again for the opportunity. I'll forward the critique.

Veterans Day 2007

2007-11-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

Time to get ready for Veterans Day. Let's get out there and show our veterans what the American Legion is all about. First and foremost "Service to our Veterans".
Dave

John's Thoughts 11-10-2007)

2007-11-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

First let me thank everyone for a wonderful week of learning. The staff at National, our group and our Mentor Mike are some of the greatest people I have ever met. I am home now and my wife asked me if I felt any smarter. At first I did not know how to answer that question. I feel "wiser" with the knowlege that you are never alone. That National is not a monument to The American Legion but a place filled with people that feel their jobs our to help us succeed. I feel "blessed" to have had the opportunity to work with some very special people. I wish everyone a rewarding year and May God Bless Each and Everyone of You! PS: I too will be using this blog on a regular basis.

Finally Home

2007-11-09T17:36:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am finally home.

Had a wonderful time at NALC and would like to thank my group, the staff and the National Commander.

I hope to use and implement the ideas and programs I learned about this week soon. I also would like to thank my department for having the confidence in me to send me to NALC. I look forward to going back to HQ again.

On the way back into Michigan I stopped by our HQ and met with Pat Lafferty our Adjutant and thanked him in person and his staff. Thanks again, yours in servcie!
Ron Runyan Wyandotte, MI 217 www.wyandottelegion217.org and rrunyan@cintimesys.com

No Good Byes; Just So Long

2007-11-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

So long everyone, it was truly a Blessing to meet such a group of GREAT people. I'm very thankful to my Department and the National office for having the confidence in me and allowing me to attend and complete this course. Soooo much knowledge obtained. My Department Commander C. Font constantly refers to the "four pillars" of the American Legion. My plans are to go back to the AL and share my information with others. Be a mentor, as my GREAT mentor Mike, has been to me and Group 1. David, you too has been great this week. Thanks!!

Let's all go back and work the programs of the American Legion and programs bring in MEMBERS!!!! The American Legion "Still Serving America"

I'm PROUD to be a Legionnaire, Auxiliary, Legion Rider.

C u all in Arizona, Aug '08, at the alumni meeting.

Carol from Alabama
NALC 2007
Be Safe!!

Jtnalc

2007-11-09T04:14:00.000-08:00

IT'S FRIDAY.
The week has been enjoyable and every Mentor FANTASTIC.
The best to everyone and look forward to seeing everyone at future events.

A Great Experience

2007-11-09T04:11:00.000-08:00

The Legion College has been a GREAT experience. Not only an experience for learning the many great programs of the American Legion, but the challenge of developing a team from all different parts of the county, and being successful. There were times in the beginning where I had a question of whether we were getting anywhere and would be able to finish our project. But, as time went on, and we began to listen, consider other opinions, and to be able to have an active part, I could see we were starting to "jell" as one unit. All of the presentations seem to come together in content and format, and the presenters did a "super job" in their personal deliver.
This has been a great opportunity and I appreciate the Legion Staff in allowing me to attend.

We're on our way!

2007-11-09T04:08:00.000-08:00

Hey for Graduation!
Today is our last day of the great American Legion learning experience.
Although I felt like I knew most of the programs pretty well before I got here.......now I really feel like a "know it all".
Seriously, with the additional "smarts" I've gained this past week, I feel like a have even a greater knowledge of all the great programs within the American Legion.
Thanks for letting me come........I'll do my utmost to spread the word!
Jeri Strande
Dept. of AZ

2007-11-09T03:53:00.000-08:00

Graduation Day has arrived. Thanks to all in the NALC class of 2007 for a great week. Much was learned and I'm sure much will be expected!
Dave

Joe T's Post

2007-11-09T03:32:00.000-08:00

Hello all:
Well it's graduation day and our time as NALC 2007 is coming to a close. I would like to thank all the staff at National Headquarters and all the staff of NALC 2007 for their time and mentoring. I have enjoyed my time and would definitely encourage others from my Department to attend. I would like to also thank the members of my Group #5 and our Mentor Oscar. Everyone have a safe trip home and be safe.
Thanks to all Joe T.

Graduation Day

2007-11-09T02:51:00.000-08:00

It's our final day; as we depart we'll take with us the tools we've been given, but more importantly the new found friends and relationships that may help us forge our way through upcoming challenges. I appreciate the opportunity...thanks!

YOUR OUT OF ORDER!

2007-11-08T19:51:00.000-08:00

It was a very good working day today. We had a great dinner and got to tour the War Memorial. It was something special to be "Called out of order" by the National commander today in our mock District meeting. Just hope it is the only time!

I think all the ideas and information presented will help me in trying to better my local post, my district and department.

I would like to recend my cheerleading rant from yesterday, IT WAS A VERY LONG DAY!

2007-11-08T19:46:00.001-08:00

Ohhhh, I click the wrong button and all my info disappeared. :-( Don't know if it was sent or deleted. N e wayz, I want everyone to know it has been a pleasure and quite a learning experience. I know we're all going back to our Departments and make a great difference. We're going to share our knowledge and enjoy as we do it (tactfully). If you're in Birmingham, AL (Post 347, Fairfield, AL) or nearby, stop by to say hello. I've blogged but have never revealed my identity, but that's okay. I think my group was the Greatest and my MENTOR was highly ABOVE the GREATEST. The World War Memorial was GREAT; it really took me back (24th Inf Div Mech (who ah).

I wish everyone safe travelling back to their destinations and may God Be With You. If you need any assistance or just another opinion, feel free to contact me. I'm here.

For God and Country,
"C" (Alabama)
NALC 2007

2007-11-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank everyone that had a part in me attending the NALC 2007. I also like to thank each and everyone in Group 2 for being such a great team. I am very excited about starting the H2H program at my post. I know it will be a great success. It is badly needed in the State of West Virginia. I really appreciate and I will apply with I learned in NALC 2007.
I also would like to thank National Commander for taking the time out and having dinner with several of the member of group 2 and I.

If anyone ever need me please email me at usarmyladyvet4u@hotmail.com or you can call me (304) 421-8745. Please also feel free to check out my myspace web page http://www.myspace.com/usarmyladyvet4u.

God Bless You All!

Lisa Groves-St. Albans American Legion Post 73

Please remember our Veterans,Troops,and families.

j-bone

2007-11-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

I can't stress how much i enjoyed my experience at the 2007 NALC. It has been both infortmative and reassuring that we can come to with all our different opinions and ways we do our posts and work together with one voice and achieve a common goal. Hopefully the friendships made here will last a life. Also, i promise to keep the NALC 2007 blog going on my end. Hearing different views and ways of being a better legionnaire and running legion programs is invalueable. Thanks to all legionnaires in the college and a special thanks to group 1 and Mike our mentor( keeping us focused ) BZ to all.

Day by day, hour by hour

2007-11-08T13:33:00.001-08:00

Day by day, even hour by hour, I have come to appreciate my NALC2007 experience more and more! I know I keep saying it, but I can't even begin to express the personal appreciation and sense of privilege I have for having opportunity to participate in this experience, and my appreciation for EVERYONE involved with NALC2007 and National. "Above and beyond" are truly two words that come to mind in my interactions with everyone at National. jill

2007-11-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

We just completed our resolution, final revitalization plan, and had a visit from the National Commander and National Adjutant. Now, as we have a moment to catch our breath, I reflect upon just what a wonderful opportunity NALC2007 has been! To be able to tap into the caliber of knowledge, experience, and passion that has been pooled together in one place this week has been phenomenal....including the National Commander, National Adjutant, the entire National staff, and my NALC2007 peers and comrades, with their diverse experience and perspectives. I feel more prepared to achieve success for TAL....to be more prone to recognize and apply "lessons learned" when encountering difficulty/failure, than letting discouragement cloud my vision......and to more proactively "broadcast" successes and achievements. jill

2007-11-08T07:39:00.000-08:00

This experience has been amazing. The openness and dedication of all I have encountered at National is nothing like I have ever seen in any business or organization. Richard

2007-11-08T05:38:00.001-08:00

Missed my blog yesterday! I didn't want to miss any part of the presentations...I thought the presentations and prelimin strat plans were awesome! I am humbled to be included among such a dynamic class....innovative, passionate, and knowledgeable. WOW! jill

Field trip to Ft Harrison

2007-11-08T05:25:00.000-08:00

.....enjoyed the trip, always helps to put a face with the voice...and makes
huge difference to know an individuals working environment....thought that overall
the groups strat plans were good, but especially noteworthy was the presentation on
shooting sports program...Everett TN

a legion experience....

2007-11-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

This week has been quite an experience. Before I came up here, I thought I was fairly knowledgable on the American Legion. Boy.............was I wrong. I definitely found out what the Legion was all about. All of a sudden, the reason why I am here and why I am serving the Legion became quite clear to me. This is truly an awesome organization and I am truly honored to be serving it in the capacity that I am.

Tour/Meeting

2007-11-08T05:01:00.000-08:00

Had fun visiting Emblem Sales. It is amazing how they process all the information and orders. I feel the group presentations went well. There were some excellent points brought up by all of the groups. I enjoyed all the presentations and the vast information we learned yesterday will be very useful when we all return home.

Bob Cassidy

Thank you all

2007-11-08T04:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was an excellent opportunity to learn from Legionnaires from various perspectives and re-enforce all do. We have recently "re-vitalized" our Post in Idaho....I called home to ask our Adjutant share at the monthly Post meeting last night that we are "right on", in fact, at last night's meeting the Post was voting on updates of the Constitution and Bylaws that hadn't been done for 20+++years. Thanks for sharing all the terrific information. I am leaving tomorrow energized and proud to be part of the American Legion and the know all of you. Katrina, Group 1

2007-11-08T04:25:00.000-08:00

It's Thursday. The weather has decided to warm up. Looking forward to getting strategic plan completed, having the District meeting, dinner together, then onward to packing everything up for tomorrow's departure home.
Have had a great time, especially meeting new folks.

2007-11-08T04:21:00.000-08:00

Thursday and I'm very tired. Don't sleep well in hotels. I guess the lack of sleep, inadequate food and extra work is part of the program of stressing us out. It worked, but isn't very realistic. Most of us will not have to do a presentation with only one to three days preperation. But so far has been a very productive program. I have learned lots and have lots of tools to take home to our Dept., District and Post. Thanks for the help.

It's an experience!

2007-11-08T04:14:00.000-08:00

At first our group had a little adjustment to do with each other, by day 2 we had "gelled". We have worked together well. Everyone has contributed and there is a bond towards the common goal. Keep in mind that it is all a "work in progress" and is being accomplished.

"Job Well Done" Group 3!

Once we refine, tweak and complete our STRAT Plan we'll all be content.

Best O' luck. Al C

Group 1

2007-11-08T04:13:00.000-08:00

Everything is going very well. I really appreciate my fellow Legionnaires in Group 1 and all the work we did together as a TEAM!! Thank you all.
Dave

FRIENDLY SUGGESTION FOR NALC 2008

2007-11-08T03:51:00.000-08:00

WHEREAS... ;-)

I submit that either of the following would be beneficial for the class of 2008:

1) Allowing access to the building after hours;

2) Renting suites for Mentors with the understanding that the extra room will be made available for group work;

3) Arranging conference rooms for each of the five groups.

Please be advised that only ONE of the business center computers will print PowerPt. presentations; this makes it difficult for groups to review and print presentations.

Best regards,
Clif

Thank God for Legionaires

2007-11-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

I truly loved meeting all of the Legionaries in the NALC 2oo7. I had a very rewarding experience learning more about The American Legion structure and purpose. I am looking forward to sharing this information with my Post and other Posts that are in my State. I learned a lot at the field trip today. It was very resourceful information to learn.

Lisa G.

Thanks

2007-11-07T18:35:00.002-08:00

Another day at the Legion College and it has been all it was promised to be, fast paced and intense. We still have a couple of days to go and the relationships that are developing will be something I will be carring for the rest of my Legion career. The hospitality of the staff at the Headquarters has been fantastic. Thank you all for allowing me the experience. To my classmates I also give thanks, the opportunity to meet and work with such a great many quality people from across the Legion has been invaluable. I really think that we are going to have to have one of our computer wizzards set up a chat room so we can all stay in touch. We have many plans to formulate for the future, perhaps we can start planning on a reunion at the National Convention in Phoenix. Thank to allow me to share in this experience. Steve S.

2007-11-07T18:35:00.001-08:00

j-bone

2007-11-07T14:59:00.000-08:00

BZ group 1 in the presenations today one and all. Carol u did an outstanding job! i want to thank all the NALC comrades for hugs and support after my presentation. Us as legionnaires are passionate about what we do and i am surely the same way!

good job on the presentaztion group 1

2007-11-07T14:38:00.001-08:00

presentations went very well today. I was extremely of the job that my fellow group memebers did in presenting. I also felt that we received very constructive feedback from the instructors and Commander Conatser......though I'm sure there's at least one person in another group that doesnt feel the same way.

jt3

2007-11-07T14:38:00.000-08:00

Has been an interesting session. One of the presenters deviate form the outline in the book. It has been very enjoyable visiting with the "hard chargers" from the different state. The associations and information exchanged will benefit us in the future. The staffs dedication is to be commended.

Great Tour

2007-11-07T13:53:00.000-08:00

Had an eye opening tour today that makes me appreciate more the whole membership process. Better understanding of why Department sets deadlines for info. All the folks we met had positive attitudes about their work place. No negative comments heard. Definitely a wonderful place to work.

Post presentations

2007-11-07T13:50:00.000-08:00

Found this morning to be fairly interesting. In my understanding, the purpose of these evaluations on our "Post revitalization project" was to educate us on how to do this properly before we end up in the field doing it wrong! Even more intersting, is how the instructions were presented early on, but people do not follow them to the letter. You had the 20 minutes to present your case. Period! This is not the highway were you can bend the speed limit to suit yourself and then try to talk yourself out of the ticket. Follow your timelines and instructions, you wont go wrong. Taking the time to prepare and anticipate the questions that may arise takes experience. Accept the critisizm with a grain of salt. they are here to mentor us, not baby us. Also, if you were evaluated and were unhappy with the way the evaluation went, Adapt and Overcome! Do not take this personal, it is to educate, not attack. So in my opinion, National Commander Conatser's comments to the one group who were obviously offended by his direct behaviour, he is right. There is a prime example of how your delivery of the message can be taken one way, when it was meant to come out the other. In my personnal experience, it has taken a lot of crash and burning for me to understand that myself. Now, a little advice... When you go back home, or if you happen to be on any type of a strike team that this exercise is preparing you for or in any other situation, remember this: You are representing two family names. Your own, and mine...The American Legion. Take that as you will, but remember, 100 "at a boys" will never outnumber one "ohh shoot". -A. Reid Group 2.

Getting tired!

2007-11-07T13:40:00.001-08:00

I am just that! I had a great day today with the presentations and the trip to Embelem Sales. I am ready to go home!

I TOTALLY DISAGREE with the remarks by the 3 national offices which had comments on our Post enhancement plan. The plan was to show a district that is auditing a post, which gives problems to the post. If that isn't what we were to do or even in real life, then nothing would ever get done. Furthermore, I am not a cheerleader! This progrsam is not just to promote a clan full of program pushers I am hoping! We have to remember that The American Legion isnt just programs, it is for the fellowship of other veterans.

2007-11-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

I felt that Commander Consater was inapproperiate this morning with his evaluations. He came across as negative and harsh. What happened to the positive attitude we are to project?

One day closer

2007-11-07T04:18:00.000-08:00

It's a cold morning........but gonna warm up with the presentations today and a trip to Ft Ben...
Jeri Strande
Member of group 4

Here we go!

2007-11-07T04:06:00.000-08:00

Presentations today will measure a lot - be intetresting to see who is "incapicatated" and who will "deliver the mail" so to speak. Most all are capable and can do the job - will be interesting to have this behind us and listen to comments. Appreciate the effort everyone! HP

The Value of Mebership

2007-11-07T03:49:00.000-08:00

Legion Legacy Scholarship,
Values,
Commitment
Travel benefits,
Espirit de Corps....

Best regards,
Clif

a learning experience

2007-11-07T03:46:00.000-08:00

As a group, I would definitely have to say we have definitely come together quite well. Since I have been here I have learned as much in class from the instructors as I have from my fellow students and mentor.

Group 2

2007-11-07T03:02:00.000-08:00

We continue to learn more and more each day to include a new spin on the very old, but the popular game of Bingo. However, I understand it may not be a good idea to have a violinist around. I also heard an idea that may help us update our post home. Again, we're learning while having fun at the same time. Dean

Challenging but Fun

2007-11-06T21:54:00.000-08:00

Tommorrow's project is finally complete & ready to roll - it was a challange but great working with team 3. Great job everyone!!

Group #3 Wrap-up

2007-11-06T21:49:00.000-08:00

Well it is 12:50am and I am now getting back to the room. We have put a lot of effort into this project as a team, and I think it will astound and amaze all who see it. I also think you will have to agree we put forth a valiant effort! Great job to my team mates! Thanks for putting up with my ENTJ profile for the last 3 days, yours in teamwork..... Ron.

2007-11-06T21:45:00.000-08:00

Today was a good day. I am very happy about the team work that we have in our group and the Mentor is great too. Mr. Harry from the our group show me how to do a power point presentation. I have more confidence in myself and I am networking with new friends.

I also love the video about how The American Legion assisted a family in need. I tried not to cry ,but I did. I was once in the same situation and the The American Legion assisted me too.

I am glad to be Legionnaire.

Lisa Groves ,West Virginia

jeremy

2007-11-06T16:28:00.000-08:00

i believe that group #1 is ready and willing to step up to the plate for our presenations tomorrow. BZ to the group for coming together as one. jbone

Tensions Were Mounting!

2007-11-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

It was early in the day and tensions were mounting in our group. Tensions on the vast knowledge on The American Legion programs and views in which to present our information. The issues were resolved without incident and the only ones that need to look out are the other groups.

The information we have is sure to help current and future members!

For future Legion College participants, Good luck!

John's Thoughts (3)

2007-11-06T15:08:00.000-08:00

Today was a good day. The group has worked well together. Our presentations are ready. We have picked the right people to be the presenters. Looking forward to the field trip tomorrow afternoon.

Progress! HP

2007-11-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

Have enjoyed watching the development of projects and the cooperative efforts of all. A sense of comraderie and of accomplishment is evolving. I particularly observed and appreciated the efforts to do things better than "just enough to get by" - rather, a dedication to doing thing as well as possible within the time and information constraints we are under. I wish I had this spirit, dedication and effort at my home Post and Department!

2007-11-06T13:37:00.000-08:00

OK day visit to the VA yesterday. Neat tour of supply and san. Our group is progressing well with our projects. The truth will be known on Wednesdays presentations. Good luck to all!
AL C.

On Track

2007-11-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

It is great to see a team that had to shift gears a couple of time to be able to regroup and to carry on with the objective still in mind and in agreement. Working toward consensus has been the means of achieving the team's goals and coming to an agreed upon conclusion.

Milt Smith

2007-11-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

Day 3 and everything is still going well. No time for sleepiness in class/lectures; lots of informative information and lots of group discussion. I think we are really on our way.

Group 4 Steve S

2007-11-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

The work is going fast and furious. An old timer once told me to give him ten active members and he could activate a phenominal post, well we have the ten members here. Good luck to the other groups 4 is #1. Thanks to all.

Challenging Of The Minds

2007-11-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

This is a very challenging course designed to bring out and find the best potential in you. I am learning alot

Mike Wells

These are times that try men souls......................

2007-11-06T08:50:00.000-08:00

No words could ever be true. In an ever changing world with so many challenges, it never ceases to amaze me how we can stay so far behind trying, I did say trying to move forward. Today, I really, really realize just how great the freedom cost can be. I asked a team member about how the Citizenship Program went. I wasn't surpised at all to learn that it was an emotional time and a very special day to become an American. I thank God each day for the strength and health to be here at college. I long to see the reality of be free, not looked over, not ignored just the respect that comes being a veteran and Legionnaire in this outside war at home. It didn't seem to matter much under fire, where it really mattered how well you were able to fire your weapon and hit the right target, which then, was the enemy.

Pat Harris