T0 : Legionnaires of North Carolina
FROM : Michael A. Reott, Sr, DDS, PA, LTC(ret
2005-2005 NC PDC

Date : 15 AUGUST 2008

One and All,

Please read this entire memo with an open mind.

This year National has put the DMS program on the back burner for 12 months. What that means is that there will be NO 2009 DMS Membership to transfer to Local Posts this year. Over the past three years The Department of North Caroling has received over 18,500 new members through the program, that averages to over 6150 each year…6150 that will not be available this year.

With this in mind, your Department Membership Committee - with the approval of Commander Mayhew - put together a program to assist all Local Posts in processing the 2008 Members in HQ Post 1981 out of HQ Post and to the Local Posts. This program is to help the Local Posts to recruit membership into their Posts to offset the loss of the 2009 DMS that will not be available.

The initial work on the program was started shortly after June Convention by Rora Kellis and Department HQ Staff with the program being presented at Legion College to the DEC during the DEC meeting and again at Rora’s Class on Membership. At that time those District Commanders that wished to participate and help the Posts in their Districts were asked to sign on and agree to act as the Point of Contact (POC) for the HQ Post Membership in their respective Districts. If an HQ member did not want to transfer they were informed in the mailing to contact the District Commander as the POC and request not to be transferred. They could also request a specific Local Post if they so desired.

The Department then did a mailing to over 5189 Members in HQ Post 1981 (based on their Zip Codes) requesting their permission to be transferred out of HQ and into a local Post. The deadline to reply was to be 15 August 2008. In the mean time the District Commanders were also asked to get out to their Posts and get with the Post Commander, or Post Adjutant, or other Post Officer responsible for Membership and to get the Posts to sign on to accept the transferees once the deadline date was reached.

If your Post has not been approached to participate please contact your District Commander to volunteer. Please understand that if you transfer these HQ members into your Home Post before they renew their membership then: YOUR POST WILL GET TO COUNT THEM THIS YEAR TOWARDS YOUR POST MEMBERSHIP GOALS FOR 2009. See the attachment below to see just how many transferees are available in your area.

Let us be open to new ideas and work together to be sure that Commander Mayhew will have an outstanding year and finish the Membership year at or above 100% and challenge all the other Departments in the race for 1st Place. Your Membership Committee is working on some other new ideas and programs for later in the Membership year so as to give you the tools needed to make this year a success.

If further information is needed on this program, please contact Rora Kellis (rmkellis@earthlink.net) or James Ervin (Membership Chairman at ervinmanor@suddenlink.net) or Michael Reott, (Membership Vice-Chairman at drreott@vnet.net).

Michael A. Reott Sr, DDS, PA, LTC (ret)
NC PDC 2004-2005

DMS members by Division/District

T0 : Legionnaires of North Carolina
FROM : Michael A. Reott, Sr, DDS, PA, LTC(ret
2005-2005 NC PDC

Date : 02 April 2008

Legionnaires,

On March 28th and 29th The American Legion Department of North Carolina hosted an informational booth at The North Carolina National Guard Association’s Convention in Wilmington NC. One of the hot topics of the weekend was Senate Bill S.22, “Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act”. In effect this is a rewrite of The GI Bill and is being accomplished with input and effort by The American Legion. Below is a bit of history and a brief description about the GI Bill and need for the rewrite:

THE GI BILL

On December 15, 1943, a committee of prominent Legionnaires convened a meeting at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC to develop a plan to correct the problems facing recently discharged veterans. Thirty-four Departments of The American Legion provided reports describing the poor treatment being received by returning service members. This committee of Legionnaires determined that a strong piece of legislation encompassing all the needs of veterans should be introduced in Congress.

When the meeting ended, committee member and attorney Harry W. Colmery of Kansas walked to Suite 570 of the Mayflower Hotel carrying notes from the meeting and resolutions from The American Legion National Convention and the Fall National Executive Committee meeting. Writing in longhand on hotel stationary, he penned the first draft of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 – The “GI Bill”.

Senator Bennett C. Clark, one of the founders of The American Legion, introduced the bill in Congress on January 10, 1944 and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed it into law on June 22, 1944.

Now, more than 60 years later, The American Legion continues to advocate for an effective GI Bill for America’s veterans. Educational costs continue to increase and the needs of America’s veterans continue to change and more National Guard and Reserve troops are serving longer and more frequently in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).

By working together, we as a nation can ensure that those brave men and women who wear the uniform of this country in defense of our freedoms receive an adequate GI Bill for the 21st Century. S.22 addresses several of the inadequacies and areas of discrimination that currently result in National Guard and Reservists being denied Educational Benefits regardless of how many years of active duty they are called up for or how many times they are called up. Under the current GI Bill, these brave Veterans receive NOTHING, ZILTCH, NADA, ZIP, ZERO in the way of Educational Benefits if their active duty occurred because of being called up from the Guard and/or Reserves to fight in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). This needs to be corrected.

The first attachment above contain a comprehensive overview of The American Legion’s recommendations for strengthening the GI Bill, it was put out by The American Legion National Commander 01Mar08. The second attachment is a two page fact sheet prepared by National HQ of The American Legion. The third attachment is a petition of support for S.22.

Please take the time to read and understand this important piece of Legislation, a rewrite of The GI Bill with The American Legion once again taking a lead position. If you have any questions contact the NC Legislative Commission or email me at: drreott@vnet.net and I will try to answer your questions or refer you to someone who can.

New S. 22 White Paper
Fact Sheet
Petition of Support for S.22

Michael Reott, Sr
For God and Country,

2004-2005 PDC

TO : LEGIONNAIRES OF NORTH CAROLINA
FROM: MICHAEL A. REOTT, SR, DDS, PA, LTC (ret)

RE : RONALD MCDONALD PULL TABS

Legionnaires, back in August I wrote a memo (memo is available below) all about the start of The Ronald McDonald Pull Tab program and its 10th Year Anniversary this as of 01November2007. Along with the history of the program I asked all to pitch in and try to help Noreen Strong and The Ronald McDonald House reach a dream goal of $20,000.00 collected in pull-tabs this year.

Today, I received an email from Noreen Strong, Executive Director and we have reached the dream. Her email follows:

Mike,

I am so pleased to report that the total to date for 2007 has surpassed our goal! We are at $20,043.45 as of today with a van full of tabs to send to the recycle center!

David would like to see $30,000 next year and of course that would be great – but honestly I am absolutely thrilled with this year’s results and am confidant that with our partnership with the American Legion and our new recycle partner – we’ll do just fine! Of course, recycle income does go up and down from time to time as the market demands for aluminum fluctuate – we’ll just deal with that as it comes.

Thanks for all you do,

Noreen

Noreen Strong, Executive Director
Ronald McDonald House of Durham
506 Alexander Avenue
Durham, NC 27705

director@ronaldhousedurham.org
www.ronaldhousedurham.org

Legionnaires as a member of the Children and Youth Commission I know I speak for our Chairman James Ford and all the other members of the Commission, when I thank all who work this outstanding Children and Youth Program over the years and challenge those who have not yet joined us. Just collect the pull-tabs off of beverage containers, place them in a box with your Post’s Name and Number on it and bring them to the Department Convention and Conferences. You can also drop them off at HQ in Raleigh or call your District or Division Commander for help getting them turned in.

Like I said before, what this Department can do, when working together, is unlimited. Let us continue working this program and see…is $30,000.00 possible. We are getting a much better deal per pound with the new recycler so anything is possible, provided we try and we work together.

Have a great Holiday Season.

Michael Reott, Sr
2004-2005 PDC

TO : LEGIONNAIRES OF NORTH CAROLINA

FROM : MICHAEL A. REOTT, SR, DDS, PA, LTC (ret)
2004-2005 PDC

RE : RONALD MCDONALD PULL TABS

Legionnaires, please take the time to read this and the attached email below. Let us try and make Noreen’s dream come true.

Ten years ago, in Greensboro, at the Fall Conference on 01 November 1997, Resolution FY98-9-FC was approved. That Resolution was entitled: “RECYCLING PULL TABS FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THE COSTS OF CATASTROPHIC MEDICAL CARE OF CHILDREN” and is enclosed with this memo. The Resolution went on to be known as The Ronald McDonald Pull Tabs Program.

The stewardship of this program was given to The Children and Youth Commission and over the years it has grown beyond original expectations. What the program can progress and develop into is anyone’s guess. Over the years I have been asked how it started, so here is how it began:

1) It started with a request from a friend (John) whose daughter (Patricia aka “TeTe”) was slowly dying from cystic fibrosis, had to undergo extensive treatments at Duke Hospital. Even though they did not use the program John told me of the Ronald McDonald House but at the time I was not in The American Legion. "Te Te" eventually lost her battle with cystic fibrosis a few years later.
2) In 1993/1994 another patient of mine brought me a Ronald McDonald House Pull tab box and asked me to help collect tabs.
3) I presented the idea to my home Post (Post 240 Maiden, NC). I was encouraged by Past Department Commander John Houser and the senior members of the Post to write a resolution for The American Legion to make it a Legion Children and Youth Program. It was written, voted on, approved and got started.
4) The Children and Youth Commission, our Chairmen, The Public Relations Committee, several Past Department Commanders, Frank Stancil, and many other Legionnaires took the program under their collective wing and aided in its growth.
5) Our current Children and Youth Committee Chairman James Ford and the members of his committee have always worked the program, made it into some fun competition between the Posts and further aided in its growth. The year I was Department Commander was the first year we managed to get Ronald McDonald there for some pictures and fun.
6) A few years ago those of us on The Children and Youth committee were so impressed by the growth at the Department Level we decided to try and take it National. So I wrote another Resolution requesting the Department of North Carolina support the idea and take the program to the National Level of The American Legion. That was accepted by our NC DEC (our governing body), voted on, passed at the Department Level couple of years ago and the request was sent to National.
view pull-tab resolution
7) National approved the program two years ago.

Now that you know where this all started. You know where it has been for the last 10 years, it is now time to set some future goals. Below is a copy of an email I received from Noreen Strong, Executive Director Ronald McDonald House of Durham. For now, let us make our immediate goal to achieve Noreen’s “dream”.
view Noreen's email

To do this, we must encourage all Posts to “load for bear” and bring every last Pull-Tab available from each and every source available to them. If we, as a Department, do as well at Fall Conference as we did at this past June Convention - Noreen’s dream will come true.

What this Department can do, when working together, is unlimited. Let us work together and bring this dream to reality.

For God and Country

Michael A. Reott
2004-2005 PDC
Member Children and Youth Committee

MEMO TO : NORTH CAROLINA LEGIONNAIRES
FROM : MICHAEL A. REOTT SR,
PDC 2004-2005
DATE: 18DEC06

Legionnaires, with Christmas just a week away and New Years less than two weeks down the road I wish to take this time to thank you for what you do for the Veterans and wish you and yours A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years.

As Legionnaires other Veterans look to us for leadership and to find out what is going on, what is “The Big Picture”. So far this year The Legion has seen a dues increase from National which will require an additional $4.50 per member be sent into Headquarters starting in January 2007. This might be a selling point on getting some of the slower renewals, people you know to hurry and renew now.

When the 110th Congress starts, The American Legion will be there working towards updating the GI Bill. You may recall that the original GI Bill of Rights called “The Servicemen Readjustment Act of 1944” was drafted by Legionnaires. In 1984 it was updated and called The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). With changes in manpower and warfare forced upon the military with the War on Terrorism, it is now time to further adjust and update the MGIB. The new proposal is called The Total Force Montgomery GI Bill. Please read the attached explanation and remember, the two earlier GI Bills needed the backing of strong Veterans Organizations….every member counts, every renewal is needed.
View the attached

Also, new for next year is NEC Resolution No.29: Veteran Outreach Program please read the attached copy. The Final Resolve Clause requires: “That The American Legion, initiate, at all levels of the organization, a recruiting campaign targeted at eligible military personnel currently serving on Active Duty, in the Reserve Components and The National Guard”. Over the years most Posts have worked well with the Guard and Reserves since a vast majority of the 30th Army Guard (Old Hickory) and the Air National Guard live near and around us. We will be receiving directives from HQ on this topic, until then I recommend we continue what we have been doing: show up at Military andGuard homecomings, Guard Retiree Breakfasts, Guard Association Functions and Conventions. Be seen working their programs as “Veterans helping Veterans”.
View the attached

Finally, as a Division Membership Chairman, I must ask you to go back and review the “Leave No Legionnaire Behind” sheet, copy attached. The historical National average for Traditional Post Renewals is 90%. If this Department is to succeed: your Post must succeed in maintaining 90% from last year and recruiting 10% or more new members. Please, get your Posts to try again to get that 90% Retention. Then work the DMS Programs for the other 10% and recruit new members from the Guard, Reserves, and Active Duty. Thank you for your effort.
View the attached

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Due to a combination of circumstances I was unable to attend this event. This event was a success; it had the North Carolina National Guard Association and The American Legion (through the Legion Riders, Blue Cap Legionnaires, Posts and Division Commanders) working together for a common goal. Both groups have at the heart of their credo “Veterans helping Veterans”; on Saturday 16September06 we succeeded in doing just that.

Please review the link below; it is a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the North Carolina National Guard Association (NCNGA) and The American Legion Department of North Carolina. Let us look for other ways to work together, other avenues of common ground and common goals. Those defending our way of life deserve our support and have earned the right to be called “Veteran”.

For God and Country,

Michael A. Reott, Sr, DDS, PA, NCNG, Ltc (ret).
Past Department Commander 2004-2005

Memorandum of Understanding for North Carolina National Guard Association and The American Legion

American Legion members attend NC Guard Association benefit
16 September 2006

Henderson, North Carolina -- This past weekend, The North Carolina National Guard Association (NCNGA) sponsored a concert featuring The Charlie Daniels Band; to benefit the Soldiers & Airmen's Assistance Fund. The event was a huge success, which took place in Henderson, NC. Amoung those present were members of various American Legion Posts from around the state including Post 240 Maiden, Post 116 Fuaquay-Varina, Post 157 Raleigh, Post 144 Belmont, and Post 155 Kings Mountain to name a few. Division V Commander Harold Smith (155) of Kings Mountain, and Legion Riders Chairman John Teague (144) of Belmont, presented a check in the amount of $600.00 to the president of the NCNGA, Major Jonathan 'J.D.' Gaskins; from the Legion Riders group towards the benefit fund. Also James Carroll, of the National Legion Magazine was in attendance conducting interviews with VIP's including The Hickabillies Band, which is comprised of National Guard soldiers who have recently completed several tours over in Iraq.

In recent years, our country's military has been stretched to it's limits fighting the war on terrorism, that is has had to call upon our brave men and women of the Army & Air National Guard to fulfill certain wartime roles during these times of conflict. These 'weekend warriors' are now eligible for membership into The American Legion, and we as an organization will continue to support efforts in assisting this group of soldiers and airmen and thier families. They are fighting along side our regular and reserve troops for the same cause and goal; the defeat of terrorism and all those who want to deny us life, liberty, and the freedoms that our country affords us.

In closing, our mission is to provide support to all of our nations veterans. We have an obligation and a duty to assist and support all things that are for the good of the Legion and our country. As it says in our Preamble: "...to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness".

Pete Munos, III
The American Legion
1st Vice CMDR, Charles T. Norwood Post 157; Raleigh, NC (2004-Present) Department Public Relations & Publications Committee Chairman (2006-07) National American Legion College Alumni - 2004, Facilitator - 2005 919-449-4027 Mobile

Legionnaires of North Carolina.

The North Carolina National Guard Association is having a benefit concert featuring The Charlie Daniel’s Band with the proceeds going to the Soldier and Airmen’s Assistance Fund in Henderson NC on 16 September 2006. The opening act will be a group named The Hickabillies. The Hickabillies are a group of National Guard service men that got together in 2004 while stationed in Iraq and did a “tour”. They advertise themselves as “The Original Iraq Garage Band. The lead singer and his family are patients of mine so I have been keeping up with the band.

Please note that National will be sending down an assistant Editor, James V. Carroll (w: 317-630-1373 or c: 765-621-4338) from the Magazine for three days to do interview with the Charlie Daniel’s Band and the “Hickabillies”. If you go please wear your Legion shirt or ball cap proudly and be seen. The Legion Riders will be there.

Tickets are available see below (or download the attached flyer). However, if you wish to assist you can help. Please fill out the information requested below, follow the instructions and submit your information to The National Guard (Maj. Gaskins) as listed in the instructions. POINT OF CONTACT (POC) is Adene Meece at: adenem@bellsouth.net.

Thank you for your interest; let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Mike Reott
PDC 2004/2005

Fwd information on the Charlie Daniels SAAF Benefit Concert in Henderson, NC.

NCNGA is requesting volunteers to support this event.

Volunteers will be used as Event Staff for the concert. The Event Staff will check credentials and validate tickets through the gates, monitor the crowds for disruptions and report to security, monitor the trash cans and assist in the cleanup and loading of band equipment and stage after the show. We could also assist with parking at the beginning of the show. We may be requested to assist the Family Support Group in selling water as well.

The event coordinators say we will need about 46 volunteers to accomplish all these goals. The majority of the volunteers should be available for about 6-7 hours total. We should be working actually 2-3 hours and be able to enjoy the show.

The gates open at 230PM- ALL volunteers will report NLT 1:00PM to the fairgrounds. Show ends at 7:00. Clean up should take less than a hr. We are trying to be flexible with the personnel and what jobs they will be doing so that no one is abused.

Recommend car pooling, bring camping chair with you, hat, rain coat, sun screen etc. We will have an area dedicated for Volunteer Parking. Vendor food will be available, drinks and water. The Fairgrounds is a open lot and it could be very hot that day.

What info I need if you volunteer to help.

Name, Last, first
Group volunteering from IE., NCNGA or American Legion, VFW
E-mail
Cell phone if possible
Job Description Leave blank
ACCESS- Leave Blank
T-Shirt- Need your T-shirt size, SM= Small, LG=Large, XL Extra Large etc

Updated communication will be by e-mail as soon as I know of any changes.
Emergency contact will be my cell phone at 919-631-5078.

Please respond ASAP so I can order credentials for each of you. Make an event of this and invite your friends and family to enjoy the show and the money is going for a worthwhile charity the NCNG SAAF.

Please fwd info to your friends.

Tickets will be available at the Association Office on Friday, August 18. Call 919-851-3390 for Kathy Ford to purchase tickets.

Thanks,
JD GASKINS
President NCNGA

Click to view Charlie Daniel Band Flyer

To : Legionnaires of North Carolina
From: Michael A. Reott Sr, DDS, PA
Re : My Final Immediate Past Department Commander memo
Date: 25June06

Greetings, I have had a great time running for Department Commander, being Department Commander, and this past year writing as Immediate Past Department Commander. This will be my last memo as the Department has a new Immediate Past Department Commander. I have spent the last 4 weeks thinking of what to say, and all I can come up with is THANK YOU for the honor of being the Department Commander. As far as something motivational to say, please down load or review the attached.

For God and Country,
Michael A. Reott, Sr, DDS, Pa
Past Department Commander 2004-2005

MEMO TO: LEGIONNAIRES DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA

FROM : MICHAEL A. REOTT, SR, DDS, PA
2004-2005 PDC

DATE : 01MAY06

Spring has arrived and with it the urge to do a little spring cleaning and prepare for the summer. Over the past few weeks I have been doing just that and I ran into this old Membership Program from my year as Membership Chairman for David Desmond. I have presented this information, to individuals at Conventions, the Legion College, and Posts across this great state. I recommended it as a way to wrap up this year's Post membership and prepare for next year; membership is every one's responsibility.

Each year, each and every American Legion Post must start at the beginning and rebuild their Post membership. Every year, the membership committees start and follow the course of action followed before. Why must members be begged to rejoin? Why is it so hard to make membership goals? Every year each Post has a certain number of members who must be contacted 3 or more times before signing up for that year. Why do active members drop out completely or become inactive members of the Post?? What happens is a dirty 6 letter word - APATHY.

APATHY means a lack of emotion, a lack of interest, i.e. "I don't care, I'm not interested, I really don't give a !@#$%^&*%." We have all heard the excuses:
* "I do not know any one old enough to go to Boys State, so I'm not interested."
* "I only care about baseball."
* "I have no children at home; I don't care to work with children and youth."
* "I don't like to dance; I don't care about the Dance and Entertainment Committee."
* "I don't like to work outside; I won't help with the fund raiser."
* "I'm still mad about (something) that happened (sometime ago) caused by (some current or past member of this Post or some other Post) so I'm not going to do anything he recommends or requests."

APATHY spreads likes a cancer, and is what kills a post. It has happened before, and it can again. This is what we have to avoid.
Membership recruitment gets more challenging as time goes on. So it is now time to ask the younger vets to join. It is now time to ask the Korean Vets, the Vietnam Vets, the Lebanon and Grenada Vets, the Panama Vets, the Persian Gulf Vets, and the Guard Vets to join. If the Legion is to grow in the 21st Century it is no longer a question of does the Legion want these younger Vets, the need for these Vets is now imperative.

The following are recommendations for a membership drive. Just as no two American Legion Post are identical, not all the components listed will be needed by each post.

1. Start with Retention and Reactivation. To do so review past Post Rosters for the last 3 years, these are available through HQ. Highlight those who have dropped out and invite them back.
2. Contact local newspapers or the library; ask for "Home Town News Releases". This will give a listing of local residents now serving in the military, those who have transferred, gained rank, or graduated from a military training program. Included will be parents name and town they are from. Most military members have one or more parents who have served in the military. This gives the possibility of two new members.
3. Contact a parent of the individual identified from source #2 above. See if they, the mother or father, would be interested in paying the young serviceman or servicewoman's dues for the first year as a Christmas, Birthday, or congratulation present.
4. See my earlier article concerning guard members and eligibility in the American Legion (available elsewhere on this website).
5. Contact local military installations, Guard or Active Duty, and place an invitation to visit your Legion Post in the base paper (if you have a website, give them the address). Department HQ is working with the North Carolina National Guard Association.
6. RETAIN YOUR SENIOR LEGIONNAIRES. Remember, the best way to recruit and retain younger vets is to provide them with MENTORS.

We need active senior legionnaires to pass their knowledge on.
Legionnaires helping legionnaires is what made the American Legion great in the past. Therefore, it is our challenge to continue to keep the American Legion strong into the 21st Century and beyond. However, to accomplish this we must first recruit younger Vets and then we must have Senior Legionnaires who are willing to help these younger Legionnaires as they assume leadership roles and duties.

For God and Country

MICHAEL A. REOTT SR, DDS, PA, NCANG, DC, LTC (ret)
PDC 2004-2005

MEMO TO: LEGIONNAIRES DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA

FROM : MICHAEL A. REOTT, SR, DDS, PA
2004-2005 PDC

DATE : 01APRIL06

This weekend I spent a great two days with the Guard and Reserves watching the family-like atmosphere. They ranged in age from kids of age two months to seniors over 70 years. Soldiers ranging in age from 18 to 62. A couple was getting married on 01April (yeah, April Fools day) and the most senior married couple of 43 years of marriage. They all looked normal; no Rambos, no John Waynes, and no Arnolds. Some had just returned from overseas and some had orders to ship out soon. All knew someone (or knew someone who knew someone) who did not return. They all have dedicated their lives to defending America and American values. They all volunteered and were recruited with promises of a good life, support, and care for their families should they not return.

Today, I have been sitting in my office between patients reading, re-reading, and re-re-reading the testimony provided me. I have been reading it all day long. Maybe I am just too simple, too honest, or too naive; but I was taught/raised/believe that a man is only as good as his word. When you promise to do something, you do it. If time shows you that change is needed, you change future promises. YOU DO NOT GO BACK ON AN EARLIER PROMISE.

I have been a Dentist and have owned my business for 25 years. I have made price quotes (a form of promise) for treatment that have turned out to be too low to cover what was provided. But, I have stuck to my promise. In business, at least here in North Carolina, the practice of promising one thing and then delivering something of lesser quality is illegal; it is called "Bait and Switch".

The Congressional Testimony, 16March06, starts out with an opening Statement by Mr. Conrad regarding an "...amendment I am offering, along with Senator Chafee...” Of particular clarity is a statement made by Senator (Mrs.) Murray. Her statement starts on page 6, but it is paragraph 12 on page 7 that stands out. "The acknowledgment is clear on this floor. Charging our veterans a fee and a copay for health care that they were promised is not the right way (to balance this budget)."

The first twenty words in the second sentence states both the Truth and the Problem. Every one of those twenty words are true, clear, concise and in keeping with the facts. Facts that are presented in the piles of pamphlets, produced by the government and used by recruiters to represent life and retirement in the military to young and impressionable Americans during the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and into this century. And that is the Truth of the matter.

The Problem is that until recently Congress has chosen to ignore the promises they made. In doing so, laws and rules were made up after the fact to modify the promises. Terms such as "Space Available", "Non-Service Connected", "Denied based on Category 7 Category 8" and "Income Disqualified" were created and utilized.

If, as Chairman Craig contends, to honor the promises made to today's Veterans will result in a doubling of the needed budget every 5 to 6 years - then the honorable thing to do is find the money or change FUTURE PROMISES. If change is the only choice, change the Promises made to our young men and women before they pledge their life and health to defend American values. In North Carolina, you do not change the rules in the 4th quarter because you are behind.

I hope The American Legion can keep the heat turned up on Congress. It appears that some in Congress are aware that the way Veterans have been treated has been wrong. Congresswoman Murray and others can state the problem, and like they say in the old movies “Knowing you have a problem is the fist step in getting help.” The question is whether they have the guts to do what is right and honor the Promises made. There are so many Veterans whose lives are on the line.

For God and Country

MICHAEL A. REOTT SR, DDS, PA, NCANG, DC, LTC (ret)
PDC 2004-2005

MemoTo: NORTH CAROLINA LEGIONNAIRES AND VETERANS

From: MICHAEL A. REOTT SR, DDS, PA, NCANG, LTC(ret)
2004-2005 PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDER

Subject:CHANGES, EVOLUTION VERSES REVOLUTION
Date: 02 MARCH 2006

With our membership in The American Legion comes privileges, obligations, and an opportunity to serve our fellow Veteran. Last month I put out the challenge to “Let us help others so we may help ourselves”.

By being a Legionnaire we have made an additional commitment to this great country and all those who serve. This commitment is summed up in the Commander’s Charge given at the end of each Post meeting as: “. - .Let us be ever watchful of the honor of our Country, our organization and ourselves, that nothing shall swerve us from the path of Justice, Freedom and Democracy.”

There are Veterans who can not ask nor seek that which they were promised when they entered the service. There is great honor in helping those who can not help themselves. These Veterans, many of whom may be Legionnaires, have no one in Washington looking out for their needs if Veteran Organizations like The American Legion do not do it for them. Our voice must be loud and strong to be heard above the noise in the Halls of Congress in Washington DC.

Our Department membership is behind schedule, yet we live in a state with a population nearing 8 million. A state that over 770,000 Veterans (almost 10% of the population) call home. A state with Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine bases plus Guard Units in all 100 Counties.

I started this column with the title, “Changes, evolution not revolution.” We need to look at change as a part of the natural growth and development of an organization. To remain viable, nature has taught us the necessity to adapt, to change, and to evolve. Rest assured, I understand that when the change is to something you believe in and work at, the change feels like a revolution.

Resistance to change is a part of our human personality, but without change we are doomed to go the way of the dinosaurs. We need to look at what we are doing in the way of our recruitment of membership and realize that we must make changes. Changes so that we may “...be ever watchful of the honor of our Country, our Organization and ourselves...”. We must realize this is not 1919, not the 50’s, but the 21st Century.

There are hundreds of thousands of eligible veterans from the Army, the Air Force, Navy, Marines, the Guard and Reserves. They are scattered across this big state, in 100 counties, in thousands of towns and cities. And least we forget that we have thousands of Legionnaires who have dropped out of our organization or have yet to renew. It is a big job and it will take a change of commitment, it will take time, and manpower at the Post level as well as at HQ.

North Carolina is fortunate to have a large Veterans Population. These veterans are as diverse as the State is itself. We must change, adapt, and evolve so “ . .that nothing shall swerve us from the path of Justice, Freedom and Democracy.”

Take the time to call Patti at HQ and request the full (paid/non paid/unrenewed) DMS Roster for your Post/District/Division. Ask for your home Post’s Non-renewed Roster. Reach out and help these Legionnaires to renew. Reach out to those currently serving our country, the Guard and Reserves in your community. For by helping them we will be helping ourselves.

“You can complain because the rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because the thorn bushes have roses.” (author unknown)

For God and Country

Michael A. Reott, Sr, DDS, PA, NCANG, LTC(ret)
Immediate Past Department Commander 2004/2005

MemoTo: NORTH CAROLINA LEGIONNAIRES AND VETERANS

From: MICHAEL A. REOTT SR, DDS, PA, NCANG, LTC(ret)
2004-2005 PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDER

Subject:HELPING EACH OTHER
Date: 02 FEBRUARY 2006

By being a Legionnaire we have the right to vote on programs and issues that affect the future of the American Legion. By being a Legionnaire we have the opportunity to be elected and hold offices within our Local Posts. We can campaign and be elected from our home District as District Commander and some go on to become Division Commanders. Last year, following 13 years of service to this Department at various elected and appointed positions, I was provided the ultimate privilege and elected as your Department Commander.

Article III, Section 2 of our Constitution and By-Laws clearly states "There shall be no form or class of membership except and active membership and dues shall be paid annually or for life". With this membership comes privileges, obligations, and an opportunity to serve our fellow Veteran. Let us help others so we may help ourselves.

There is a large group of Legionnaires who can not engage in Post activities, for they have no Post. These Legionnaires can not grow and develop and work through the Post Offices, for they have no Post. These Legionnaires can not be elected to District Commander or Division Commander because they have no District or Division to be elected from. These Legionnaires have no District therefore they have NO delegate vote. Which means they have NO voice on issues that affect their future which is part of the future of The American Legion.

Our Department membership is behind schedule yet we have thousands of non©renewed Legionnaires in HQ Post 1981 who have not been reached and asked to join a local Post. They need our help, our attention, for without the right to vote the are "equal but separate". Please, as a Post/District/Division Commander call for the DMS roster of not only paid but also the nonrenewed/non-paid.

I was sent an email last month which reminded me of a story I was told many years ago in Junior High so I thought I would share it.

It seems a good man went to heaven and was having a discussion with St. Peter at the pearly gates. St. Peter tells the man that he was an honest, sincere, and hard working man while on earth and before he went on in were there any questions or requests.

"I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like" was the request.

So St. Peter leads him to two doors. He opens one door and looks in. In the room was a round table and in the middle of the round table was a large pot of the most delicious smelling stew he had ever had the pleasure to experience, it made his mouth water.

The people sitting around the table were thin, sickly, and appeared to be famished. They were all holding spoons with very long handles and each found it impossible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful because the handle was longer than their arms and they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The good man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. St. Peter says, "You have seen Hell".

They go to the second door, open it and see exactly the same as the first. There was a round table and in the middle of the round table was a large pot with the same great stew. The people were equipped with he same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished, some even plump, laughing and talking.

The good man says, "I do not understand". It is simple says St. Peter, "it requires but one skill. You see, they have learned to help and feed each other while the greedy think only of themselves".

Take the time to call Patti at HQ and request the full (paid/non-paid/unrenewed) DMS Roster for your Post/District/Division. Reach out and help these Legionnaires; for by helping them we will be helping ourselves.

For God and Country

Michael A. Reott, Sr, DDS, PA, NCANG, LTC(ret)
Immediate Past Department Commander 2004/2005

MemoTo: NORTH CAROLINA LEGIONNAIRES AND VETERANS

From: MICHAEL A. REOTT SR, DDS, PA, NCANG, LTC(ret)
2004-2005 PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDER

Subject: NEW YEAR'S A TIME TO SAY ADO AND TO START ANEW
Date: 02 JANUARY 2006

Seasons Greetings: I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. At the start of a New Year it is appropriate to take time to remember how we got where we are and where we are going.

Many of you put in unknown numbers of hours working the programs of The American Legion. Thankless hours as a Post, District, Division, or Department Officer. Few will get rewards or plaques at Convention, but for most their work goes unrecognized.

Many years ago, Robert Mitchem was in a movie called "Heaven Knows Mr. Allison". It was about a wounded crusty old Navy (or maybe Marine) service man that gets washed up on the shore of a South Pacific Island. He is befriended by a nun running an orphanage there. In the course of the movie Robert Mitchem comes to respect what the nun is doing there and the courage it takes for her to care for the orphans. In the final scene, the solider becomes an unsung hero and ends up receiving mortal wounds saving the orphanage. As he closes his eyes for the last time, the nun assures him that "Heaven knows".

The vast majority of the working Legionnaires do their work behind the scenes and are often overlooked. You are willing to work for hundreds of hours getting a program or pet project completed and turned in on time only to find that your work is not as high a priority to others as it is to you. TO ALL OF YOU, THE "UNSUNG HEROS" I wish to say thank you for what you do for the Veterans, and rest assured - Heaven Knows.

With the change of the calendar year it is important to remember that we are one-half the way through Cary McMasters year as our Department Commander. It is now time to catch our second wind and charge forward to the finish line. There remains much to do and many questions to answer.

Why is your membership so important? Without your support: Will the financial needs of the VA be noted? Will more empty promises be made to adequately fund the VA so as to allow the Doctors and Nurses at our VA Hospitals can provide the care the Veteran needs?

As Legionnaires we know that the care promised to our Veterans IS A DELAYED COST OF WAR. We must be heard in Washington. YOUR voice is important. You are important, you are necessary, and your efforts are needed to accomplish what must be done.

For God and Country
Michael A. Reott, Sr, DDS, PA, NCANG, LTC(ret)

MemoTo: NORTH CAROLINA LEGIONNAIRES AND VETERANS

From: MICHAEL A. REOTT SR, DDS, PA, NCANG, LTC(ret)
2004-2005 PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDER

Subject: PROMISES AND WISHES

Date: 01 DECEMBER 2005

Seasons greetings and best wishes to all for the Holidays.

December celebrations will soon be in full swing in many communities with parades, pretty lights, and the Politicians. They will be seen sitting in convertibles, waving to the crowds, making speeches, making promises and good wishes to all.

But not every American will be home for the Holidays. We have men and women from our own Communities in harms way again this Christmas Season. What of the good wishes and promises made to these soldiers?

Once a young man or woman goes off to war, they are changed. Some return with physical, mental, and/or emotional injuries. Some worse than others. While they may have survived the war, they are no longer who they were. Please read and share the following poem. It applies not only to Veterans, but many others in our communities and our lives who suffer from conditions associated with poor health and aging.

DO NOT ASK ME TO REMEMBER.
DON'T TRY TO MAKE ME UNDERSTAND.
LET ME REST AND KNOW YOU'RE WITH ME.
KISS MY CHEEK AND HOLD MY HAND.
I'M CONFUSED BEYOUND YOUR CONCEPT.
I AM SAD AND SICK AND LOST.
ALL I KNOW IS THAT I NEED YOU,
TO BE WITH ME AT ALL COST.
DO NOT LOSE YOUR PATIENCE WITH ME.
DO NOT SCOLD OR CURSE OR CRY.
I CAN'T HELP THE WAY I'M ACTING.
I CAN'T BE DIFFERENT THOUGH I TRY.
JUST REMEMBER THAT I NEED YOU,
THAT THE BEST OF ME IS GONE.
PLEASE DON'T FAIL TO STAND BESIDE ME,
LOVE ME TIL MY LIFE IS DONE.
Author Unknown.

In this season of wishes of good will towards men we must ask will we be able to fulfill the promises made to our soldiers. We must ask will the financial needs of the VA be taken care of. We must demand that the VA be adequately funded so that the Doctors and Nurses at our VA Hospitals can provide the care the Veteran needs.

What can we do? The following is something that I use when I tackle a problem. It is adapted from a pamphlet by The Giraffe Project: You Can! You Can! Stick your neck out and change the world and yourself. By John Graham.

TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
Decide what you care about. No one can save the whole world! Identify one problem that you would like to solve.
Research the situation. Do you want to join forces with an existing group...or look for a different approach for a solution?
Identify the stakeholders. These are the people whose support or opposition would make a difference to your project. Think of ways to involve your opponents!
Recognized the obstacles. Look for unexpected ways around the hurdles.
Create a vision. Imagine what the situation would look like if you changed it. This will help you make it come true!
Devise a plan. Create a strategy. (I like folders to keep ideas in while they are being worked up).
Assess the risks. Almost all projects entail risks that test the spirit. See where others went wrong and move forward.
Spread the word. Ask for help and use the media available.
We as members of THE AMERICAN LEGION, the largest veteran's organization in the world, know and understand that taking care of our Veterans is the right thing to do. If we, as an organization, place service to the needs of our Veterans first, the Veterans will join us and our organization will grow and prosper.

LET US TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER AND HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON, ONE AND ALL.

Michael A. Reott, Sr, DDS, PA, NCANG, LTC(ret)
Immediate Past Department Commander 2004-2005

To: NORTH CAROLINA LEGIONNAIRES AND VETERANS
From :MICHAEL A. REOTT SR, DDS, PA, NCANG, LTC(ret)
2004-2005 PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDER

Subject: WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 11 NOVEMBER 2005

Date: 08 NOVEMBER 2005

Greetings and salutations, Friday is Veterans Day and for a change THE VETERAN will be center stage.

On 11 November celebrations are planned in many a community. Some schools and businesses will be closed. Numerous parades are scheduled. Countless Politicians will be making speeches. The Veteran will be spoken of with reverence and respect. Their sacrifices will be enumerated and recited for all to hear.

But what of the needs of these warriors of wars gone by? Will the financial needs of the VA be noted? Will more promises be made to adequately fund the VA so the Doctors and Nurses at our VA Hospitals can provide the care the Veteran needs?

What happens when the cameras are turned off, the sound bytes are all done, and the crowds go home? Will the promises made be kept? Will the same rhetoric and proclamations be spoken in the back rooms and closed meetings of Congress, once the Politicians go home?

We as members of THE AMERICAN LEGION, the largest veterans organization in the world, know and understand that taking care of the Veterans, their widows, and orphans IS the right thing to do.

The care promised to our Veterans when they were young, serving in the military and going off to war IS A DELAYED COST OF WAR and should never be forgotten. We, as Legionnaires, must be sure that the voice of the Veteran is not ignored.

What happens after 11 November 2005 is up to us. We must be heard in Washington. YOUR voice is important.

If you have renewed your membership THANK YOU. If you have yet to renew, please reconsider and renew today. If you are a veteran and have not been asked to join The American Legion, I request that you accept this as your invitation. An on©line application is available on page one of this website (nclegion.org) or email me (see end of this site page) and I will find you a Post in your home area to join.

Enjoy Veterans Day, you earned it.

Michael A. Reott, Sr, DDS, PA, NCANG, LTC(ret)
Immediate Past Department Commander 2004-2005

Memo To:LEGIONNAIRES AND NATIONAL GUARD PERSONNEL
From:MICHAEL A. REOTT SR, DDS, PA, NCANG, LTC(ret)
2004©2005 PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDER
Subject:UPDATED ELIGIBILITY FOR GUARD AND RESERVE MEMBERSHIP INTO THE AMERICAN LEGION
Date:06 OCTOBER 2005

Please be advised that a great amount of mis-information has been handed down over the years regarding eligibility status of the Traditional Guardsmen in the American Legion. The purpose of this memo is to help set the record straight. Remember, ALMOST every Guard Unit in North Carolina has seen some activation for Afghanistan, Operation Iraq Freedom (OIF), and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). The newest "Simplification of Qualification" to come down from National is in the Officers Guide, available from the Department or National. A quick summary follows:

Eligibility categories consist of:
1) National Guard ACDUTRAT (active duty for training) of not less than 4 consecutive month.
2) Service includes U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, or Coast Guard Academies.
3) Temporary Duty personal. "During the Vietnam War, it was the practice of the Air Force to call members of the Air National Guard to duty for temporary periods."
4) Guard members activated for duty (most recently OIF & OEF).
5) Finally, "SUMMER CAMPS/TRAINING" done OUTSIDE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES (OCONUS) QUALIFY PROVIDED the authority to activate is by TITLE 10, SUBSECTION 672 or 12301 (found on their activation orders, on some DD Forms, and the 201 file).

PLEASE NOTE: It may be necessary to request a copy of Military Records (Standard Form 180 - available from service officer or VA) to confirm TITLE 10, SUBSECTION 672 activation status. Also, only one (1) day of service needs to be during an eligibility period.

ESTABLISHED AMERICAN LEGION ELIGIBILITY PERIOD INCLUDE
WWI: April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
WWII: December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
KOREA: June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955
VIETNAM:February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975
LEBANON & GRENADA:August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984
PANAMA: December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990
PERSIAN GULF, AFGHANISTAN, OEF, & OIF : August 2, 1990 until cessation of hostilities.

So, what does it mean? Basically it means that most of the past present and future members of the guard and/or reserves who did or will do 4 months or more of Basic/AIT/ special training during the 60's, early 70's, some of the 80's, and since August 2, 1990 are most likely to be eligible to join the American Legion (exact dates listed above).
However, if there is a question contact your local American Legion, or email me at drreott@vnet.net.

MEMO TO: LEGIONAIRES OF NORTH CAROLINAÄ

FROM :MICHAEL A. REOTT, PDC 2004©2005

ÃSUBJECT : DMS PLUS REVIEW

DATE: 12 AUGUST 2005

Greetings, with time on my hands I have been reviewing the DMS-Plus program as presented by National via their "Building the Membership Base Through DMS Plus CD, Script, PowerPoint Slide Presentation, DMS-Plus Resolution, and 2005 DMS-Plus Proposal". The 28 page explanation was provided to me by National this past May and has taken some time to work through.

Some of you have asked what I have learned about DMS-PLUS, so here it is. Please bear with me first there is the Reader's Digest version and then we will go into WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN. National has started a new program called DMS-PLUS. What extra perwork and cost that are incurred will take place between the Department and National. At the National level more mailings will be done to a better targeted group. At the Department Level more DMS recruits for the Department will be received. At the Post Level more transfers will be available.

Last year in North Carolina we received 5089 New Legionnaires by way of 2005 DMS in mid-July04. The Department picked up some 3457 DMS over the course of the year. These have been added to reach the calculation of our Delegate Strength. Therefore, this past year as your Department Commander working with Rora Kellis as your Membership Chairman the Department received some 8546 DMS and we were tasked with moving them to Local Legion Posts.

This July the Department received a little under 3100 2006 DMS in mid-July05. If all goes like it did last year roughly 3500 DMS will be picked up over the course of the year. However, for 2005/2006 National is anticipating a Positive Result from DMS-Plus in the way of a Membership Gain over last year by 2,397.

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
ESTIMATED DMS FOR 2006 = 3100 + 3500 + 2397
= 8997 DMS LEGIONNAIRES (call it 9000)

The statement was made that: "Sliding membership from one Post (Post 1981) to another does the Department no good". This statement shows a lack of understanding that is required to utilize the DMS as a source of new members for Posts in North Carolina. The short coming in 2005 was too many non-renewals across the Department, not utilization of DMS transfers out to Local Posts.

Finally, this last bit of math is intended to compare apples to apples; that is to say North Carolina 2004 Final Membership report to North Carolina 2005 Final Membership report.

Both reports dated 30June of each year 2004 2005
DEPARTMENT TOTAL: 42,918 42,073
FINAL PERCENTAGE: 91.73% 91.53%
NEEDED FOR GOAL: 3869 3892

The difference, as of 30June05, was 2005 needed 23 more members to reach goal than was needed in 2004. The fact is that most other Departments had an up year and North Carolina just maintained.

I hope this email will help you, the working Blue Cap Legionnaire, better understand not only the importance of working the DMS Roster, but also the need to work your Post Roster of Non-Renewals from 2005 (and take a peek at 2004 non-renewed also).

Just think if almost 9,000 DMS are received this year - without "sliding" them to Traditional Legion Posts HQ Post 1981 will be larger than all but the 5th Division.

Both rosters will be available from HQ soon. If you are a Post Commander request them for your Post. If you are a District Commander request them for your District. If you are a Division Commander request them for your Division.

Membership, it is up to all of us.

If I can be of any assistance, just email me. I will be keeping up with Membership (as Division V Chairman), Public Relations as Committee Vice-Chairman), and Children and Youth (as Commission Member) this year so I will be around. I will also be posting at this website as things come up.

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY,

MICHAEL A. REOTT SR, DDS, PA, NCANG, DC, LTC(ret)
PDC 2004/2005
DIVISION V MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN 2005/2006

Visitors Since June 16, 2005

Your opinion is very helpful.
Sign our guest page and leave your comments.