Department of North Carolina


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Arne R. Haufmann’s Death

It is with sadness we report the death of Past Department Vice Commander Arne R. Haufmann, July 2, 2009. Arnie passed at the Cape Fear Regional Hospital, Wilmington, NC.
Arrangements are not finalized. His family can be reached at;
800 Oyster Catcher Drive
Hampstead, NC 28443
270-9620 (Home Phone)

 

Department Service Officer Resigns

Department Service Office, Verna Jones has resigned effective July 10, 2009. Applications are being accepted for the position, All applications should be mailed to the Winston Salem office. 251 Main St., Room 429, Winston-Salem, NC 27155.

 

Department Auxilliary Membership Report Updated

Membership Report

 

RAO Bulletin

RAO BULLETIN
1 July 2009

THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES

== VA Hospitals [03] ---------------------------------- (Under Fire)
== Health Care Reform [01] ---------- (House Discussion Draft)
== ECS 2009 [12] ------------------------------------ (VA $250 Pmt)
== Prostate Cancer [10] ------------------- (Misleading Bayer Ads)
== Chapter 61 Disability Pay [04] ---------- (Half Step Forward)
== VA Women Vet Programs [04] -------- (H.R.1211 Approved)
== VA Health Care Funding [21] --------- (Significant Progress)
== VA COLA 2010 [01] ------------------------- (S.407 Approved)
== Widow's Penalty --------------------------------------- (On Hold)
== Survivor Files ----------------------------- (The Mess They Left)
== Home Insurance ----------------------- (How much is needed?)
== Medicare Fraud [14] --------------------- (Detroit $50 Million)
== Medicare Fraud [15] ------------------- (Moss Point MS $49M)
== Medicare Fraud [16] ---------------------- (Miami-Dade $22M)
== VA Clothing Allowance [01] ----------------- ($716 for 2009)
== SBP DIC Offset [18] ------------------ (Another Step forward)
== Gulf War Syndrome [09] -- (Security Classification Review)
== GI Bill [51] ----------------------------- (Final Transfer Policy)
== Chapter 61 Legislation [02] --------------- (Dems find Money)
== Alzheimer's [06] --------------------------- (10 Warning Signs)
== Weight Reduction [01] ------------ (Harness Body Chemistry)
== Homes for Our Troops -------------------------------- (Mission)
== VA OEF/OIF Health Study ------------------------- (Launched)
== Veteran Charities [09] -------------- (Check before Donating)
== Overindulgence ------------------------------ (Fasting Antidote)
== USFSPA & Divorce [08] ----------------------- (How it Began)
== Tricare User Fee [39] ------------------- (Increases Inevitable)
== IRS FBAR Tax Amnesty ---------------------------- (6 Months)
== VA Category 8 Care [12] ---------------------- (New Eligible’s)
== VA Vet Contaminant Exposure [05] ---- (Pattern of Failure)
== VA Vision Care [02] ----------------- (Expanded Capabilities)
== VA Claims Backlog [27] ---------- (One Million Anticipated)
== HASC [04] --------------------------- (Benefits Boosts Blocked)
== Vet Toxic Exposure Legislation [01] -------------- (H.R.2419)
== Cellphone Discounts ---------------------------------- (Veterans)
== Social Security Job Openings -------------------- (2009 Hiring)
== Hydration -------------------------------------------- (Importance)
== Camp Lejeune Toxic Exposure [06] ---- (Disease Link Study)
== Army Retiree Council [02] --------- (2009 Recommendations)
== RSO Locations by State ---------------------------------- (Conus)
== Flag Laws & Regulations ---------- (Customs & Observances)
== Tax Burden for Connecticut Retirees -- ------------ (Overview)
== Military History Anniversaries --------- (Jun 16-30 Summary)
== Veteran Legislation Status 29 Jun 09 -- --- (Where we Stand)
== Have You Heard? ------------------------------ (Navy Hospitals)


THE ABOVE ARTICLES CAN BE VIEWED BY OPENING THE BULLETIN BELOW.  [Source: Lt. James "EMO" Tichacek, Director RAO Baguio 28 Jun 09 ++]




Bulletin 7-1-09

Veteran Legislation

 

Veteran Report

FYI;
For those in the Greenville SC area, commissary case lot sales will be available at the Donald Reserve Center, August 28-29.

Legion News

July and August Legion News has been posted
July and August Legion News

Commander Cook's July Agenda is posted

click here for Commanders June Agenda

 

Elections of Boys’ State, City, County and State

Election Results

 

The ROCK loves VETS


The American Legion #76 Freedom Chevy will be racing in the "Cherry Bomb 200", the 4th of July here at Rockingham Speedway

 

The American Legion #76 Freedom Chevy will be racing in the "Cherry Bomb 200", the 4th of July here at Rockingham Speedway.  Come out and support Team Johnson and the American Legion Freedom Car.  Aberdeen Post 72, Rockingham VFW Post 4203 and the Sandhills Chapter of the ALR will host the team when they arrive starting 2 July. 

Thursday the 2nd of July see driver Jerick Johnson and the #76 American Legion Freedom Chevy at Aberdeen Post 72, at 7 PM. Come and enjoy a great BBQ meal, get your American Legion Race Gear and meet Jerick. The next evening 3 July, Jerick, the team and the #76 car will be Rockingham at VFW Post 4203, 8 PM for a fund raising all you can eat spaghetti dinner and mixer.

This is a later time due to practice at the speedway on Friday afternoon. Visit www.alrncdistrict16.org or call (910) 410-0280 for more details and directions to the Aberdeen Legion and Rockingham VFW post. Buy your tickets for the Cherry Bomb 200 race for the 4th of July at the Rockingham Speedway office, call the track at (910) 205-8800 or log on at www.rockinghamracewaypark.com  

Visit Team Johnson Motorsports at www.teamjohnsonmotorsports.com  Team Johnson also welcomes The David Law Firm as the co-sponsor of the #76 Freedom Car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://nclegion.org/Legion/hr_thin2.gif

 

American Legion Racing comes to the
ROCKINGHAM SPEEDWAY

 

With the American Legion Race Team coming to Rockingham Speedway for the “Cherry Bomb 200”, Owner Andy Hillenburg said let’s fill the stands with Legion members to watch their racing team.

BIG NEWS!!!!!

Tickets prices reduced

 Show your valid

AMERICAN LEGION CARD and

Tickets are $8 in advance and $13 the day of the race, kids 12 and under still free with paid adult!!!

 

 

Candidate for Department Commander of NC, 2010/2011

Bill Oxford, Post 29 has announced his candidacy for 2010/2011 NC Department Commander.
click here for Brochure

2009 Elected Boys' State Governor

click for larger image



The 2009 Governor elected at Boys' State is Thomas Nailen, Fairview, NC. Thomas attends Carolina Day School and was sponsored by Ashville Post 70.

Department Membership Report Updated

The Department membership report has been updated. PUFL's are included in post totals.
click here for report

Tar Heel Boys' State Photos

The webmaster, Ellis Wheeler is at Boys' State for the week, ( June 21 - 27 ). Posting to the NC Legion web site may be delayed during the week.

 

NC SAL Detachment Commander' Thank You

Dear North Carolina American Legion Family,

First and foremost I would like say "Thank You" to the Sons of the American Legion for electing me to the high office of Detachment Commander for the North Carolina Sons of the American Legion and to all Legion Family Members that have guided me along the way. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to serve the North Carolina Sons of the American Legion.

Throughout the next year I look forward to working with the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary to build a strong Legion Family within the great state of North Carolina. We have a challenging year ahead of us to reach the goals for the 2009-2010 year, but I know with all three aspects of the Legion Family working together the North Carolina Legion Family will achieve greatness. I look forward to working with all of you this next year.

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY,

Harley P. Gaddy
NC SAL Detachment Commander

 

Commander Cook's Thank You

My Fellow Legionnaires,

I am truly grateful for the trust you have placed in me to lead this great organization for the next twelve months. We endured a highly contested election and my opponent gave me a run for the money. As I said in my acceptance speech, "James Ervin ran a classy race" and I salute him. He is relentless in his search to accomplish much more and I'm confident he's already back in true form working the programs of The American Legion.

Make no mistake about it, this is going to be a tough year to accomplish all our goals but with the rest of the elected leadership you have chosen, coupled with a thirst to reach new heights, we can make it happen. With the election behind us, we are one organization again, sharing the trenches against a common adversary. Let's link arms and make the commitment!

Lou Cook

Department Commander



Upcoming honor of North Carolina's veterans

American Legion Durham Post #7:

Please see the attached documents about our upcoming bald eagle release in honor of North Carolina’s veterans. I’d appreciate your help in getting the word out.

Thank you,

Daniel

Daniel Bumgarner

Media Relations & Marketing Coordinator

www.carolinaraptorcenter.org

(704) 875-6521 x 129


click here for news release
click here for family invite


 

2009 Department Convention Album

View pictures of 2009 Department Convention

click here for Photos


 

2009-2010 Department Commander Elected

Congratulations!!
Lou Cook, Snow Hill Post 94 was elected Department Commander for 2009/2010

Other Elections
Rev. Garey Gulledge (Post 327)-Chaplain
Larry Rozier (Post 530) Historian
Gaither Keener (Post 342) Judge Advocate

 

Legislative Day In Raleigh

Legislative Day in Raleigh May 13, 2009;
View album

 

National Guard Family Assistance Centers

State funding for the three National Guard Family Assistance Centers (FAC's) in Greensboro, Greenville and Lenoir is at risk.  The NC Senate has not included funding for these facilities in its two-year budget.  A concerted effort is being made with State Representatives to have the Centers placed in the House budget, at which point discussions between the Senate and House will take place to determine whether the Centers will be in the final, combined budget.  More than 5,000 soldiers and airmen will be deployed over the next 12 months, leaving thousands of family members spread throughout the state with assistance many hours away without the FAC's.  This will be exacerbated when the troops come  home given the present incidence of PTSD and TBI that combat troops are experiencing.

Please contact your State Representative(s) and request that funding for the FAC's be included in the House budget.  These Centers are vital to our Army and Air National Guardsmen and your assistance in helping to secure this funding is needed.  Our grassroots approach, with over 15,500 NCNGA members, will have an impact if you make the effort.

You can find the phone numbers and email addresses for all State Representatives at www.ncga.state.nc.us <http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/> .

North Carolina National Guard Association

Andrew L. Jackson

Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA)

Office: 1-800-621-4136 ex 6573

Com: 919-664-6573

Cell: 919-810-6412

Fax: 919-664-6312

 



 

District 9 Election Meeting
5/16/09

click here for Photos


 

Post 39, Greenville Legion Riders Run

On May 9th, 2009 the American Legion Riders from St.Cloud FLA. Post 80 rode up to Greenville NC, where they were met by Post 39 Legion Riders, for the Veteran4Veterans /Mothers Day run, where they donated money to the Give2theTroops in Greenville. They were met in Farmville and escorted by Police and post 39 riders. The day opened with posting of the colors and our National anthem, then Congressmen Walter B. Jones gave a wonderful speech about being a veteran and the support that the Legion riders have done for this occasion. There was food, drinks for the riders that rode in. We also had a 50/50 raffle, door prizes that included autographed guitars. There were commemorative tee-shirts for sale. After a day of fellowship, the riders headed to their hotels for a long needed rest. This was a multi-state American Legion event that showed a lot of support for our troops serving here at home and abroad. Plans are under way to make this an annual event. I just want to say thanks to all that have supported this run; you have done an outstanding job. Thank You.
Stan Wojcik
Riders Director
Post 39
Greenville, NC

click here for pictures of the run.

 

Proposed Committee Substitute H912-PCS70387-RK-28

A Bill to be entitled an act to encourage State and Local Government to use Military Veteran Contractors
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts;
http://nclegion.org/Alerts/H912v1-PCS70387.pdf/a>

 

Hold up in Maiden NC

Click on picture for larger view


(Maiden NC, May 2009). In an annual program that dates back to a time that the 1965 Mustang in the picture was still on the showroom floor, members of Post 240 raise funds for the Cancer Fund by doing a Hold-Up in the middle of town on the Saturday before Mothers Day. Picture at left is Post 240 Adjutant John Houser and Legionnaire Ron Keener receiving a friendly donation from a passerby. Center is long time Legionnaire Gerald Black working an adjacent road leading into town. Picture at right is John Houser and former local banker Steve Sims seen making a contribution. The monies collected are used to provide a $1000.00 donation by Post 240 to the Catawba County Relay for Life, held on the last weekend in May. In 2008, with the help of local churches and business sponsored Teams, the total donation made by Post 240 was over $6000.00.

 

2009 Tar Heel Boys State

Harley Gaddy, Program Instruction Staff, has announced that there are 212 registered delegates for the Boys State program as of this writing. The deadline has been extended past May 1, 2009. Applications are still being accepted.

 

Commander Mayhew's April 2009 Agenda

Commander's agenda

 

Senior Stimulus Funds on the Way

One-Time Payments of $250 for Social Security Beneficiaries

Earlier this year, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, otherwise known as the $787 billion stimulus bill, became law. Among its provisions are one-time payments to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. Nearly 55 million people who receive Social Security and SSI benefits will get a special one-time payment of $250.

If you are eligible, you should receive the one-time payment by late May or early June 2009. The payments will be automatic, so those receiving benefits do not need to take any action. The legislation also provides for a one-time payment to recipients of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits. However, if you receive Social Security or SSI benefits and also receive VA or RRB benefits, you will only receive one $250 payment. Social Security will send that payment.

In April, those eligible should have received an advance notice with further information about the one-time payment. I encourage you to visit www.socialsecurity.gov/payment for answers to frequently asked questions about the payments. Please also feel free to contact my office toll-free at 866-492-4835 for assistance.

Please know that I am committed to ensuring the needs of Americas senior citizens are met. The 5th District of Florida has more Social Security and Medicare recipients than any other congressional district in the United States so I am always on the lookout for ways to better serve my constituents. If you have any questions or suggestions, please email me or call my office.

Kevin Secor
Veterans Service Organizations Liaison
Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC
202-273-4836

 

Commander Mayhew's May 2009 Message

Commander's Message

 

North Carolinas newest SAL Squadron

Congratulations to the Detachment of North Carolinas newest Son's of the American Legion Squadron, Sandhills Squadron 72 out of Aberdeen Post 72. The squadron is 31 members strong as of 19 April, 2009. Pictured left to right, Sandhills Squadron 72, SAL Officers, Marty Nielsen, SQD Adjutant, Randy Harris, Dept of NC Detachment CDR, Marvin Ross, SQD Sgt @ Arms, Chris Van Der Meulen, SQD CDR, Rora Kellis, SQD 1st Vice, and Jerry Wilson, SQD Legion Advisor.
Submitted by;
Marty Nielsen
16th District Vice CDR
Click on picture for larger view



 

Link to VA Press Releases

Mr. Archie Barrow is our Department's "Homeless Veteran Task Force Chairman." He has been asked by our National Headquarters for any activities that our post are doing for the homeless veterans in our communities.

Please ask the posts to respond directly to Mr. Barrow.

 

Archie Barrow, Veterans Employment Consultant Supervisor

Employment Security Commission

2005-B  South Elm-Eugene Street

Greensboro, NC  27406

archie.barrow@ncmail.net

 



 

"I Got Five New for Mayhew" coins

Pictures of Commander Mayhew passing out three of his "I Got Five New for Mayhew" coins to Clint Thompson, James Ervin and Lou Cook.
Clint Thompson
James Ervin
Lou Cook

 

May Mailing

WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched its new "Returning Veterans" Web site -- www.oefoif.va.gov <http://www.oefoif.va.gov/>  -- to welcome home Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts with a social, Veteran-centric Web site focusing on their needs and questions.

 

"VA is entering the world of Web 2.0, because that's where this generation of Veterans is already communicating," said Dr. Gerald M.

Cross, VA's Principal Deputy Undersecretary for Health. "We're opening our doors to them virtually to let them know what they can expect when they step through our doors in reality."

 

The Web site will feature videos, Veteran stories, and a blog where Veterans are encouraged to post feedback.  The site also will restructure the traditional index-of-benefits format found on other VA pages into question-based, categorized, and easily navigated links by topic.  This will allow Veterans to find benefits of interest easily and discover related benefits as they explore.

 

"We hope our returning Veterans find this site easy and helpful, but also engaging," Dr. Cross said. "As the site grows, we will be linking to Veterans' blogs and highlighting more of their own stories from their own views.  We are their VA, so we are eager to provide a forum for Veterans to discuss their lives."

 



 

Lafayette, Ind., Senior Sweeps to Victory,
Earns $18K Scholarship In American Legion Oratorical Contest

INDIANAPOLIS (April 19, 2009) – A high school senior from Lafayette, Ind., capped a busy weekend of competition in Indianapolis by earning an $18,000 college scholarship and first place in The American Legion National High School Oratorical Scholarship Program – “A Constitutional Speech Contest.” His winning oration was titled “A More Perfect Union.”

Andrew Dykstal, who attends Aldersgate Academy, in Lafayette, started the weekend as one of 53 state or territorial champions in the 72nd annual contest. ” He advanced to the championship through three rounds of intense competition.

Caroline Heydinger, of Brattleboro, Vt.,  earned a $16,000 college scholarship with a second place finish, while Werner Ferrone, of  Homosassa, Fla, earned a $14,000 scholarship and finished third.  The scholarships account for a small portion of the roughly $3.5 million in post-secondary scholarships that The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans organization, awards annually.

In his speech, “A More Perfect Union,” Dykstal spoke of how the Constitution only works with an active, vigilant citizenry. “Unless the people are actively involved in pursuing the welfare of the nation, our government is like a bicycle without a competent rider; unstable and inclined to wander.”

Dykstal added, “Our nation’s founders designed our government to meet a specific set of objectives. Whether or not this government succeeds is dependent upon our conduct as citizens.” Dykstal concluded that the responsibilities of citizens complement those of government.

“Governments do what individuals cannot; individuals are expected to do what governments should not... The more personal responsibility we accept, the more personal virtue we exercise, the easier we make the task of governing.”

        In each round of the weekend competition, orators delivered a rehearsed 8- to 10-minute address and a randomly assigned 3- to 5-minute oration on a constitutional topic, each without the benefit of notes and in front of a live audience, including the judges.  The 2.6-million member American Legion developed the contest to encourage young people to improve their communications skills and to study the U.S. Constitution.

 



 

National Commander Riehbein Visits Lexington Post 8

Latest album addition to Department Albums-National Commander Riehbein vists Lexington Post 8.

Department Albums

 

Greensboro Historical Museum

 

 

Service and Sacrifice: Collecting Local Veteran's Stories

 

Throughout our nation's history, citizens have answered the country's call to arms.  The Greensboro Historical Museum wants to collect stories of Service and Sacrifice from local veterans in their own words.  These stories and accompanying images will be featured in an upcoming exhibition entitled, Voices of a City, Greensboro, North Carolina, scheduled to open in 2010.

 

All veterans from World War II through the current War on Terror are invited to participate in this project by telling their stories to the museum.  In addition to male veterans, the museum is interested in the women who served in or with the Armed Forces, or had experiences through organizations such as the United Service Organizations (USO), the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, or in defense related industry during the Second World War.

 

To learn more about this project, please contact Shawn Rogers at the Greensboro Historical Museum by phone at 333-6834 or by e-mail at shawn.rogers@greensboro-nc.gov.  To schedule an interview, please contact Roger Weigold at 327-9144 or by e-mail at rcwgw@msn.com.  In your e-mail, please type Veterans Stories in the subject line.

 

Randy L. Brown

Commander, District 14, American Legion Department of North Carolina

Commander, Post 619, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

(336) 870-2540 (Cell)

E-mail: vmi99usmc@yahoo.com

 




 

Live Internet Coverage of National Oratorical Finals
Sunday, April 19

TO ALL DEPARTMENTS: PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH MEMBERS OF YOUR DEPARTMENT

For the first time, the national finals of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program competition will be broadcast live on the Internet, Sunday morning, April 19, beginning at 10 a.m.

The three high school orators – who successfully emerge from quarter-final and semi-final competition with 50 other champions from each state and several overseas departments -- will vie for top honors before judges in Indianapolis to determine which of them receives the $18,000, $16,000 and $14,000 scholarships.

You can access the live video coverage via The American Legion National Headquarters web page and clicking on the oratorical icon at www.legion.org: or by going direct to http://legionvideo.youcastrsports.com/home.

Don’t miss it!

Joe March
Director of Public Relations
The American Legion National Hqs.
700 N. Pennsylvania
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Office: (317) 630-1253
Fax: (317) 630-1368
Cell: (317) 748-1926

 



 

North Carolina Post Locator

A new link (Post Locator) has been added to the home page that includes Post name, County, Post number, District, Address, Zip and Post phone numbers where available.
Post Locator

 

Legion Rider Membership Pony Express

Legion Riders of the 2009 Membership Pony Express at Legion Headquarters
Click on picture for larger view



 

Commander Mayhew's April 2009 Message

Commander's Message

 

Membership-The Sandhills Chapter Pony Express Ride

The Sandhills Chapter of the American Legion Riders led the way with the Pony Express to boost Legion membership in North Carolina. Nine members of the ALR for District 16 killed two birds with one big stone last Saturday. They not only rode nearly 300 miles through 4 Legion Districts to collect membership, but they also participated in the Patriot Ride to raise funds for the Fisher House on Fort Bragg. I started in Rockingham at 0630 with the temp at 40 degrees and meet the rest of the eight riders in Aberdeen for breakfast and we then headed for Spring Lake where the Fisher House Ride was to begin. From there we rode with some estimated to be over 150 riders to the State Capital for the monthly POW/MIA ceremony. We were able to participate in the ceremony by reading the names of the Forty Four names of those North Carolina service men and women that are still missing from the Vietnam War. I was honored to be asked to read some of the names, said Martin Nielsen, director of the Sandhills Chapter. Nielsen is recently retired US Navy veteran of 32 years living in Rockingham. Along with helping collect 120 plus memberships for department, we raised $220 for the Fisher House. THIS was a day well worth riding for.
Pictured left to right, standing back row, Dave Butler, Rora Kellis, Marty Nielsen, Ronnie Commer, Standing middle row, Helen Kellis, Kellie Dorman, Kneeling front row, Alan Johnson and Cordie Dorman.
Click on picture for larger view


Article and picture submitted by;Marty Nielsen

 

New Charter for Post 377 Rose Hill
(formerly Rose Hill-Wallace)

Lou Cook, District 7 Commander presenting a new charter to Post 377 Rose Hill (formerly Rose Hill - Wallace).
Click on picture for larger view



 

Membership-Pony Express Ride

The Pony Express Ride (Hickory Post 48) for the 22nd and 24th Districts. from left to right Doc Reott, Wally Higgins (Post 208), Bill Richard (Dist 22 Comm), Joe Somolik (Dist. 24 Comm.), Tony Sherrill, Post 23), Legion Rider (Post 208) , Department Commander, Jim Mayhew..
Click on picture for larger view



 

Membership-Legion Riders Express Effort

Lou Cook, District 7 Commander turns in membership (18 of them) to the Legion Riders as they passed through Goldsboro today. This chapter is out of Greenville and hit Jacksonville before stopping in Goldsboro and were headed to Wilson next. District 7 Vice Commander James Moore was also in the picture far left, second row.
Click on picture for larger view



 

Commander Mayhew's April 2009 Agenda

Commander's agenda

 

48th Annual NC National Guard Associations Convention

Click on picture for larger view


The above three pictures show Department Commander Mayhew and NCNGA President Steven Johnson signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between our two groups. The second picture is of Commander Mayhew Speaking to the NCNGA Convention. The final picture is of General Ingram and Commander Mayhew as the General visited our information booth.
Ashville final article

 

Washington Legislative Trip

The Department Historian, Larry Rozier placed additional pictures on the Washington Legislative Trip.
view album

 

Pull Tabs Collected at Mid-Winter Conference
By The Post

Complete list of Post pull tab turned in at the Mid-Winter Conference;
pull tabs listed by post

 

Consolidated Post Report

National has updated the Post Consolidation Report;
Cover Sheet
Consolidated Post Report (fill able)

 

April Monthly Mailing

President Obama, after an uproar by veterans groups, has scrapped a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs for the treatment of troops injured in service.
Fox News Report

 

Wilmington Post 10 Birthday Dinner

Pictures of Post 10s Legion Birthday Dinner, March 18, 2009.
album

 

I got five for Mayhew



While visiting Maiden Post 240 and enjoying a fine dinner prepared by the Post 240 Auxiliary in celebration of The American Legions 90th Birthday Department Commander James Mayhew takes time to present a special award to PDC Michael Reott, Vice-Chairman of the Department of North Carolinas Membership Committee.

In the picture above, Commander Mayhew presents PDC Reott with the Commanders membership coin, the I Got Five New for Mayhew. PDC Reott's coin was number 14 in the series. At the start of the year Commander Mayhew designed a coin for any Legionnaire that recruits 5 new members. During the Mid-winter Conference Commander Mayhew challenged all members of the Department Membership Committee to lead by example and earn an I Got Five New for Mayhew coin.

While presenting the coin to PDC Reott, Commander Mayhew requested that PDC Reott help to reissue the challenge not only to the other members of the Membership Committee but to the other PDC's as well. Post 240's Adjutant John Houser Jr., himself a Past Department Commander from 1982-1983, spoke out that he was working on his new members and will be submitting the paperwork shortly.

To those members of Maiden Post 240 in attendance Department Commander Mayhew requested that they renew their individual efforts to get 5 new members and support this membership effort. PDC Reott promised Commander Mayhew that he would be sure that the Commander's challenge get out to not only the other members on the Membership Committee but also North Carolina's PDCs along with all of the other Department go-getters and the Blue Capped Legionnaires of the Department of North Carolina.

Link here to obtain the form needed to confirm the members and submit for the coin

 

Brothers at War Movie

Brothers at War movie was showed in Fayetteville and Jacksonville March 14-15, 2009.
attending movie in Fayetteville, NC

 

The American Legion Strongly Opposed to Presidents Plan
to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment

WASHINGTON, DC  MARCH 16, 2009  The leader of the nations largest veterans organization says he is deeply disappointed and concerned after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases.
read complete news release

 

Consolidated Post Report

Fill able Consolidated Post report has been placed on the Forms page.
fill able report

 

Washington Conference

Pictures of the Legislative trip to the Washington Conference.
album

 

2009 Department Oratorical Contest

View pictures of the State Oratorical Contest held on Saturday, March 7, 2009 and hosted by Gastonia Post 23. Each Division was represented by an excellent contestant
view pictures of the contest

 

Department Division/District Meetings Updated

The Department District/Division Meeting Schedule is updated.
click here for schedule

 

Extreme Makeover

Click on picture for larger view

NC American Legion Department Commander Jim Mayhew (L)presenting a check to Annie Overton, representing John Norris of Edenton Home Builders (C)and EC Toppin, Post 40 (R).
news release

 

3rd Annual Liberty American Legion Post 81
Golf Classic

Sandy Creek Golf Club
5454 Whites Chapel Rd., Staley, N.C.
(off 49 S toward Ramseur from 421 in Liberty)
Saturday June 06, 2009
Fundraiser for American Legion Programs
information and registration form

 

Congressman McHenry Announces
$33,250 Homeland Security Grant

Today, Congressman Patrick McHenry announced the awarding of a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant in the amount of $33,250 to a local fire department in the Tenth Congressional District.
grant

 

NC Partially Disabled Veterans Free License Plates
Bill 346 in NC Legislature

NC House has a Bill: "Bill 346 Partially Disabled Veterans/FreePlates/Parking" which would provide (if passed?) free special license plates in North Carolina for Partially Disabled Veterans.
Bill 346

 

Senate Bill 298

This bill has been introduced by Sen. Neal Hunt and it is currently in Senate Finance.  As you may know, the father of the family for the build is a Gulf War  veteran and former Army medic.  This bill is very important to him as he is a strong advocate for veterans rights and we are trying to help him push it through the North Carolina General Assembly.  In our opinion, this is a great way to honor a true hero who has fought hard for veteran's rights and there is no group better to help with this effort rather than the American Legion.  

 

Could you please help create some activity with some of your members to help push for passage of this legislation?  

 

Specifically, we would like for your members to contact Sen. Hunt directly to urge him to push for enactment of this bill: 919-733-5850 or email him: neal.hunt@ncleg.net or have them contact Sen. David Hoyle directly: 919-733-5734 or email him: david.hoyle@ncleg.net.  

 

Hoyle is Chairman of Senate Finance so lobbying him directly to move the bill in committee would be very helpful.

 

Thank you in advance for your help and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide additional information.

 

Thanks,

 

Albert Eckel

 

 

 


link to the bill

 

4th Annual Veterans and Reservists
Golf Clasic

The Tradition Golf Course, FREE For Members of all Military Branches.
Registration: April 1, 2009 thru June 12, 2009
Registration Deadline: June 12, 2009
Advance registration required for Individual or Team.
click for flyer

 

Department Oratorical Contest

Click on pictures to enlarge

The State Oratorical Contest was held on Saturday, March 7, 2009 and was hosted by Gastonia Post 23. Each Division was represented by an excellent contestant
Commander Mayhew and 1st place winner Rebecca Pham, a high school junior who attends the N.C. School of Science and Math. If Rebecca looks familiar, she was the 1st place winner in the 2008 State Oratorical Contest

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. L-R: Department Commander James Mayhew, 1st place Rebecca Pham, Division IV; 2nd place Lindsay Rosenfeld, Division V and Keifer Wynn, Division III


 

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

USDVA Regional Office

1-800-827-1000

February 2009

The President recently signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

This Act provides for the one-time payment from the U.S. Treasury of $250.00 to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or adults receiving Social Security benefits, VA compensation and pension benefits, and Railroad Retirement benefits.  We anticipate that the $250.00 payment will be issued in June 2009.  No action will be needed by you to receive this one-time payment.

VA will issue the payment separately and it will NOT be included in your regular C&P benefit payment.  VA will send the payment to you in the same way you receive your current VA benefit, whether by direct deposit or mail.

The economic recovery legislation also provides for a one-time payment to beneficiaries of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). However, if you currently receive benefits from Social Security and/or SSI, and you also receive VA and/or RRB benefits, you will receive only one $250 payment.

 

Andrew Jackson

Transition Assistance Advisor

(TAA)North Carolina National Guard

Office: 1-800-621-4136 ex 6573

Com: 919-664-6573 

Cell: 919-810-6412

Fax: 919-664-6312



 

Pull-Tab Update

Just got the call from TT&E!

Pop Tab totals (after all the metal was removed and all boxes, bags...were thrown away) for the 2009 American Legion Conference:

5,782 pounds!!

RMHD will get a check this week for:

$2,023.70!

Thank you to everyone who collects and recycles those wonderful little PopTabs!!

 

David

 



 

Veterans Day in Raleigh

Please make plans to attend the Day at the Legislative Building sponsored by the N.C. Veterans Council on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. We will assemble in a courtyard starting around 8:00 AM supplying coffee and donuts to everyone. Each veterans Organization will have a display table along with visits to our respective representatives to talk about issues and pending bills involving military personnel, veterans and their families

Please make your plans for this date.

 

Department Bookkeeper

If you did not have the pleasure of meeting our new Bookkeeper during the Mid-Winter Conference, she is Sheila Dean and began January 5, 2009.


 

District 5 Commander

District 5 Vice Commander Robert Ferrell, Post 138 Roxboro, moved up to District 5 Commander. He was sworn in at the Mid-Winter Conference.


 

DNA Site Updated

latest updates to DNA site


 

March/April Legion News on line

The March/April Legion News is on line for your viewing.
click here for links to Legion News.

 

Pictures of the Mid-Winter Conference
February 21-22

The Department Historian, Larry Rozier has contributed pictures he took from the Mid-Winter Conference.
They are included in the album below.
Click here to view the Conference Album

 

Post Roster

Post Roster of Commanders and Adjutants has been updated. If your post is not in bold, information has not been updated for 2008.2009. click for roster

 

2009 ASA Challenge Series Schedule

May 17th Milwaukee Mile West Allis, WI
June 13th O'Reilly Raceway Park Indianapolis, IN
*July 4th Rockingham Raceway Rockingham, NC
July 18th Salem Speedway Salem, IN
August 1st Bristol Motors Speedway Bristol, TN
August 15th Nashville Super Speedway Nashville, TN
September 12th Gateway International Raceway St. Louis, MO
September 19th Iowa Speedway Newton, IA
November 7th Memphis Motorsports Park Memphis, TN

 

09 Mid-Winter Conference Awards

News Media Awards went to;
1st place-Waynesville Post 47 nomination
2nd place-Kinston Post 43 nomination
3rd place-Franklin Post 108 nomination

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Jeff Clark, Newport, NC sponsored by Morehead City Post 46

Drug and Alcohol Scrapbook
Edenton Post 40.

JROTC-NCO Instructor-SFC Harry L Sheppard sponsored by Greensboro Post 386

JROTC-Oficer Instructor-L/Col Georg A Nelson sponsored by Edenton Post 40

Scouter of the Year-Warren Miller sponsored by Greensboro Post 386

Boy Scout Troop of the Year-Troop 109, Greensboro sponsored by Greensboro Post 386

Cub Pack of the Year- Pack 409 sponsored by King Post 290

Venture Crew of the Year- Sea Scout Ship 758 sponsored by Asheville Post 2

Cubmaster of the Year- Richard Holmes sponsored by Kinston Post 43

Scoutmaster of the Year- Randall Barnett sponsored by Asheville Post 2

 

09 Mid-Winter Conference Pull-Tabs Collected

5,631 plus pull tabs were collected at the Mid-Winter Conference. This is the largest amount of tabs turned in at any conference.

 

March 09 Mailing

The monthly mailing for March 09, includes;

March 09 Bulletin
Department meeting schedule

 

THE AMERICAN LEGION GUIDE TO
VETERANS EDUCATION BENEFITS

THIS INFO WILL HELP TO ANSWER THE OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT HAS THE LEGION DONE FOR MY WAR ERA VETERANS GROUP? WHAT CAN IT DO FOR ME? THIS INFORMATION SHOWS THEM WHAT THE AMERICAN LEGION HAS DONE NOT ONLY FOR THEM, BUT FOR THEIR PARENTS AND THEIR GRANDPARENTS.

GI Bill pamphlet


 

Legislative Priority Sheet

view priority sheet


 

W. Dudley Robbins Highway Dedication

February 17, 2009 at 11:00 AM a portion of Penderlea Highway in Burgaw, NC was dedicated to American Legion Past Department Commander, W. Dudley Robbins.

L-R Marty, Jimbo, Reds and Bill Robbins uncovering the sign.

view pictures of ceremony.

 

Division II Oratorical Contest

Division II Oratorical Contest Winner held Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.
L-R: Barbara Rogers Laurinburg NC, District #10, Daniel Nelson, Goldsboro NC, District #7, Anthony Borg, Charlotte, NC, District #8, Diego Camposeco, Burgaw NC, District #9. A. David Jones, Harkers Island, NC, District #6,



Commander Jim Mayhew and A. David Jones.



view pictures of contest.

 

Division III Oratorical Contest

Division III Oratorical Contest Winner held Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009.
L-R: Division III Commander Hugh Conner, Keifer Wynn, and District 11 Commander Patricia Harris.



 

The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency
Act of 2009

View legislation

 

Immigration Reformers and Concerned Citizens

I will be speaking at the public forum portion of the Chatham County Commissioners meeting on Monday, Feb 16th to press for Chatham County to reverse its decision and choose to enroll in the 287g program to use local law enforcement to assist in immigration enforcement.   The meeting will be at the Superior Courthouse Building at 1 Courthouse Circle in Pittsboro [N.C.].  The meeting starts at 6pm. 

Please attend if you are in or in the surrounding counties of Chatham County.  Thanks.

Regards,

Ron Woodard

Director

NC LISTEN

www.nclisten.com 

 



 

Purple Heart Cermony


Specialist Zachary W Carpino, a wounded solider serving in Iraq receives the Purple Heart award at a well attended ceremony hosted by Wilmington Post 10, February 7, 2009
Lt. General James Lee, U S Army Ret. made the presentation.
view photo album of ceremony

 

I got five for Mayhew



Commander James Mayhew presents a I got five for Mayhew coin to Ellis Wheeler, Post 165 Adjutant, at the District 9 Meeting hosted by Wilmington Post 10, February 7, 2009. This year Cmdr. Mayhew has offered an incentive to all legionnaires for signing up 5 new members, his I got five for Mayhew Coin. Sign up five new members, complete this form and send to headquarters to receive yours.

 

American Legion Tar Heel Boys State program

If you are interested in sponsoring a young man to the American Legion Tar Heel Boys State program for 2009 and need information about the program or how to get started with finding young men to go, please contact the Program Coordinator Christopher Byrd at tarheelboysstate@yahoo.com and visit the website at http://www.ncboysstate.org. We can prepare information packets to send to you about the program.
Thanks

Christopher Byrd
Program Coordinator
American Legion Tar Heel Boys State


 

TAR HEEL BOYS' STATE PROGRAM

Did you live or work at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in 1987 or before? If so, please register online with the Marine Corps. In the early 1980s, two solvents - both unregulated at the time - were found in two water systems serving the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point areas: TCE (trichloroethylene) and PCE (perchloroethylene). Certain drinking-water wells were identified as the source of the chemicals, and were taken out of service in 1984 and 1985.
READ MORE



 

Illegal immigrants will be deported from North Carolina

Hundreds more illegal immigrants will be deported from North Carolina this year, as five new counties begin working with federal immigration agents.

North Carolina already has a reputation for being among the nation's most aggressive states in rooting out illegal immigrants in its jails. Eight counties helped deport more than 3,100 inmates last year. complete article........

 

VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network

A message from:

VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network

 

 

Dear Veteran:

 

The VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network cares about you and your health.   We want you to know about an important tool that’s available to you. It’s My HealtheVet, an online Personal Health Record just for you.

 

On this site you can monitor your vital signs, fill your prescriptions, track your diet and exercise, graph your health readings, record your family’s medical history and much more!

 

We hope you will visit www.myhealth.va.gov to learn more.  If you have questions, please contact your local VA facility which will be glad to assist you.

 

Thank you for allowing us to provide for your health care needs.

 



 

NORTH CAROLINA STUDENT TROOPER PROGRAM

A renewal form has been made available for your convenience to help with renewals;
Click here to download form

 

Commander Mayhew's January 2009 Bits and Pieces

Commander's Message

 

District 9 Oratorical Contest



L to R, James Brown, District 9 CDR, Diego Campeseco, Pender Early College High School, Andrew Pfeil, District 9 Oratorical Chairman and District 9 Vice. CDR and Lonnie Hutchison, Post 165 CDR.

 

Salmonella Contaminated Peanut Butter



L to R, Rora Kellis, District 16 CDR and Aberdeen Post 72 CDR, Meredith Potter, Pinecrest High School and District 16 Oratorical Winner from Post 350 Pinehurst, NC and Martin Nielsen, District 16 Vice CDR and Oratorical Chairman. Meredith is the Pinecrest HS Senior Student Body President and current Miss Teen North Carolina. She is the daughter of Retired Army Warrant Officer (CW3) Andy Potter and Robyn Potter.

 

District 11 Oratorical Contest

L-R: Department Commander Jim Mayhew, 2nd place runner up Jimmy Dostor represented Swift Creek Post 530, District 11 Commander Patricia Harris, and 1st place winner Keifer Wynn represented Raleigh Post 1.





 

The Cost of Illegal Immigration on North Carolina

     

 WBTV (NC)            
By Tom Roussey

CHARLOTTE, NC - A new study says that illegal immigration is costing North Carolina taxpayers over a billion dollars a year.

The study was done by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).  It found that illegal immigration has a net cost of $1.1 billion dollars a year.  That comes out to $321 a year paid by every non-illegal immigrant household.

The study looked at three factors:

  --  the cost paid by the state for health care for uninsured illegal immigrants ($209 million/year)

  --  the cost of keeping illegal immigrants in prison ($49 million/year)

  --  the cost of educating children who are either illegal themselves or have illegal parents ($975 million/year)

Right now the state of North Carolina has a budget shortfall of over $2 billion dollars, and study author Jack Martin says cracking down on illegal immigration would take a big bite out of that.

Tthe budget would be closer to being in balance if it were not for this very large problem," Martin told us by phone from Washington.

But Charlotte's Latin American Coalition questions the findings of FAIR's study.

"This study is flawed," said advocacy coordinator Ruben Campillo.  "I think that there are many other benefits that immigrants bring to the economy...that are not being accounted for.

"If you were to remove the undocumented population from the state, it would not significantly impact our budget overall."

Campillo takes issue with the study in part because some U.S. citizens are counted as contributing to the costs of illegal immigration.

The U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants are by law citizens of the United States, but were included in the study anyway.

Campillo doesn't think they should have been, but Martin says since the parents were illegally in the country, he considers what the state pays for their children to be fair game for his study.

Jack Martin says the feds require states to pay many immigration-related costs, so there's really only one way to get those costs down.

"The only way that the state can effectively work to reduce this cost to the taxpayer is to work to reduce the size of the illegal immigrant population," he said.

He says the 287g program used in many North Carolina counties is a start.  It gives local authorities federal immigration powers.

But Martin says the state needs to do a better job of cracking down on those who employ illegals.  He says if illegal immigrants couldn't find anyone to hire them they'd quickly leave the state.

But Campillo favors a different approach.

"I think that what's important here is not the numbers that we're looking at, but the need to address this issue at the federal level," he said.  "I think we can both agree -- regardless of where you stand on the issue of immigration -- that it needs to be addressed."

 



 

VA to provide glasses and hearing aids
to those who are not service connected

VA HEARING AIDS/EYEGLASSES UPDATE 01:   A new directive allows VA to provide glasses and hearing aids to those who are not service connected for those conditions (Priority Groups 6-8).  In the past these were available only to those service connected for the condition.  These services are now considered part of the preventative care package for all veterans enrolled in the VA who meet certain criteria.  The link http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1789 <http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1789>    outlines the requirements for obtaining eye glasses and hearing aids. Veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system are eligible for battery replacement and repair of hearing aids even though those aids were purchased from a private source.  Even though glasses and hearing aids may be provided at no charge, there may be a co-pay required for those in group 6-8. Audiology is a specialty clinic with a $50 dollar co-pay for some services. There is no co-pay for the devices or the batteries. Nor are there any charges for visits for the purpose of adjusting, repairing or modifying hearing aids. [Source: VHA DIRECTIVE 2008-070 dtd 28 Oct 08 ++]


Flyer
Registeration
Items Needed

 

SAL Transmittal Form

A printable SAL Transmittal form has been placed on the Forms page


Disney Parks Celebrate U.S. Military

Press Release

Armed Forces Salute

 

Swearing in of Congressman Larry Kissell

Carlton Hawkins, Commander of American Legion Post 147 and 8th Congressional District Liaison for the National American Legion; Jeff Joyner, NC American Legion Legislative Commission Chairman and National Vice Chairman of the Legislative Committee of the American Legion attended the public swearing in of Congressman Larry Kissell at Biscoe on Friday, January 16. Hawkins and Joyner also met briefly with Congressman Kissell to discuss veterans affairs at the upcoming Washington Conference in March.



 

Psychological Health

Psychological Health, Traumatic Brain Injury Outreach Center Opens

             The Department of Defense today announced the opening of a 24-hour outreach center to provide information and referrals to military service members, veterans, their families and others with questions about psychological health and traumatic brain injury.

             The new center, which is operated by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE), can be contacted around the clock, 365 days a year, by phone at (866) 966-1020andby e-mail at resources@dcoeoutreach.org .

            "We're providing 24/7 support to assist callers with questions regarding psychological health and traumatic brain injury," said Brig. Gen. Loree K. Sutton, M.D., director of DCoE. "Getting the best possible information and tools, hassle-free, will empower and strengthen warriors and their families to successfully manage what can be confusing and disturbing circumstances." 

            The center can address everything from routine requests for information about psychological health and traumatic brain injury, to questions about symptoms a caller is having, to helping callers find appropriate health care resources. 

             DCoE promotes resilience, recovery and reintegration of service members facing psychological health and traumatic brain injury issues, and works to advance research, education, diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. 

            "If we need to research a question, we'll do the legwork and quickly reconnect with callers," Sutton said. "We welcome feedback on how we can better meet the needs of those we are so privileged to serve." 

            The DCoE outreach center is staffed by behavioral health consultants and nurses, most with master's degrees.  In addition to answering questions, staffers refer callers to contact centers in other parts of the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, and outside organizations when appropriate.  Other contact centers also refer callers to the DCoE outreach center. 

            The center serves members, leaders and healthcare providers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserve and all uniformed services, along with veterans of all the services.  The families of service members and of veterans are also served by the new center. 

            More information is available at http://www.dcoe.health.mil

U.S. Department of Defense

Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

On the Web: http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/

Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132

Public Contact: http://www.defenselink.mil/faq/comment.html or +1 (703)

428-0711 +1

 



 

Pop Top Tabs

I wanted to pass along some great news regarding those little aluminum pop tabs that we save for RMHD.

The total for 2008 is......

$23,680.63 !!!!

Thank each and everyone of you so much for saving your trash for our families. The worry of "How am I going to pay for a place to stay while my child is in the hospital" just got a whole lot easier for a bunch of families!!! Please thank everyone that picks these up off the street, pauses at a trash can to pull a couple of tabs, ask their friends and families for what some call aluminum, I am sure our families call "GOLD"!! Please thank your churches, schools, bars (yes a few of these tabs might have come from beer cans!) family and friends for supporting the Ronald McDonald House of Durham. IF the economy improves I would love to exceed $30,000.00 in 2009. Hey - you have to have goals!

And if anybody was wondering... YES the AMERICAN LEGION POSTS of N.C. were responsible for over half of the total dollar amount - $12,650.65 !!!! THANK YOU!!

 

David "Tabs" Knobeloch

 



 

Nursing

If you know of anyone between 18-28 years old, interested in the Nursing field, University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is offering FREE tuition, FREE books, a $250 monthly stipend, and guaranteed job placement as a nurse at Providence Hospital upon graduation (it's a 3 year program) with a starting salary of $40,000. The program is recruiting new students now!! Please contact Ms. Beshon Smith (202) 266-5481 or email Bsmith@urbanalliance.org

 

Vietnam War Resources

Interesting and informative Vietnam website

click here for website

 

Lou Cook Announces Candidacy for Department Commander



Lou Cook, Post 94, Snow Hill has announced his candidacy for 2009/2010 North Carolina Department Commander.

view brouchure; click here.

 

Military Health Care Under Attack (Again)

Once again, Military Health Care is under attack:  Every two years, the Congressional Budget Office presents daring options for Congress and the executive branch to weigh in trying to control federal spending.  The latest report, “Budget Options, Volume 1: Health Care,” was released December 2008, offers some bad news for those participating in Military Health Services.  While these options are not mandatory, national health care is an Obama policy priority, so the money must be found somewhere.

Option 95: Fees for active duty families

Dependents of active duty members enrolled in Tricare Prime, the managed care network, would pay new fees equal to 10 percent of the cost of health services obtained either in military treatment facilities or through civilian network providers.  Total out of pocket costs would be capped.

To help offset these costs, dependents would receive a $500 non-taxable allowance annually.  Those who elect to use alternative health insurance, not Tricare, could apply the $500 toward their health insurance premiums, co-payments or deductibles.

Those not opting for Prime would still incur the higher deductables, coinsurances, and copays of Extra and Standards.

Currently, Military Treatment Facilities (MTF) do not charge active duty family members and retirees copayments for medical services or pharmaceuticals.  This could change.

CBO estimates these fees would save $7 billion over 10 years and encourage Prime enrollees to “use medical services prudently.”  It also would entice more spouses to enroll in employer-provided health plans instead of Tricare.  The downside, CBO said, would be financial difficulties for some Prime enrollees despite the cap on out-of-pocket costs.  Also, CBO said, spouses induced to rely on employer health plans could see health coverage interrupted during military assignment relocations.

Option 97: Tricare for working-age retirees

Fees, co-payments and deductibles would be raised for retirees under 62 to restore the relative costs paid when Tricare began in 1995.  Tricare Prime enrollment would increase from $230/year to $550/year.  Retiree family costs would increase from $460/years to $1,100/year.  Co-pays for doctor visits would increase from $12 to $28 and users of Tricare Standard and Extra would pay an annual deductible of $350/individual and $700/family.  This option presents a possible savings of $25 billion over 10 years.  Congress has declined to support such increases for the past three years.

Option 96: Tricare-For-Life fees

The military’s health insurance supplement to Medicare could see higher user costs.  Under this option, TFL would not cover the first $525 of yearly Medicare and would limit to 50% of the next $4,725 of Medicare costs.  Thus extra out-of-pocket costs for TFL users would increase to $2,887.50/year.  This amount would be indexed to rise with Medicare costs.  The change would save $40 billion over 10 years.  But CBO conceded that such increases might discourage some patients from seeking preventive care or proper management of chronic conditions.  So it could negatively affect some patients’ health.



 

Pop Tabs Collected in 2008

These totals are from the 3 American Legion Meetings in Raleigh in 2008. Please note that they will differ from the American Legion totals because the tonnage does not include all the boxes, bags, jars, trash....

Thank you so much for supporting the Ronald McDonald House of Durham!!

16,441 pounds of pop tabs!!

$12,650.65 for our Families!!!

As soon as I get the 2008 pop tab total (American Legion and RMHD) I will forward that as well.

 

Just for comparison:

2007 totals from the American Legion:

19,432 pounds!!

$11,707.82

 



 

VA Launches Partnership for NGO Outreach

Peake: VA Tapping the Power of Communities

 

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a new partnership to help non-government organizations (NGOs) plan, improve and carry out their own programs on behalf of veterans, their families and their survivors.

 

"VA has a track record of success in working with non-profit groups and businesses that have their own programs for veterans, but we can do more" said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "By tapping into the power and resources of NGOs, we can ensure more veterans, families and survivors receive not only VA services, but also other assistance in their own communities."

 

Under the new NGO Gateway Initiative, launched today with the Veterans Coalition Inc., a non-profit organization formed more than two years ago by several major national veterans groups, the Veterans Coalition is available to assist NGOs in identifying the unmet needs of veterans, families and survivors, working with VA to help minimize duplication of effort and confusion among NGOs with programs for veterans.  In addition, the program will encourage continuous feedback from NGOs on issues such as physical and mental health, employment, and satisfaction with government services and benefits affecting veterans.

 

"The Veterans Coalition is dedicated to marshalling energy and resources from all communities to better serve service members, veterans and their families", said Harry Walters, chairman of the Veterans Coalition and former administrator of the Veterans Administration. "Together we can do a better job than any of us can do alone."

 

VA will provide a senior-level, career federal employee to serve as an ombudsman to assist NGOs with their programs to serve veterans.  To ensure a cooperative relationship, VA's deputy secretary will serve as a non-voting advisory liaison to the group's board of directors.

 

VA has a long tradition of working with national veterans service organizations on programs benefitting all veterans.  VA also has had close relationships with private-sector groups, churches, charities and other non-profit organizations that provide housing for homeless veterans.  This new gateway initiative is one more way to extend services to our veterans.

 



 

Changes in veterans benefits

Lynchburg News & Advance (VA)

By Donald Mustard

Here are some highlights of recent changes to veterans’ benefits.

Last fall, President Bush signed the FY2009 Defense Appropriations Act to fund programs authorized in the FY2009 Defense Authorization Act.

These two acts are now law and include several significant changes in benefits for the active duty military, reserves, National Guard, military retirees and veterans.  Some of the changes affecting retirees and veterans follow.

The cost of living adjustment (COLA).  The COLA was increased to 5.8 percent, effective Dec. 1, and was to have been included in the Jan. 1 checks.  This COLA increase will also include benefits received from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans’ and survivor’s pension and compensation, military retirement annuity, and Social Security benefits. 

Medicare announced in late September the basic Part B premium and annual deductible will stay at $96.40, the 2008 rate. 

In a change to regulations on Sept. 30, VA announced that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is now designated as service-connected. If a veteran has this disease, he or she should get in touch with a veterans service officer for details.

Also in late September, VA announced changes to its schedule for rating disabilities for traumatic brain injury (TBI).  The new rules base TBI ratings on the degree of cognitive impairment and other residual effects of TBI. 

On Oct. 13, President Bush signed two veterans’ related bills into law. The Veterans Mental Health and Other Care improvements Act of 2008 and the Veterans Benefits Improvements Act of 2008. 

Some of the highlights of the mental health bill were to conduct research into post-traumatic disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders through the National Center for PTSD, and to provide mental health care, including counseling, for families of veterans. 

The Veterans Benefit Improvement Act included among other items establishing an Office of Survivors Assistance within VA, redeveloping the certification exam for VA claims processors, and requiring an evaluation of the training and quality assurance program. 

In an Oct. 24 news release, VA announced an enhanced mortgage option now available for veterans with conventional home loans.  The changes will allow VA to assist a substantial number of veterans with subprime mortgages to refinance into a safer, more affordable, VA-guaranteed loan. Veterans who wish to refinance their mortgages may now do so for up to 100 percent of the value of the property.
It was also reported that VA’s authority to guarantee adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) and hybrid ARMS was extended under this new law through Sept. 30, 2012. 

For the last 13 years, congress has failed to pass the VA health care funding bill on time, but not this year. Breaking with a bad tradition, Congress adopted a substantial increase in veterans’ program funding and saw it signed into law by the President on Sept. 30.  The VA funding bill includes:

—VA Medical Services: $30.97 billion, including funds to start enrolling more means tested veterans known as “priority group eight” veterans in VA care; $3.8 billion for more mental health services; $584 million for substance abuse programs; and $250 million for new generation prosthetics for wounded warriors. 
—VA is authorized to hire 2,000 additional employees to reduce the staggering backlog of claims.
—Information Technology: $2.5 billion for needs at medical facilities

Now would be a good time for you to join or to renew your membership in a veteran’s service organization, as the magazines cover benefits such as those listed above and are well-worth the membership dues. 

 



 

ACLU files suit to allow counter-recruiting

NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. — The ACLU is suing a North Carolina school system it says has denied access to a pacifist who wants to talk to students about alternatives to the military.

The Winston-Salem Journal reported that Sally Ferrell represents North Carolina Peace Action and says Wilkes County Schools haven’t allowed her to present her message, even though military recruiters get time with students.

Ferrell wants to recruit for such groups as AmeriCorps while also presenting information that might convince students not to choose the military.

School attorney Fred Johnson says the policy provides equal access for presentations to students. Wilkes County Schools Superintendent Stephen Laws says the school’s policy doesn’t allow a recruiter to criticize other groups.

Laws and Johnson say the school system will defend its policy.



 

VA Assisting Veterans with Health Care Costs

WASHINGTON -- For veterans struggling financially due to a job loss or decreased income, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers an assortment of programs that can relieve the costs of health care or provide care at no cost. 

 

"With the downturn in the economy, VA recognizes that many veterans will feel the effects," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "Therefore, it is important that eligible veterans learn of the many ways VA has to help them afford the health care they have earned."

 

Veterans whose previous income was ruled too high for VA health care may be able to enter the VA system based upon a hardship if their current year's income is projected to fall below federal income thresholds due to a job loss, separation from service or some other financial setback.  Veterans determined eligible due to hardship can avoid copays applied to higher-income veterans.  Qualifying veterans may be eligible for enrollment and receive health care at no cost. 

 

Also eligible for no-cost VA care are most veterans who recently returned from a combat zone.  They are entitled to five years of free VA care.  The five-year "clock" begins with their discharge from the military, not their departure from the combat zone.

 

Each VA medical center across the country has an enrollment coordinator available to provide veterans information about these programs.  Veterans may also contact VA's Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222 VETS (8387) or visit the VA health eligibility website at www.va.gov/healtheligibility.

 



 

IRS Begins Tax Season 2009 with Steps to Help Financially
Distressed Taxpayers; Promotes Credits, e-File Options

I hope these tax tips from the IRS will be beneficial to our members. Frank

click for tax tips

 

Good info about Operation Homefront

POC is Charlotte Merriam, Client Services Manager, Operation Homefront, at 210-659-7756. You may find further information regarding Operation Homefront at www.operationhomefront.net or www.homefrontonline.com.

Subject: Application for Operation Homefront Assistance (UNCLASSIFIED)

  Good morning MEDCOM Staff:

I am forwarding the following announcement from Operation Homefront for the interest of HQ, MEDCOM.

Any wounded warrior may qualify for Wal-Mart gift cards for food/gas through Jan. 15th via  grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation. Attached is an Operation Homefront one page application for assistance. POC is Charlotte Merriam, Client Services Manager, Operation Homefront, at 210-659-7756. You may find further information regarding Operation Homefront at www.operationhomefront.net or www.homefrontonline.com.

I remind DoD personnel and their families considered to be "Covered DoD Service members" under DoD 5500.7-R (Joint Ethics Regulation), 3-400, that they are permitted to accept unsolicited gifts from a non-Federal source, such as Operation Homefront, as long as the gift is:

(1)     Not offered by a foreign government;

(2)     Not accepted in return for being influenced in the performance

of official duties;

(3)     Not accepted in violation of any other statute (such as bribery

and compensation from other sources for performing Federal duties); and

(4)     Does not have an aggregate market value over $335 from one

source on any particular occasion, or $1,000 from one source in a calendar year.

If the gift has an aggregate market value over $335, or you have received $1,000 or more from Operation Homefront in the calendar year, please contact the MEDCOM Office of The Staff Judge Advocate (POC CPT Ean P. White at

221-8400) for a written ethics opinion. Please remember that JER 3-400 is the standard for acceptance by DoD personnel, not the donor's criteria for the gift.

http://nclegion.org/2008-09/assistanceapplication.pdf  (Assistance Application)



 

Scholarships in North Carolina

The North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs is reminding high school seniors of the ongoing state scholarship program for children of certain disabled, deceased or POW/MIA veterans. The scholarships are awarded for four academic years and must be used at state-operated schools in North Carolina. For more information, visit the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs website, contact local County Veterans Service Officer in North Carolina or write the write to the Assistant Secretary for Veterans Affairs, North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs, 1315 Mail Service Center, Albemarle Building, Suite 1065, Raleigh, NC 27699-1315.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today

 



 

Some Veterans to See Another Travel Reimbursement Increase

WASHINGTON - Service-disabled and low-income veterans who are reimbursed for travel expenses while receiving care at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities will see an increase in their payments beginning January 9. 

 

A recently passed law allows VA to cut the amount it must withhold from their mileage reimbursement.  The deductible amount will be $3 for each one-way trip and $6 for each round trip -- with a calendar cap of $18, or six one-way trips or three round trips, whichever comes first.  The previous deductible was $7.77 for a one-way trip, and $15.54 for a round trip, with a calendar cap of $46.62.

 

"I'm pleased that we can help veterans living far from VA facilities to access the medical and counseling help they deserve, especially in the current economic climate," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.  "Together with the increased mileage rate approved last month, we can further reduce the financial hardship some veterans undergo to use our superior health care."

 

In November, Peake announced VA's second increase in the mileage reimbursement rate during 2008, from 28.5 cents to 41.5 cents a mile. 

 

Service-disabled and low-income veterans are eligible to be reimbursed by VA for the travel costs of receiving health care or counseling at VA facilities.  Veterans traveling for Compensation and Pension examinations also qualify for mileage reimbursement.  VA can waive deductibles if they cause financial hardship.

 



 

Fayetteville Observer (NC)

Newsmakers: David Pugh and Charles Brown: A Legion of friends

By Jennifer Calhoun

Who they are: Pugh, 77, is a retired educator who served in the Army from 1953 to 1955.

Brown, who is in his early 60s, is retired from the military and worked for the prison system in Sampson County for more than 10 years.

Why they were in the news: Pugh and Brown in September bought the American Legion Post 202 building, at Ramsey and Drake streets, to keep it open.

Why you might remember them: Pugh and Brown were the only people to bid on the building at an auction. They said they did it to save the Legion, keep it open and preserve its history.

Post 202 had run into financial problems after a woman who was shot in the parking lot in 2006 filed a lawsuit against the post. When the post ignored the lawsuit, a judge ordered it to pay the woman $500,000 and to sell the building to pay the debt.

Pugh and Brown made the only bid — $100,000 — at the Sept. 30 auction. About 10 days later, a real estate company offered an upset bid of $105,000. Pugh and Brown had to offer their own upset bid of $110,000 and wait to see if anyone else made another offer.

But no one did, and Pugh and Brown bought the post, then leased it to the American Legion for the next year. The Legion manages the activities at the post.

How their lives have changed: “Several people have congratulated us for sharing and for the compassion,” Pugh said. “They said we did a good job and that it would really have hurt the image of the Legion if we’d have lost it.”

Pugh said Post 202 also held an appreciation night for the men in November.

Our take: Pugh, who spearheaded the campaign to save the post, doesn’t attend events there. “I’ve had my day,” he said, smiling. But for him, it was the principle of the thing. He believes the post offers a piece of black history and a place where black people can gather and hold events in an area that’s becoming increasingly commercialized.

 





 

VA to Refund Money to Survivors

In 1996 Congress passed a law directing that the VA provide a deceased veteran's full compensation benefit to the spouse on the month of the veteran's death, but due to an error, the department has continued to demand money back from the survivors.

Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Sen. Daniel Akaka, (D-HI) was recently made aware of the problem by one of his constituents, and he asked the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to look into and fix the problem.

Secretary Jim Peake has set up a special task force is to review VA payment records for veterans who died after Dec. 31, 1996, and are survived by a spouse. The review will identify those to whom VA owes retroactive benefits for the month of the veteran's death. Current address information is being obtained for as many of these beneficiaries as possible.

According to VA, retroactive payments to eligible surviving spouses will begin by the end of December. Payments will continue to be issued as additional unpaid beneficiaries are identified.

A special Survivors' Call Center has been established for spouses who believe they may be entitled to this retroactive month-of-death benefit. Surviving spouses are encouraged to contact the Call Center (toll-free) at (800) 749-8387. Call Center agents will assist surviving spouses in providing VA with the information needed to determine their eligibility.

The Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm central standard time. Inquiries may also be submitted electronically by clicking Here.

 

December Mailing

VA Urges Vets to Sign-up for Direct Deposits
WASHINGTON -- Every month, 730,000 veterans or survivors look for their compensation, pension checks or educational assistance payments in their mailboxes. Nearly all receive them, but theft and mail delays cause problems for some veterans, which can be prevented by direct deposits.
click here for more....

 

Flag Code

Veterans can now salute during National Anthem

Veterans and active-duty U.S. service members not in uniform may now render the hand salute during the playing the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month and were opposed, through resolution, by The American Legion. The legislative change was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., an Army veteran, and included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009. The new provision impacts a little-known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag. But it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to members of the armed forces not in uniform.

Traditionally, members of veterans service organizations have rendered hand salutes, during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag, while wearing their organization's respective official headgear.

"The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces," VA Secretary James Peake said. "This provision allows the applica­tion of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag."



 

2008 Military Handbooks

To download your own FREE copies of the 2008 Military Handbooks, please visit: http://www.militaryhandbooks.com

 

National Legion College

National Legion College had a record graduation in 2008. In the picture above two attendees from North Carolina, Ron Ambrose, Morehead City Post 46 (1st on left of third row down from top) and Terry Robinson, Fayetteville Post 202 (third from right end on third row down from top).

 

Post Sponsor Checklist

The Post Member Sponsor Checklist has been modified. check list

 

PDC Update

The PDC Forum website has been updated
click here for the forum

 

VA Opening 31 New Outpatient Clinics

World-Class Health Care Brought Closer to More Veterans

WASHINGTON - Veterans will have easier access to world-class health care under a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plan to open 31 new outpatient clinics in 16 states.
view list of new clinics

 

Legion Launches VetCam for Families of Military, Vets

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 5, 2008)  Military troops deployed overseas can now use their webcams to talk with their families back home without having to download software packages that might not pass muster with command cybernet security requirements.
follow directions in news release

 

Take Action Now

Operation Comfort Warriors: Meet the Challenge

By American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein, American Legion Auxiliary National President Desiree4 A. Stoy, and Sons of the American Legion National Commander Tommie Cisna
read complete challenge

 

Proof of Eligibility for Membership
In The American Legion

Questions have been asked, what proof of eligibility other than a DD214 can be accepted by post for membership in The American Legion.
Here are some accepted proofs;
Active duty military personnel can use their active duty ID to join. The DD214 is recognized as the primary proof of eligibility for membership with dates served. A Discharge certificate normally does show the dates served, so would be useful to verify eligibility.
National Guard and Reserves membership is taken from the Military Law Chapter 39. They must show on their DD214 Title 10 Subsection 672 or 12301* which would indicate active federal duty time.

 

CELLPHONE *77

There is an eRumor on the internet of the story of a young college woman who was suspicious about an unmarked patrol car attempting to pull her over. She remembered her parents' advice to proceed to a safe or populated place before stopping and also contacted the authorities on her cell by by using #77. Other patrol cars were sent to her location; the person in the unmarked car was arrested and turned out to be a convicted rapist. Some Canadian versions of the story say the number to call is #677. Whether this particular story is real is unknown but the information it conveys is apparently sound. TruthOrFiction.com talked with law enforcement agencies on both the East and West Coasts. The consensus was that if you are suspicious about a patrol car wanting to pull you over, especially in an isolated area or at night, it's prudent to proceed to a place where would feel safer. The problem is that the law says you are to obey an officer who says to pull over so if you do decide to continue, do so in a way that makes it clear you are not trying to evade him or her.
If you have a cell phone, call your local emergency number, usually 911, and you can be connected to a dispatcher who can help decide whether the car attempting to pull you over is legitimate. Also, you can inform the dispatcher that it is your intention to comply, but only after you get to the next off ramp, gas station, populated areas, etc. Even though 911 is the most common number to use in an emergency, there are many states that have established other numbers as well for cell phone users, especially to report highway emergencies. The #77 number is one of them. Some states use *77 or even #55. One of the reasons for other numbers is that the 911 calls from a cell phone go to different kinds of agencies depending on where the phone call is being made. In some areas, dialing 911 on a cell phone may go to a city or county emergency dispatcher. In other areas, the call may go to a state highway law enforcement agency such as the highway patrol or state troopers. In the states with the "77" numbers, cell phone users will usually get connected directly with a highway law enforcement agency. For that reason, you will frequently see signs posted along some freeways, expressways, or toll ways suggesting use of a number other than 911 if you're using a cell phone. [Source: www.truthorfiction.com Nov 08 ++]

 

FDA SCAM

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers about a scheme to extort money by callers who falsely identify themselves as FDA officials. The agency has received several reports of calls to entice consumers to purchase discounted prescription drugs by wiring funds to a location in the Dominican Republic. No medications are ever delivered, but an "FDA special agent" calls to say that a fine of several thousand dollars must be sent to an address in the Dominican Republic to prevent imprisonment or other legal action. The FDA suspects that the scheme began with the theft of personal information from consumers who previously purchased drugs through the Internet or by telephone or who were victims of credit card fraud. Complaints or other information about this scheme should be reported to the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations at (800) 521-5783. [Source: Consumer Health Digest #08-47 18 Nov 08 ++]

 

December Monthly Mailing

Secretary Peake Announces Travel Reimbursement Increases for Eligible Veterans.
click here for news release

 

2009 Emblem Sales Catalog Available

emblem sales
Click to go to Emblem Sales


 

Post Insurance Program

application for a quote

 

Legislation Updates

An album of pictures from the District 9 meeting, November, 15, 2008 hosted by Whiteville Post 233.
album

 

Legion launches new GI Bill Web site


INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 7, 2008) – The American Legion has launched an informative new Web site to help veterans and their families understand the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which takes effect Aug. 1, 2009, and how it compares with other federal education benefits for veterans.

The site – www.mygibill.org – includes clear explanations of the different GI Bill benefits, news alerts and updates, frequently asked questions, state-by-state benefits and online application opportunities. The site also includes information about The American Legion’s historical and ongoing role in the evolution of veterans’ education benefits. The site will continue to evolve with new features and updated material every week.

“This new Web site comes in response to quite a bit of confusion from veterans since the passage of the Post 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 last summer,” American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein said. “There are some major differences between the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill that veterans need to understand. Foremost, they need to understand that they have choices and should review all of the different education benefits to see which one best meets their needs.”

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