January/February, 2017
Volume XCIV
WWII veteran's Naval Academy
Sword to Return to Broken Bow
The Nebraska Legionnaire
P.O. Box 5205
Lincoln, NE 68505-0205
Frank Lomax was the first Custer County veteran to lose his
life in World War II.
This summer, Lomax's sword returned to its permanent home
in Broken Bow after nearly 70 years.
Frank Stuart Lomax was born in Broken Bow on April 24,
1917, the middle child of three boys. Known to family and
friends as Stuart, Lomax joined the Navy and in 1940 graduated
from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. He was
commissioned an ensign on June 6, 1940.
During the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941,
Lomax went to investigate why ammunition was not getting to
anti-aircraft guns when a bomb struck the USS Arizona. Lomax
was never seen again, and his body was never recovered.
A few years after Lomax's death, a local boy named Tom Hill
was helping a woman clean out her house and ran across some
items that had belonged to Lomax.
"I think it was about 1948, and this lady lived a couple of
blocks west of the (Custer County) courthouse," Hill said. "I
think this may have represented something very painful in her
life and that may have been why she was getting rid of it. She
was just throwing things out the window, kind of thing, and I
thought 'that's too neat — I'll take it,'" Hill said.
Hill said he has traveled — to places such as California, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska and Kansas City — but through
his travels he kept the sword with him.
The sword is the Naval Academy sword presented to Lomax
when he graduated. A few years ago, Hill decided to do some research on the sword and its origin. He checked ancestry.com and
other genealogy sites and ran across the Palmer-Lomax Legion
Post name.
"Tom contacted the Custer County Chief, and then we were
able to make contact," said Gene Hendricks, post adjutant. "He
was planning to make a trip to Nebraska to visit his sister, so we
made arrangements to meet."
Hill, a graduate of Broken Bow High School, now lives in
Duncanville, Texas. He said his goal when he began researching
the history of the sword was to one day return it to its rightful
home.
“I found this book commemorating the 60th anniversary of
the graduation of the Naval class of 1940 and one chapter is
called, 'This Is No Drill.' It is an account, from the Navy's point
of view, of what happened beginning at 7:55 a.m. Dec. 7, 1941,
when the first bombs started landing," Hill said. "It mentions
when the Arizona got hit, and when Frank and some of his classmates lost their lives on the
Arizona, and they're still
there."
Ann Keller of Broken
Bow, Lomax's cousin, and
Joyce Lomax of Oconto,
wife of another cousin,
were both in attendance at
the Broken Bow American
Legion as Hill presented
the sword.
"He was very active as a
gymnast," Joyce recalled as
she and Ann began sharing
stories of the young man
they fondly remember.
Paul Robison, an old
friend and World War II
veteran himself, also recalled the young Stuart Lomax.
"I grew up right across
the street from them and
was great friends with his
(Sword Cont. right)
Number 1
What Do You Think of When You Hear the Word
Homeless or Low Income?
What do you think of when
you hear the word homeless
or low income? Do you think
of veterans? If not, then you
should because unfortunately
the truth is, there are hundreds
of homeless and low income
veterans living on the streets
every day in Omaha. Men and
women who wore the uniform,
fought proudly for our Country, and now are homeless
and struggling to survive. It
doesn’t matter what the situation was that got them there,
they need our help now.
Legionnaires from MartinGraves American Legion Post
339 in Bellevue saw that need
and decided they had to do
something. In 2013, we approached other members of our
post about adopting the newly
opened “Victory Apartments”
and making it the post’s top
priority. Victory Apartments,
located at 825 Dorcus Street
in Omaha, was established to
provide affordable housing to
low income and homeless veterans looking for a chance to
get off the streets and start rebuilding their lives.
When residents began
moving into Victory Apartments in 2013, about the
only thing they had were the
clothes on their backs. In order
to provide these veterans with
the comforts of home, Legion
Post 339 hit the pavement and
were able to obtain beds and
gently used furniture for more
than 70 veterans. In addition
to furniture, these veterans
needed assistance with food.
Post 339 reached out to two local Hy-Vee grocery stores who
agreed to donate gently damaged boxes and cans of food
on a weekly basis to the vets at
Victory Apartments. Post 339
then started a unique monthly
bingo event, in which food
items are the prizes. An after
Bingo food pantry is offered to
any vet who attends Bingo.
Renee Walz, Catering Manager and Dan Fuller, Store Director at the Hy-Vee at Shadow Lake, have joined efforts
with Post 339 with providing
food and paper products at a
low cost for the vets at Victory. Other businesses have
joined in as well, DJ’s Dugouts at 6 locations, Pen Fed
Credit Union, and the RayVets
at Ratheon Corporation.
Post 339 does Bingo the
second Thursday of every
month, Thanksgiving and
Christmas Programs, and various other things for the vets
at Victory. We are currently
working on setting up a food
pantry, so vets have access to
foods items towards the end of
the month.
Members of Bellevue Post
339 have really put their hearts
into adopting and taking care
of the veterans at Victory
Apartments. Post 339 does
not do this alone, the support
and generosity of the American Legion Family and the
local communities throughout
the State of Nebraska is amazing. They continue to support
our efforts with the vets at
Victory Apartments, and are a
vital link to the success of the
projects we do with the vets.
Bellevue Post 339 is trying
to make a difference and help
these veterans make a better
life for themselves, one day at
a time
Our funds come solely
through fundraising and donations. So if you feel you can
help our efforts with a simple
donation, it would be greatly
appreciated.
Donald Kiviniemi
Post 339 Officer
402-689-1113
(Sword Cont.)
brother, Harvard. I remember the day I heard he had
been killed. I said, 'Oh no, it
couldn't be Stuart. Not Stuart,'" Robison said.
Hill said he was delighted
to be able to return the sword
back home to mark the 75th
anniversary year of the Pearl
Harbor attack and of Lomax's
death. Palmer-Lomax Post
Commander Rod Sonnichsen
said receiving the sword is a
special honor for the post.
"We have items here on
display that share the history
of Palmer, but we didn't have
anything for Lomax," Sonnichsen explained. "So this is
a really big thing. We are just
thrilled and deeply grateful to
Mr. Hill for doing this."
The sword was mounted in
a display case inside the Veteran's Memorial Building where
it will remain as a legacy of
the first Custer County casualty of World War II.
Courtesy Kearney Hub
Mid-Year Conference
Make Your Reservations Now
The Mid-Year Conference will be held at the Hotel
Grand (formerly the Midtown Holiday Inn) in Grand
Island and will be January 13-15, 2017.
This is a very nice facility. Rates one person $89.00
with breakfast buffet $94.00, Two person rate $99.00
includes breakfast buffet.
The Mid-Year will include official visits from
National Commander Charles Schmidt, the leading
Candidate for National Commander Denise Rohan,
and Midwest National Vice Commander Doug Boldt.
Hotel Grand 2503 Locust, Grand Island, NE 68801
phone 308-384-1330.
There are also several nice hotels in close proximity to the Hotel Grand.
Inside
Page 2 Mailbox and Happenings Around the State
Page 5 Calendar
Page 5 How to submit Articles to the Legionnaire and Auxiliary Star
Center pages-The Auxiliary Star
Page 7 TAPS
Page 8 Pictures
Commander’s
Corner
NEBRASKA AMERICAN LEGION
Department Headquarters Office
Physical Location:
5600 P Street, Lincoln, NE 68505
Phone Numbers:
Adjutant & Staff - (402) 464-6338
FAX -
(402) 464-6330, 24-hour access
Business Hours:
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Central), Mon-Fri
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 5205, Lincoln, NE 68505-0205
Web site:
http://www.nebraskalegion.net
E-Mail Address:
[email protected]
Editor
[email protected]
Beth Linn
Department Commander
Greetings from cold (but not snowy) Panhandle of Nebraska!
I trust that you all had a good and safe Thanksgiving.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is over. It is hard to believe
that a mere 75 years have passed since the “Date that will live in
infamy”. If you or your Post celebrated it in any way – get your
pictures and article to John Thompson for inclusion in the next
issue. You can also send them to Vicki Cyboron for inclusion on
the Face Book page.
Gifts for Yanks and the Gift Shops have been completed.
Thank you for your support of these important events that we
and the Auxiliary host every year.
District 1 membership tour and cookie drive was completed
with only 2 incidents. Bobby Baker wiped out a deer and a turkey on the trip. Thankfully he was able to continue driving his
vehicle for the remainder of the tour. The members of the Dom
really appreciate the 750 dozen cookies that the District 1 Auxiliary Ladies baked and we delivered. The back of the Pacifica
was packed full as were 4 other vehicles. Thank you Mike Helm,
Doug Boldt, SAL Detachment Commander Bobby Baker and
District 1 Commander Terry Cogdill for the use of your vehicles. Thank you to the many individuals who made the journey
with us: National Vice Commander Doug Boldt, National Executive Committeeman Bill Crosier, Past National Commander
Mike Helm, Senior Vice Commander Jim Costello, Adjutant
Dave Salak, Membership Chair George Cyboron, Chaplain Dr.
William Jackson, Historian/Centennial Liaison Jennifer Salak,
Scholarship Committeeman Dave Konz, POW/MIA Liaison
Don Nelson, SAL Commander Bobby Baker, Leading Candidate for SAL National Commander Danny Smith, SAL NEC
Keith Kearns, SAL ANEC David Rippe, West Area Vice William Foster and Past Detachment Commander Jim Kearns. I
enjoyed my time with you guys! While in Hot Springs I decided
to crash South Dakota’s party at the Veterans’ Home. Thank you
Bill for going with me. We then had social hour and steak dinner
at the Legion Post. Awesome fellowship time with State Commander Charemon Dunham!
On Sunday, December 4th, we were at Gifts For Yanks at the
Western Nebraska State Veterans Home in Scottsbluff. We lost
a few of our traveling crew but picked up Sergeant – At – Arms
Jim Linn and District 4 Commander Larry McCraken and Adjutant Tom Hoerler. Keeping up with the names was epic fun!
Membership: as of December 8th, Nebraska has slipped from
3rd to 5th place. This is not a good sign. I am hoping that by
December 14th we have the additional 1,352 members needed
to meet our year end goal. Post Commanders/Adjutants/Finance
Officers are reminded to NOT HOLD ONTO THE MONEY!!!!
That money belongs to National and Department! If it is just
one membership, send it in! Department is receiving too many
calls from members who have paid their dues but the Post is not
forwarding it on to Department. If you have paid your dues and
are receiving notices, call your Post Officers! That is the quickest way to get results.
There are many Posts that are close to 100% but I want to say
KUDOS to the following Posts that were at 100% as of November 29th: Brunswick 357, Chambers 320, Winnebago 363, Kimball 22, Humphrey 80, Arapahoe 96, Culbertson 133, Alma 118
and Elk Creek 370. Excellent job! Meanwhile we have some
Posts at the other end of the spectrum. As of November 29th, the
following Posts have not sent in a single membership: Primrose
347 and Broadwater 312. We are in contact with these Posts to
see what we can do to help. I am happy to report that HQ Post
500 is decreasing! Almost 100 fewer members this year! Dave
and Sandy really like to see that number going down. Make use
of your Post 500 list.
National Commander Schmidt has set a goal of $1 million
each for TFA. They have not set any goals for each Department.
My Projects are Operation Comfort Warrior and Soldier’s Wish.
I would like for each Post to send in $.75 per member with $.25
going to each project. Nebraska has proven they can do this in
the past and I have faith that you will do it again this year!
I hope all of you had a Merry Christmas and have a Great
New Year!
Don’t Give Up, We’ve Got This
Beth Linn, Department Commander
Page 2-The Nebraska Legionnaire-January/February, 2017
Thank You:
The members of District One
American Legion would like
to thank everyone who participated in the District One tour.
We believe it was a great successful event and we thank you
all for your input in helping
make it work. We visited a lot
of posts, gave out a lot of information and got to bring joy
and gifts, to the veterans at the
Hot Springs VA Hospital and
the Western Nebraska Veterans
home.
Again thank you all.
District One Commander
Terry Cogdill
HAPPENINGS
Activities From
Around the State
District 8 American
Legion Family
Campaign Fundraiser
for Sons of The American
Legion Squadron 32
Member Danny Smith Leading
Candidate for National
Commander of The Sons of
The American Legion
Date: 7 January 2017
Location: Post 32,
230 West Lincoln Street,
Papillion, NE 68046
Tickets: $10(adults); $5 for
children 12 and under.
Time 3 P.M. - 7 P.M.
Dinner: all you can eat grilled
ham & cheese sandwiches
or grilled cheese sandwiches
with choice of soup or chili.
Activities: 50/50 Raffle,
Auction, & Grand Prize
This Event is open to the
Community
Commander ....................................................................Beth Linn, Scottsbluff
Senior Vice Commander.................................................Jim Costello, Bellevue
Area A Vice Commander..................................................Geri Thomas, Omaha
Area B Vice Commander .................................................Doug Frahm, Amelia
Area C Vice Commander .................................................Gary Wooten, Wilber
Area D Vice Commander................................................Dick Bennett, Elwood
Adjutant ..............................................................................Dave Salak, Omaha
Activities Director......................................................Brent Hagel-Pitt, Lincoln
Public Relations Officer..........................................John E. Thompson, Lincoln
Chaplain...........................................................Dr. Willian Jackson Jr., Lincoln
Historian.........................................................................Jennifer Salak, Omaha
Judge Advocate .............................................................Robert Black, Bellevue
Finance Officer ...............................................................Mark Novak, Dawson
Sergeant-At-Arms.........................................................James Linn, Scottsbluff
Asst. Sergeant-At-Arms...........................................................................Vacant
Service Officer .........................................................Steven A. Burger, Lincoln
National Executive Committeeman…..…........................Bill Crosier, Kearney
Alternate NECman...................................................................................Vacant
District Commanders
Dist. 1.............Terry Cogdill, Chadron
Dist. 2..............Ken Meyer, Creighton
Dist. 3.............Ken Hanel, West Point
Dist. 4.......Larry McCracken, Alliance
Dist. 5..........Marv Donnelly, Hershey
Dist. 6.........William Berney, Spalding
Dist. 7...............Joe Osthoff, Weston
Dist. 8.................Bob Sadil, Omaha
Dist. 9...............Tyre Nelson, Curtis
Dist. 10........Jesse Green, Hastings
Dist. 11............Rodney Rose, Roca
Dist. 12.Norm Vanderkuur, Talmage
Dist. 13Kevin McKinney, Tecumseh
Dist. 15............Wade Graft, Lincoln
The Cornhusker State
(USPS 376-180)
(ISSN 0028-1875)
Official Publication of The American Legion Department of Nebraska.
Published monthly except for January/February; April/ May; July/August and October/November which are combined into one issue.
Subscription included in annual membership dues.
For non-members $8.00 for a years subscription.
John E. Thompson..........................................................Editor
Dave Salak....................................Publisher’s Representative
PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE: Lyle Bartels,Tobias, John Wray, Bellevue, Paul
A. Evans, Bayard and Julie Schnitzler, Kenesaw.
EDITORIAL OFFICE: Editor, The Nebraska Legionnaire, 5600 P St., P.O. Box 5205, Lincoln,
NE 68505. Phone (402) 464-6338. Send correspondence, articles and photo submissions to
above address prior to monthly submission deadline. The Nebraska Legionnaire assumes no
responsibility for material submitted.
ADVERTISING: Rates available upon request to Editorial Office. The Nebraska Legionnaire
reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. Advertising published on behalf of an individual or
organization does not constitute endorsement or reflect the policy of the Nebraska American Legion.
NON-MEMBER SUBSCRIPTION: $8.00 per year, payable in advance. Send change of address
and subscription order to Editorial Office.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Members send old mailing label and complete new address to: The
American Legion, Department of Nebraska, P.O. Box 5205, Lincoln, NE 68505-0205. Nebraska’s
mailing labels are now produced internally, and are maintained on a separate list from the labels
for the National Magazine. Address changes should be reflected within 2-3 weeks after receipt.
Periodical Postage Paid at Lincoln, Nebraska and at additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to P.O. Box 5205, Lincoln, NE 68505-0205
The Nebraska
Veteran Homes are
Seeking RN’s, LPN,s,
and CNA,s.
The contacts are:
ENVH – Taryn Struthers,
(402) 591-4864,
[email protected]
NVH – Colleen Benson,
(402) 370-3469,
[email protected]
GIVH – Pam Deal, (308)
385-6252, ext. 372,
[email protected]
WNVH – Crystal Edmonds,
(308) 632-0317,
[email protected]
At their fall steak fry Venango Post 270 Commander
Dave Deden presented Maggie Busch, widow of Randy
Busch, with a two citations. Department Commander
Linn and National Commander Schmidt issued the
citations in appreciation for all the time and dedication
Randy had at the State and National level.
It’s History
E
By Department Historian Jennifer Salak
Straight
Talk
Steve Burger
Department Service Officer
Veteran Fishing and Hunting Permit
Back in June, I wrote about Past National Commander Galbraith’s challenge to evaluate
our Legion programs to prepare for the future. This month the Department will hold its
84th Annual Mid-Year Conference in Grand Island, and one of the highlights will be the
2016-2017 Oratorical Speech Contest.
Now in its 80th year, the Oratorical Contest is another important American Legion Program that continues to provide value to the Nation and our youth.
The Oratorical Speech Contest started at the post level during the 1934-1935 school year
in Kansas City, Missouri and was the brainchild of Past Missouri Department Commander
William Kitchen. With military actions and hostilities growing across the globe during
the 1930s, Kitchen wanted to start a competition for high school kids that would teach
them about the U.S. Constitution and their responsibilities as American citizens to uphold
democracy. During that first year, only a few schools participated; however, the contest
elevated to the state level during the 1935-1936 school year.
With the success of the state-level contest, Kitchen pitched the idea of a national-level contest to leaders at American Legion National Headquarters. In 1938, the Oratorical
Speech Contest was sanctioned by The American Legion as an Americanism Program,
and the first official contest was held in Norman, Oklahoma where over 4,000 students
participated.
Throughout the years, contest winners have gone on to have successful careers including
the 1941 winner, Frank Church, of Boise, Idaho. Church served as a U.S. Senator for 24
years and as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 1979. Church’s winning oration, entitled “American Way of Life,” was delivered just months before the attack
on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Other prominent Oratorical Contest winners include
Robert Bennett (Kansas Governor, 1975-79) and CNN Anchor Lou Dobbs.
Although the Oratorical Speech Contest was developed as an opportunity for students
to learn about the Constitution, the contest has also proved to be invaluable in teaching
important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and
speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of
American citizenship. In addition, contest winners are provided with scholarship money
to attend any college or university in the U.S. The National first place winner receives
an $18,000 scholarship, second place receives $16,000 and third place receives $14,000.
Each department winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first
round receives a $1,500 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an
additional $1,500 scholarship. In Nebraska at the Department level contest, awards are
$1,100 (first place), $700 (second place), $500 (third place) and $300 (fourth place).
The contest consists of two parts: the 8-10 minute prepared oration and the 3-5 minute
speech on an assigned topic. For the 8-10 minute oration, students must research and write
their speech on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, focusing on duties and obligations of
citizens to our government. During the contest, students are required to recite their speech
(with points awarded for passionate delivery), from memory with no assistance from note
cards, etc.
For the 3-5 minute speech, students are provided with four assigned topics ahead of
time and must prepare a speech for each topic. Only one topic is drawn from a hat during
the contest and because students will not know which topic is chosen until approximately
five minutes before they are due to speak, they must be ready to speak on all four topics.
Again, students are required to give their speech from memory. For the 2016-2017 Oratorical Speech Contest, the four assigned topics are: Amendment 7 (Right of Trial by Jury),
Amendment 10 (Power Not Given to Federal Government under the Constitution is Given
to the States), Amendment 16 (Congress Has Power to Collect Taxes), and Amendment 17
(Senate Composed of Two Senators per State).
Although 80 years have passed since the first Oratorical Speech Contest was held, the
importance of this program to our Nation and our youth cannot be overstated. The basic
premise of the U.S. Constitution is that it protects individual freedoms, fundamentally
governs the United States, limits the power of the Federal Government and provides a
system of checks and balances; however, since its creation, this living document continues
to be interpreted and hotly debated by many different groups. As Legionnaires, it is critical
that we support the Oratorical Speech Contest, not only because it provides students with
scholarship money, but it allows students to have a better understanding of the founding
document on which our entire democracy rests.
If you have never attended the Department Oratorical Speech Contest, I would highly encourage you to come and show your support to the high school students who have worked
hard to get there. Not only will you be amazed at the students’ level of preparation and
speaking skills (and learn something about the Constitution), but you will also show them
that the Oratorical Speech Contest continues to be an important program of The American
Legion.
For more information on the Oratorical Program, visit www.legion.org/oratorical.
Veteran Fishing and Hunting Permit Veterans age 64 and
older who are legal residents of Nebraska are eligible for a Veteran’s Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish Permit for $5. This permit includes all state stamps. A copy of a DD214 or a Veteran
Indicator on the applicant’s Nebraska Driver’s License must
be presented in person at the time of application. If a copy of a
DD214 is not available, an application form and signature from
a Veteran’s Service officer is required. The Veteran Hunt/Fish
Permit must be renewed annually for $5. It may be renewed
at any Game and Parks office, online or at one of our vendor
locations.
Renewal does not require a copy of a DD214 or an application form. To apply for a Veteran’s Permit via the mail, fill out
the Application for Veteran’s Hunting/Fishing Permit form and
enclose a copy of your DD214 and a check for $5. Mail to:
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, PO Box 30370, Lincoln NE 68503-0370. Deployed Military Permit a Nebraska
resident who is or has been deployed out of the state with a
branch of the United States military within the last 12 months
shall, upon returning to the state, be eligible to receive an Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish Permit on a one time basis for $5.
This permit includes all state stamps. A copy of deployment
paperwork must be presented in person at the time of application. To apply for a Deployed Military Permit via the mail, fill
out the Application for Deployed Military Hunt/Fish Combo
Permit form and enclose a copy of your deployment papers
and a check for $5. Mail to: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, PO Box 30370, Lincoln NE 68503-0370. Disabled
Veteran Permit
Disabled Veterans Fishing and Hunting Permit
Disabled Veterans who are legal residents of Nebraska and
who have been deemed 50 percent or more service related or
100 percent disabled non-service connected and receive a pension from the Veterans Administration, are eligible for a Disabled Veteran’s Lifetime Annual Small Game Hunt Fish Permit
at no fee. This permit includes all state stamps. An application
form and signature from a Veteran’s Service officer is required.
The application can be presented in person when applying
for this permit. To apply for a Disabled Veteran’s Permit via
the mail, fill out the Application for Veteran’s Hunting/Fishing Permit form and have it signed by a Veteran Service Office. Mail to: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, PO Box
30370, Lincoln NE 68503-0370.
Medical Help Needed
Our longtime Boys State medic, Jim Varejcka, is stepping
down from his decades long service as the Boys’ State onsite
medic.
Boys State typically runs the first full week in June; this year it
is June 4 – 10. Boys State is held on the UNL campus.
The medic will have your own sleeping quarters and adjoining “sick call” room. Meals and lodging provided throughout
the week as well as a small stipend.
If you have medical training
and are interested in this position
– please contact
Department Adjutant Dave Salak at [email protected]
or phone 402-464-6338.
Page 3-The Nebraska Legionnaire-January/February, 2017
Some Gave All; Everyone Gave Some and
Continue Giving!
DON NELSEN POW/MIA LAISON
As we approach the holiday season, this is a wonderful time to reflect and remember the
sacrifices all of our military personnel past and present have given for our country. No matter
where you were at or what your job was in the military, you all made sacrifices, and I would say
the majority are.
The truth of the matter is we all pretty much run away when someone wants to congratulate
us or pat us on the back, or push us up to the front kicking and screaming to get an award.
For this writer (and I don't even know that word WRITER) it is very unsettling to state some
personal experiences while in the military, and I was in the Army for only two years. What I do
know is how important it is to your family and friends to have some idea as to what and where
and how, and why of your military service.
A couple of my friends of World War II, now deceased, of whom I had the great fortune of
being their friend, did sit down with their families before their
deaths and shared their military experiences. Both of these men
had been in the Army since the beginning of the War and both
ended up in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. Both of these men
were quiet and reserved and never shared any of their military
with their friends or associates. They never thought of themselves
as heroes or better than anyone else, and always conducted themselves as gentlemen.
It was after their passing that the family would accidently at
different times open a little history of these whom I call Heroes.
A peaceful night’s sleep was never to be had: The most important
thing was to take care of family and friends: If you asked for a
favor or help or whatever, it was always delivered: It is better to
give than receive.
When one stops and thinks about what these veterans and others say- It seems as if we have
heard many of those very same words or very similar words before. Where was that or where
could it have been?
I know we all have holes in our armor, we have issues that bother us, we have all lost brothers and sisters in battles, we wish we could change things that have happened in the past, but as
we all know that is impossible.
The way my world works, and yours is probably similar, is we do not have to be asked to
support our veterans, we do not have to be asked to never forget or stop working for the return
of our POW's and MIA’s, we do not have to be asked to support the families of our deceased,
we do not have to be asked to pray for peace on earth.
Once a veteran-always a veteran-working for veterans and their families.
We give thanks to you for all you do, and we realize that you have many obligations to your
family and friends and communities and that never-ending list that comes to all who volunteer
of themselves to make this a better world in which to live.
Arlington National Cemetery is Phasing in
Enhanced Security Measures
Arlington National Cemetery is phasing in enhanced
security measures for those
who visit the cemetery, officials announced today.
Arlington National Cemetery is implementing new
visitor security measures that
officials said will enhance current efforts and improve safety
while minimizing inconvenience.
In addition to random ID
checks and other security
measures already in place, officials said, the cemetery will
require visitors to go through
additional screening.
“Arlington is taking advanced security precautions to
protect visitors, family members and staff,” said Patrick K.
Hallinan, Arlington National
Cemetery executive director.
“These security measures will
be similar to the ones at museums in the national capital
region.
”The new security measures will enhance current
efforts and improve visitor
safety while minimizing inconvenience, officials said.
All vehicle access will require
presenting valid, governmentissued photo identification,
such as a driver’s license or
passport, when entering the
cemetery. Vehicles will be
subject to random inspections.
Family members with
permanent gravesite vehicle
passes may continue to drive
to their loved ones’ grave with
a valid driver’s license.
In November, Arlington
National Cemetery began to
implement visitor screening.
All pedestrian traffic will be
required to enter the cemetery at set access points: the
main entrance on Memorial
Avenue, the Ord and Weitzel
gate, and the Joint Base Myer-
Page 4-The Nebraska Legionnaire-January/February, 2017
Henderson Hall Old Post Chapel gate.
Before entering the cemetery from the main entrance,
all pedestrians will be screened
through the Welcome Center,
with express screening lines
for visitors who do not have
bags. People with disabilities
also will have an express line
for screening, officials said.
Arlington officials urge
people to allow additional
time to go through security
screening when visiting the
cemetery, especially large tour
groups.
“These processes may result in a delay entering Arlington, but it is vitally important
that we protect the safety of
all the visitors, family members and staff that enter these
hallowed grounds,” Hallinan
said. “This is our nation's premier national cemetery, and
we want to be sure that when
people visit this site, they can
feel safe and secure.”
Legion Outlines Veterans’
Priorities to the
Trump Transition Team
The American Legion hosted a meeting with President-elect
Donald Trump’s transition team and representatives from more
than 30 other veterans service organizations today to address
concerns and lay out top priorities leading into the new administration.
The veteran-focused meeting was the first of its kind held
between Trump’s team and any outside organization. American
Legion Executive Director Verna Jones, affirmed the commitment of veteran service organizations to advocate for those who
have “borne the battle” – veterans from all eras.
The American Legion co-authored a three-point position
paper along with executive leadership of the Big Six Congressionally chartered service organizations, supporting the Trump
administration’s efforts to strengthen, reform and sustain the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Heath Care System, remove
budget constraints that negatively impact veteran-centered programs, and reform the VA’s claims and appeals process.
“The American Legion would like the Trump administration
to know that we value our Department of Veterans Affairs,” said
Jones.
“Dollar-for-dollar, there is no better care or value available
anywhere in the United States – period. While we will always
support strong and expeditious accountability measures for bad
actors, the institution of the Department that was designed to
care for those who have borne the battle is sacrosanct, and it
belongs to the more than 22 million veterans who risked their
lives in defense of this country, many of whom left significant
pieces of themselves on the battlefield.”
Additionally, The American Legion initiated a call-to-action
on fairly new Legion priorities – support of research related to
the impacts of medical marijuana and the Drug Enforcement
Administration’s reclassification of cannabis from a Schedule
I drug to Schedule III. Reclassification of the drug would allow easier access to pure strains of the substance to cultivate
quantifiable research and statistics regarding marijuana’s medical benefits.
Each VSO in attendance had the opportunity to address the
transition team and briefly lay out their main concerns. Other
issues addressed during the meeting included:
•The delivery of high quality, accessible, comprehensive and
veteran-centric health care
•A properly funded 21st century Department of Veterans Affairs
•Sustainment and strengthening of specialized and integrative services for veterans seeking spinal cord injury/disease
care, treatment for blindness and poly- trauma care
•Timely and accurate delivery of all earned benefits to veterans and their eligible dependents and survivors including disability compensation, pensions, education, housing assistance
and other necessary support.
Although the 114th Congressed focused a great deal of attention on reforming key elements of the delivery of veterans
health care and benefits, VSOs urged the Trump administration
and the 115th Congress to consider recommendations outlined
in their three-point letter to:
•Take the necessary steps to end sequestration
•Sufficiently appropriate funds to increase physician and
nurse staffing within the VA especially for amputee care, mental
health care and other specialized services
•Provide adequate resources to adequately expand VA infrastructure
Thomas J. Snee, National Executive Director of the fleet
Reserve Association echoed the sentiments of fellow VSO representatives while they addressed transition team members as
a united front. Snee stated that he was encouraged and hopeful about President-elect Trump’s 10-point plan (to reform VA),
and looks forward to future conversations with the presidentelect’s team.
The transition team stated their willingness to keep the lines
of communication open with VSOs and committed to continue
to advocate for all veterans.“The American Legion greatly appreciates the priority and focus the transition team has shown
by making this their first stop in a critical transition process,”
Jones added. “We are encouraged that the incoming administration chose veterans and they did a great job of setting the tone
for a very productive meeting.”
Legionnaires Forge Bonds of Unity
Insurance: A Wise Investment
for your Future
By Andrea Dickerson
Since the 11th day, of the
11th hour, of the 11th month of
1918, people across the country have taken moments away
from their everyday lives to
pause and reflect on the sacrifices and service of the men
and women who proudly
served in all branches of the
U.S. military.
President Barack Obama
led the day’s festivities as he
laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the
Unknowns. American Legion
National Vice Commander
Douglas L. Boldt was in attendance to observe the ceremony
and place a wreath at the tomb.
“We come together to express our profound gratitude
for the sacrifices and contributions you and your family made on the battlefield, at
home and at outposts around
the world,” Obama said after
he placed a wreath at the foot
of the tomb.
During his remarks, the
president “As we search for
ways to come together – to reconnect with one another and
with the principles that are
more enduring than transitory
politics -- some of our best examples are the men and wom-
National Vice Commander Douglas L. Boldt and Rhonda
Powell, director of the Legion's National Security Division, lay a wreath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
.during a Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11.
Events Calendar
January
1 New Years Day
3-15 Mid-Year Conference, Grand Island
16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
19 Membership Target Day (80%)
February - Americanism Month
5 Four Chaplains Sunday
8 Membership Target Day (85%)
11 District 8 Convention Omaha Post 1
14 Valentines Day
14 District 15 Convention
20 Presidents Day
25 District 9 Convention Curtis Post 95
25 District 13 Convention Auburn Post 23
26 District 11 Convention Exeter Post 218
26-March 1- Washington Conference
en we salute on Veterans Day."
Visiting the nation’s capital and witnessing the day’s
events was a heartfelt moment
for Boldt, who said what he
experienced humbled him in
a very unique way. Although
Boldt uses his platform as a
veteran and Legionnaire to
spread patriotism, spending
Veterans Day in Washington,
D.C., was the icing on the
cake.
A Vietnam veteran, Boldt
was accompanied by Rhonda
Powell, director of the Legion’s National Security Division, as a wreath was placed at
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on behalf of the Legion.
“Today as I was walking
through there, it was amazing
to see the humility surrounding us,” Boldt said.
The vice commander recalled a moment that he shared
with a fellow Vietnam veteran
he met on Veterans Day who
served on river patrol duty
will forever be engrained in
his memory. As he sat on the
massive stage perched in front
of the Vietnam Wall, Boldt
thought about the troops he
served with and how they inspired him even after his military service concluded.
“I looked out over the audience and saw guys out there
with their unit patches, grey
hair and pony-tails. I thought
about the guys I encountered
while passing out fresh supplies on my second tour of
duty on a river supply ship in
Vietnam," Boldt said. "They
kept saying, ‘Don’t leave. We
don’t want you to leave. That
means I have to go back.’ That
is how I always feel. Whether
it is here or the traveling Vietnam Wall.”
“That is what Veterans Day
asks all of us to think about,"
Obama said. "The person you
pass as you walk down the
street might not be wearing
our nation's uniform today.
But consider for a moment that
a year or a decade or a generation ago, he or she might have
been one of our fellow citizens
who was willing to lay down
their life for strangers like us.
And we can show how much
we love our country by loving
our neighbors as ourselves."
During an economic slump like we’re in, it is wise to see
where you can cut down on frivolous spending and to plan ahead
with and save your money. There are other areas where you
should consider spending more to help beef up your financial
security in the long term. More than ever, insurance for those
unexpected accidents and costly expenses are essential.
The Legionnaire Insurance Trust has been working hard for
over 50 years to bring you and your family a variety of products
that help you financially prepare yourself for the worst. For example, if you find you or your spouse in the hospital the Hospital
Help Plan can pay you benefits while you are in the hospital.
Our Cancer Care protection plan pays you to help fight cancer
and speed your recovery.
To learn more about these products and more, visit us online
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Limitations and exclusions apply.
Members of the District 1 tour met at the Valentine Elementary School where they assisted students raising
the American Flag, concluding with the singing of the
National Anthem led by Lori McQuistan. Pictured (l-r)
Auxiliary President Debra Albers, NEC Bill Crosier, PNC
Mike Helm and National Vice Commander Doug Boldt.
Page 5-The Nebraska Legionnaire-January/February, 2017
Chaplain’s
Corner
Dr. William Jackson, Jr.
Department Chaplain
[Author’s note: This is another in a series of articles based
upon our Department Commander’s—Beth Linn--guiding
theme: “Don’t give up. We’ve got this.” ]
As survivors of many an intra-office contest for supremacy
of leadership versus follow-ship—you know—you out-ranked
your subordinates, of course, but it didn’t appear that THEY
knew who had the “hash marks” or chevrons on whose sleeves,
or rank insignia on the shoulder boards?!?! I’ll bet memories of
those unpublished battles still linger in your mind even after so
long returning to the “real world.” But why should you give a—
OK. Let’s address, then giving a...um...uh...let’s see...care?...
concern?...or maybe even...interest?...in how other’s appreciate
or not appreciate you? Better yet, is it really YOU that’s being
misrepresented, or what, or WHOM you represent???
As mere humans, we obviously represent our fellow humans
through any number of menus, like: our parents to become better parents; our political leaders by voting them into office; our
former superiors during our U. S. Armed Forces service; our
post, district, and area commanders; and also our Nebraska Department commander. That representation means that we share
some kind of end-game that compels others to follow our lead.
That end-game as Legionnaires is codified with our Four Pillars,
and the inclusiveness of our membership: Legionnaire general
membership, Auxiliary members, American Legion Riders, and
Sons of the American Legion. As military veterans and family
members, we are no respecter of persons (i.e., showing favor for
an equal reward), but share fairly among one another for all of
our wants and needs, as the Lord intended (Acts 10:34).
So, when you espouse to not “give a...,” it’s more than likely
you’re referring to not giving your commanders, family, and fellow Legionnaires more responsibility than they can handle, not
giving more grief than they can take regarding their often horrid military experiences on various battlefields, or not making it
harder for those same leaders work harder for the position you
elected them to.
Not “giving a...,” may also acknowledge your commitment
to be there for your fellow Legionnaires, even as you might not
want to be there, for facing unique concerns of your own. Sacrifice, which most of us know from our military service, often
meant not very great pay and compensation, family squabbles
do to your many absences (e.g., births, birthdays, anniversaries,
graduations, etc.), divorces, child-run-aways, and a host of other
equally troubling concerns. In other words, you won’t waste
time, money, or circumstance by your failure to care, thus actually “giving a...” about your role as a Legionnaire (Ephesian
6:7).
But, in fact you DO “give a...,” because you’re reading this
article. You care because you’re served your post, your district,
your area, and this department by your continued membership.
“Giving a...,” has that positive swing because it’s people like
you, and me, that comprised the ranks of the U.S. Armed Forces,
whether enlisted or officer, and now serve their communities of
residence to “Git-r-done” in Nebraska (Romans 12:1).
I know it’s hard to image that a phrase that intones someone
to not “give a...,” may actually be a stepping stone for giving as
a Legionnaire. Remember what our state’s Department Commander, Beth Linn, encourages us all to do since, “We’ve got
this,” so “Don’t give up.” It’ll be Nebraska’s way of giving (2
Corinthians 9:7).
Dr. William Jackson, Jr.
Department Chaplain
Ask the Chaplain
My fellow Legionnaires. I’m offering an opportunity for you to
“pick my brain” about any Scriptural concern you have, no matter
how personal or embarrassing. Whatever question you have will
be held in strictest confidence. Just submit your concern using
your first name and last initial.
I will respond to you via this column
with your initials. Questions or concerns may be submitted via email, or
by postal mail. Thank you for allowing
me to serve you. God Bless.
Email: [email protected]
Mail: PO Box 94623 Lincoln, NE 68509
Page 6-The Nebraska Legionnaire-January/February, 2017
American Legion
National
Commander
Praises
President-elect
Donald Trump for
His Support of the
American Flag
(WASHINGTON) American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt
praises President-elect Donald
Trump for his support of the
American flag. In a tweet, Mr.
Trump said, “Nobody should
be allowed to burn the American flag - if they do, there must
be consequences - perhaps loss
of citizenship or year in jail!”
As the leader of the nation’s
largest veterans service organization, Schmidt said, “Our
brothers and sisters in arms
have shed blood, even paid the
ultimate sacrifice, in defense of
our nation. The American flag
represents their sacrifice and
our nation’s way of freedom.
No one should tolerate desecration of the American flag.”
The American Legion
strongly advocates for a constitutional ban on flag burning, and calls on the new commander in chief to support
such a ban with the following
wording, “Congress shall have
power to prohibit the physical
desecration of the flag of the
United States.”
There is strong support for
such a law. Every U.S. state
has passed memorializing
resolutions to ratify a constitutional amendment prohibiting
flag desecration. Additionally,
the House of Representatives
has passed an amendment six
times by supermajorities, only
to see it fall short in the Senate
– by just one vote the last time
it reached the floor.
“It’s time to protect Old
Glory from being burned or
otherwise desecrated by protesters,” Schmidt said. “We
are not against civil protest
or demonstrations. However,
these protesters are not burning
a piece of cloth. They are desecrating the sacrifice and honor
of all past, present and future
servicemembers and their family members, who have given
so much to this great nation.”
The American Legion is
the largest wartime veterans
service organization with 2.2
million members in more than
13,000 posts in communities
across America. The Legion,
established by an act of Congress in 1919, was instrumental in getting the original GI
Bill through Congress and the
creation of the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
S.A.L.
Notes
Bobby Baker
Detachment Commander
I hope you had a Merry Christmas and you have a great
new year.
I just returned from the District one tour and two wild life
lost in the battle with my car.
It was a great tour and all present enjoyed just seeing the
smiles on the Veterans faces, the sight just gave all a warm
spot in your heart.
We have been challenged by South Dakota on membership,
so let’s get the last of the renewals in.
Detachment Commander
Bob Baker
Detachment Baseball Cap
At the SAL Detachment Convention, the D.E.C. voted to
have a Detachment Baseball Cap designed.
There will be two styles, a mesh and a solid. The caps are
being made at this time and hopefully will be available at the
Mid-Year Convention in Grand Island in January.
Part of the proceeds will go to Nebraska's leading candidate
for S.A.L. National Commander, Danny Smith, campaign.
David Rippe
Sons of The American Legion
Alt NEC- Detachment of Nebraska
"For God and Country"
Walk the Decks of the Battleship
USS Arizona with New Virtual
Reality App
Three new virtual reality tours presented by the National
Park Service and Pacific Historic Parks were unveiled at the
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center during the 75th Commemoration of
Pearl Harbor.
With virtual reality technology, anybody can now walk the
decks of the battleship USS Arizona just before the attack, witness the attack on Battleship Row and visit the USS Arizona
Memorial.
“I think it’s really terrific because it gives people the ability
to see the memorial and to see the deck of the USS Arizona. Nobody else would normally be able to see that and it’s so realistic
and it’s good for educational
purposes. That’s what we strive
to do, to keep the education of
the attack and everything that
occurred relevant,” said Sharissa Kuhns, bookkeeper for
Pacific Historic Parks.
Ninety-four-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor Jack Moore,
attended the event with his two sons and was able to share the
events of that infamous day with them in a new way. Through
the virtual reality goggles, he looked across the harbor at 7:55
a.m. at the scene he witnessed at 75 years ago.
On Dec. 7, 1941, Moore was two decks below the USS Sacramento, a gunboat that was berthed in the Navy Yard for repair.
He looked out the porthole across the harbor and admired the
battleships lined up on Battleship Row, wishing he was on one of
them. “And about 10 minutes later I’m glad I was where I was,”
he said. “The first few minutes I looked up in to the sun and said,
‘This is going to be the last day of my life.’” By 8 a.m. the USS
Sacramento’s battle stations were manned. Two minutes later,
her guns opened fire on Japanese aircraft attacking Battleship
Row.
I would like them [students] to know the complete story of
the situation at that time, and to understand why it all occurred,
and what we did to resolve the situation later on by the Battle of
Midway and further battles throughout the years. That’s something I think that every student, every kid ought to know about,”
said Moore.
The virtual reality app is available on both the iTunes and
Google Play under “Pearl Harbor VR Tours.” The Arizona Memorial will incorporate a virtual reality center at the visitor’s
center, in addition to their audio tours, where visitors can have a
deeper learning experience.
The American Legion Riders
Greetings! I hope the holidays treated you and your families
well, and you found time for yourself also to regroup and focus on
2017. It can be hectic and hard during the holidays to find time to
slow down and take stock of our blessings. Sometimes we get too
caught up in the business of
living and often forget how to
live well. But, the big wheel
in the sky keeps on turning and
we have no choice but to move
forward and move on. Such
is life.
My tank is running a bit dry
this time around. I don’t have
much to pass on in regards to
the great works that our 39
ALR chapters continue to do
across the state. I know you all continue to be active and busy
serving, even when the weather turns cold. For that I THANK
YOU! Keep up the good work everyone!
Here’s a short poem that speaks to what we are all about as
ALR members and the American Legion Family as a whole.
FOR A COMRADE
As we rendezvous at the post
For a comrade since passed
Our thoughts are somber most
For a brotherhood ever last
Our bond is strong
We ride out as one
With great precision
In steady unison
For our comrade is with us
As we escort him to heaven
In an effort to improve communications across the Nebraska
ALR chapters, I will be sending out an email to all 39 ALR
chapter Directors / Commanders with a list of upcoming statewide events for 2017. This information will also be posted on
the Events page of our state ALR website (http://www.alr.nebraskalegion.net). If you don’t regularly browse the site, please do so
from time to time. Jen Salak does an outstanding job maintaining
the info, links, etc. You can find a lot of good and useful stuff out
there, such as links to National American Legion Family websites,
veteran sites (like the VA, GI Bill) and contact information for all
39 ALR chapters.
With winter upon us, it’s time to start thinking about events
for 2017 and laying out plans to raise money for the Legacy
Scholarship Fund. One of the most meaningful ways to give back
and support our veteran families is to provide opportunities for
children who have lost a parent while serving our country to get
a college education. It’s a worthy cause folks. I ain’t telling you
nothing you don’t already know. So please, let’s set goals this
year to EXCEED our donations in 2016.
Ahlers, Duane, Pender, Korea
Ambler, Don, Arnold, Vietnam
Antisdel, Thomas E., Ralston,
Vietnam
Arnold, Vance M., Stapleton,
Vietnam
Baxter, James E., Palisade,
S.A.L.
Beckstrom, Eldon D., Grand
Island, WWII
Bnson, Bob, Norfolk
Brown, James A., Hebron,
Vietnam
Calhoon, Richard R., Beatrice,
Korea
Christensen, Harold L., Fort
Calhoun, Korea
Cunningham, Gerald W.,
Laurel, Korea
Denison, Mahlon, Kearney,
Korea
Dixon, William, Superior,
Korea
Dreaney, Donald J., Omaha,
Korea
Dutcher, Roger M.,
Valparaiso, Vietnam
Egan, William P., Omaha,
Vietnam
Fauver, Roert D., Lincoln,
Korea
Folda, Richard G., Schuyler,
WWII
Frey, Walter R., Mitchell,
WWII
From, Merrill M., Lodgepole,
Korea
Gallop, John J., Winside,
WWII
Geneski, Donald P., Omaha,
Korea
Gilg, A. D., Bassett, Korea
Goodwin, Richard A., Blair,
Vietnam
Hallett, Ronald G., Millard
Korea
Hampton, Robert L., Chadron,
WWII
Hanson, Tommy R., Crofton,
Vietnam
Hanson, Wendall, Newcastle,
WWII
Havlovic, Edmund J., Prague,
WWII
Hoback, Kenneth J., Burwell,
Vietnam
Hofacre, Michael H., Beatrice,
Korea
Hogan, Patrick J., Valentine,
Vietnam
Houck, Scott W., Bruning,
S.A.L.
Janovsky, James J., Omaha,
WWII
Johnson, Larry J., Louisville
Koranda, Frank J., Wahoo,
Korea
Kruse, Mylan G., Cedar
Bluffs, Korea
Larsen, Edward W., Omaha,
WWII
Lembrich, Derald, Lincoln,
Korea
Lohmeier, Daniel, Omaha,
Vietnam
Mach, Emil, Prague, Korea
Martin, Paul C., McCook,
Korea
Martin, Robert, Dwight,
Vietnam
McKercher, Harold, Blair,
WWII
Mlinar, Roymond J., Greeley,
WWII
Keep on serving and doing good deeds, selflessly for others.
And, stay safe my friends!
Ride as One, Band Together as One....for Those Who Served
and Serve Today.
Kind regards,
Brian Mann
Nebraska State Liaison
American Legion Riders
Chase Paczosa, a member of Troop 212 in Columbus,
knew he wanted to thank veterans through his Eagle
Scout project. Their service and sacrifices are what allow him to participate in Boy Scouts. The 1978 M60A3
tank is prominently displayed at Hartman Post 84 along
U.S. Highway 30 and was in need of repainting. Paczosa’s father and other Troop members assisted with
the work. Sherwin-Williams donated some of the 7 1/2
gallons of paint to cover the 31-feet-long, 57-ton tank,
and the Legion post provided the rest.
Dodge Post 122 visited with the students at Dodge Public School and gave a brief overview of their service and
history of the American Flag. Members demonstrated
the folding of the American Flag. The flag was then presented to Natali Matute a 2nd grader (not Pictured). The
flag was folded by 6th graders, Ethan Haas-Oltrogge
and Braiden Mangum. Legion members Francis Bayer,
Marvin Harms, Lenny Kemp and Jerry Schulte handed
out small American Flags to each of the students as
they left the event. The students were very attentive, appreciative and respectful.
Mueller, Edward J.,
Grand Island, Korea
Mullins, Harris B., Chadron,
WWII
Munderloh, Reinold,
Bancroft, WWII
Nabb, Glenn R., Clay Center,
WWII
Neiman, Richard, Dakota City,
Korea
Nelson Merlin (Curly) W.,
Oakland, WWII
Oban, Dwaine L., Dakota City,
WWII
Pavlik, Edward E., Odell,
WWII
Peitzmeier, Melvin H.,
Fremont, Korea
Pfeiffer, Merle, Arapahoe,
Korea
Powell, Richard F., McCook,
WWII
Prellwitz, Fredrick, Kearney,
WWII
Ramsey, William E., Omaha,
WWII
Rasmussen, Ivan, St. Paul,
Korea
Real, George, Norfolk, Korea
Reninger, Norman W.,
Chambers, WWII
Ries, Dennis E., Stuart,
Vietnam
Schroeder, Bruce,
Beaver Crossing, Korea
Schuster, Kenneth W.,
Beatrice, Gulf War/War/War
on Terrorism
Sears, Ed, Decatur, Korea
Shook, Earl A., South Sioux
City, WWII
Sobraske, Robert A., Schuyler,
Korea
Soules, Paul M., Big Springs,
WWII
Starr, Dean E., Sidney, Korea
Strain, Charles W., Crete
Swarthout, James W.,
Beatrice, Vietnam
Tallman, Ray S., Pawnee City,
Korea
Thayer, Charles E., Pierce
Thiele, Mickey, York, Vietnam
Thiessen, Clifford D., Ralston,
Vietnam
Thomsen, Duane, Pender,
Korea
Tiedtke, Warren, Tekamah,
WWII
Trollope, Wesley C., York,
Korea
Uher, Edward W., Dodge
Vermillion, Lewis P., Omaha,
WWII
Voss, Richard O., Hay Springs,
WWII
Weisnan, Leonard D., Elwood,
WWII
Wesemann, Elmer N., Blair,
WWII
Williams, Russel, Farnam,
Korea
Wissler, Dale, Pawnee City,
WWII
Woods, Mark H., Omaha,
Korea
Wray, Sr. William L.,
North Omaha, Vietnam
Last months TAPS listed Walter Kimmel Jr. as deceased
and he is alive and doing well.
Page 7-The Nebraska Legionnaire-January/February, 2017
Thedford SteidleyKayton Post 230
Commander Jerry Linn
presented David W.
Haumann a certificate
for 70 years continuous
membership. Dave
served in the US Army
Signal Corps during
World War II in the
European Theater and
Pacific Theaters.
The Cody Honor Guard Members (l-r) Larry Johnson,
Orin VanWinkle, Forrest Eberly, Chad Schneider, Leon
Eberly, and Gary Eberly are shown with the Cody/
Kildare (D2-6) football team that played Riverside Cedar
Rapids in the championship game.
Western Post 255
Commander James
Mammen presented
60 years awards to
Jim Rischling (left)
and Gene Busboom
for their continuous
membership in The
American Legion.
On Veterans Day, 11 students from Dodge Public and
St. Wenceslaus Catholic schools helped the veterans
of Dodge Post 122 put out 12 American Flags in front
of the Veterans Club. The students, Emerson Ortmeier,
Aiden Meyer, Hannah Henricksen, Dakota Sawhill,
Braiden Mangum, Jakson Paus, Mechanize Reese,
Sophia Dvorak, Colton Klosen, Meg Anderson and Toby
Oelkers. Everyone enjoyed refreshments after. Many of
these students helped fold the flags and return them to
their display cases before sunset.
Arapahoe Post 96
raised $1,000.00 for
Comfort Warrior
Project. Pictured is Post
Commander Wayne
Lammel (left) and
District 9 Commander
Tyre Nelson.
GOD
P L E AS E
WAT CH OVE R
AND P ROT E CT OUR T ROOP S
The Massie-Richards Post 100 in Syracuse hosted their
annual Flag Disposal Ceremony in lieu of their October
meeting. They were assisted by Boy Scout Troop 337.
The ceremony was witnessed by Boy and Girl Scout
troops and parents. One of the flags that was retired was
the casket flag of Larry Lee Stoner, who was killed in Viet
Nam in 1969 and is buried in the Unadilla Cemetery.
The Dawes County Honor Guard traveled to the Alliance Veterans Cemetery to honor a departed, WWII
Veteran from Chadron. A 21-gun salute was fired in
honor of this departed Navy Veteran. From (l-r) Larry
Hix, Lyndal Redfern, Tom Donohue, Larry Blunt, Miles
Winchester, Ken Garner, Joe Messinio, Jake Jacobs,
Jerry Reed, John Dueker/Commander, Clark Gardener,
Glen Kotschwar, and Vincent Ten Fingers.
Page 8-The Nebraska Legionnaire-January/February, 2017
Prague Post Adjutant
Larry Johnson presented
to Leonard Musilek for
his 70 year of continuous
membership.
The Knox County Government Day was held at the
Center Courthouse, in Center, Nebraska. Ed Kleinschmit
from Crofton welcomed students and sponsors from
Wausa, Bloomfield, Niobrara, Creighton and Santee.
After lunch a mock trial was led by Knox County Attorney John Thomas, Charlie Hendrix, Attorney (Defense
Attorney), Daniel Hendrix, Attorney (Judge) and Deputy
Sheriff Casey Nieman. The student jury found the defendant guilty of MIP.
The District 6 Oratorical contest was held at the St. Paul
American Legion Club on Sunday, November 6th. Pictured left to right are: National Vice Commander Doug
Boldt of Callaway, Olivia Vore of Burwell (3rd place),
Grace McDonald of Phillips (2nd place), Weston Svoboda
of Burwell (1st place), District 6 Commander Bill Berney
of Spalding, and Junior contestant Ella Vore of Burwell.
The American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Nebraska
The Star
January 2017
March 2015
NEW YEAR’S
National President To Visit
RESOLUTIONS
Nebraska ALA Convention At Kearney
Freedom, Faith,
Barb Skillman
Family
National Vice President Virginia Nelson and National Vice Commander
Doug Boldt teach students about flag etiquette and how to correctly raise
the
By flag.
BARB SKILLMAN
Department President
A week in the life of your Department President---
Dear Members,
I would like to say thank you for all the work you have done this year.
AndDecember
thank you 1:
for December
allowing me More
the privilege
to serve
as your
Cookies!
Department
Department
President.
The
time
did
go
very
fast
and
I
will
have
wondercan best described as ACTION Commander Beth Linn’s van was
ful memoriesLast
of the
visits,
special
andcouldn’t
the special
PACKED.
night,
I met
up meetings,
so full she
see Auxiliary
out of the
members I have met that made this year special.
with
Kathy
Mazur
in
Grand
back.
We
drove
through
Chadron
I hope you will attend the Department Convention June 26-28
at the
Island;
andKearney.
we t raveled
to and
to Crawford;
moreNational
goodies
Holiday Inn
Please come
meetonour
special guest
Ainsworth
toJefford.
meet Barb and and more cookies. It was back to
President Janet
Amanda
Themembership
first Chadron,
before we
Bobby
I have Washburn.
received our last
update but
fromnot
National
are
doingwe
wellstarted
on renewals
Nebraska
in first place;
on our Numeric
goal
day,
the —
District
1 isBaker,
Department
Commander
we are slipping
fastwith
— we
are at 9th place.
Membership
Tour
breakfast
for the Sons, could hit a deer. A
Have
you
renewed
your
membership?
Iif not dosupper
so today.
memand a meeting in Ainsworth.
wonderful
wasUnit
prepared
bership chairman please do not hold any dues to be sent in for processWe
picked
cookies.
The for
and
ing. We
need up
every
paid membership
we us
canby
getthe
ourChadron
hands on Post
to make
gracious
District
1
President,
Unit.
There
we
met
Josh,
an
8th
our goals. Thank You!
Bonnie
Finley,from
meta special
us there;
student
who entertained
us
I just returned
event grade
at the Harry
S Truman
Library and
and
we traveled
on toour
Newport
his131st
music.
Museum
remembering
President with
for his
birthday and the 70
years lunch
since VE
Day. It was
wonderful day.
with
in Bassett
anda some
December 3: We arose
I willmost
havedelicious
the pleasure
to attend
on visit
May Jeanie
31 through
June
of the
taco
soup Girls
earlyState
to go
Henkens
Our tasted.
special guest
will traveled,
be Northwestern
Vice
President Lori
I6.ever
As we
before
breakfast.
WeSkallerud
traveled
I am looking forward meeting all the girls you chose from your Unit to
more
the American to Hot Springs, South Dakota.
attend members
this specialofweek.
PRESIDENTIAL DIARIES
Legion, Auxiliary, and Sons of Altogether, we delivered 600
The American Legion joined us; dozen cookies and 68 ditty bags
and our group expanded. In Long for the patients at the VA Medical
Pine, members of our traveling Center. We had lots of cookies,
group did not like my analogy goodies, and a Rockin’ Christmas
of our group being like a snow Party at Hot Springs for the
O’NEILL
ball gathering more “flakes.” By
WeJACKI
patients
there. After a supper
Department
Secretary
picked up cookies. Our evening meeting
up with officers and
ended in Springview for supperThe members
the South
Departmentfrom
Convention
plansDakota
are set
and on to Valentine.
delegation,
we
traveled
back
to
and now we need you to come to Kearney
June
December 2: We were26-28
up toChadron.
join us. What’s new for this year? The
early as breakfast beganitems
at on hand
December
Kathysales
and
from Flag and4:Emblem
willI
to to
purchase.
Copies
6:30 in Valentine. Then beonavailable
decided
take a side
tripoftonew
the
brochures
and pamphlets
will Cemetery
be available.
to school for a “Flag Raising”
Nebraska
Veterans
in
that attends
will we
receive
a packet
with the 4th graders and Everyone
the Alliance
before
traveled
onofto
new brochures and a Convention Annual with
school. Northwestern Division
the Western
the chairmen
reports Nebraska
and awardsVeteran’s
listings.
Vice President Virginia Nelsen
Home
in
Scottsbluff
Dollar
Membership cards will be availablefor
to pick
up
directed the event with National
Fromnotthere,
for eachDays.
unit. Those
pickedweuptraveled
will be
Vice-Commander Doug Boldt
mailed home.
from Department Headquarters after
Convention.
Anyone
wantingwith
their cards
to the unit membership
chairmen
5: Davenport
unit
helping
the
students
the mailedDecember
prior toItConvention
willCody
need toto
callsee
402-466-1808
submit
a request.
meetingand
and
Cookie
Exchange.
flag.
was on to
to all and
of you
that submitted
hours 6:
andI dollars
for our
December
traveled
to
EvaThanks
Nollette
meet
the 8th your volunteer
year-end reporting. Those numbers are so important to this organization when The
Grand
Island
to
help
at
the
GI
graders
who
helped
with
making
American Legion reports to congress.
VAMC
Gift Auxiliary
Shop. member literDitty
Bags
theknow
veterans
atAmerican
By the
wayfor
did you
being an
Legion
December
7: Itlet
was
oneligible
to the
Hot
Springs.
picked toupmake
Ditty
ally took
an ActWe
of Congress
that available
to you? Please
other
Omaha
Medicalmeans
Center
to
Bags
cookies.theirOur
womenand
knowmore
how important
belonging
to thisVA
organization
to our
Veterans.
time Gordon
to be proud
to say
- I belong
MYand
Veteran
poshelpbecause
Gertrude
Rosemade
withit their
next
stopIt’swas
and
then
sible foratme
through his/her
great
country
with
an Act
of
Gift
Shop.
Onandthe
way
home,
lunch
Rushville.
Theservice
ladiesto this
Congress.
At
Department
Convention
I
will
be
reporting
on
what
I
learned
at
the
at Rushville couldn’t believe I stopped at a Soup Dinner in
Department Leadership National Conference this May in Indianapolis.
they
delicious lunch Geneva to help honor 8 veterans
Seemade
you intheir
Kearney!
stretch to feed 45 people. In who received Quilts of Valor.
Hays Springs, the Legion and
Debra Albers
Auxiliary met separately, so
Department
President
which
is an approved member benefits
we The
couldHartford,
really meet
the ladies.
provider of the American Legion Auxiliary, will be mailing
members information about their Senior Term Life
Insurance. These mailings are scheduled to be sent out
starting Monday, May 18th. More information regarding the
Hartford can be found on the national website in the
Members Only section by clicking on Member Benefits.
From The Desk
Of The Department Secretary —
Inside The Star
Lottery Winners, Service to Veterans, Convention
Doug 2
Past
Department President (PDP) National Vice CommanderPage
Schedule
Boldt
and
Auxiliary
Member
Jean
Henkens
enjoyed
a
visit
from
In Memoriam, Unit Activities, Special Notices, ThankBetty
Depart
Yous ment President Debra Stahl have fun dancing at the
Page 3
given for the
patients
Albers,
PDP Barb
Washburn,
and Christmas
Chairman
Reports,
Scholarships,
Helpparty
Wanted
Page
4
Department Vice President Kathy at the Hot Springs VA Medical Center
on the District 1 Tour.
Mazur.
At the end of each year, I am
determined to make next year
better. Maybe it is time to lose
Janet Jefford, of Manchester, Conn., was elected national president of
some weight, clean out those the American Legion Auxiliary during the organization’s 94th National
closets, or get my photos in order. Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Aug. 22-28.
Jefford joined The American Legion Auxiliary through her father
We all have those resolutions,
and it is time to evaluate how last William Lucas, a WWII Army veteran. She is also eligible through her
is Albers
a member of GoodaleDebra
year’s goals progressed. Here are son, Jeff, a Desert Storm Army veteran. Jefford
Rameker Unit 56.
Department
of
Nebraska
President
some things I challenge you to
Jefford is the first ConnecticutAmerican
resident toLegion
represent
the American
Auxiliary
add to your “Resolutions “List.”
Legion Auxiliary as national president since Helen Lee Gilbert during the
1. Plan to attend an ALA 1944-1945 administrative year. She has held2016-2017
numerous leadership positions in the--organization
at thedoes
unit, district
and department
levels,
includmeeting you have never attended chairman
and the report
There
are so many
things
you
ing need
eighttonational
program
currently
serves on the
before. Attend a County, District, not
wait until
April chairmanships.
20th. can do She
to make
your membership
Centennial
Strategic
Planning
or State meeting. You might meet 2014-2019
3. Volunteer
at a VA
facility
in theleadership
Americanteam.
Legion Auxiliary
Jefford
recently
retired
as
vice
president
of institutional effectiveness
someone new. You might look near you. While you’re at it, keep more memorable
at Goodwin College in East Hartford, Conn. She served and
as a meaningful!
commissionat a project in a different way or track
hours
--- again
could
go on and
it is good
er on of
an your
agency
that and
accredits
schoolsI and
colleges,
andon,
as but
president
and
find a new one. You might learn --report them.
to keep
your
Resolutions
List
chairman
of the Board of Connecticut
Training
Center,
a communitysomething you did not know based
nonprofita training
center. Jefford
hasso
two
and
twolist
grand4. Recruit
new member.
short
thechildren
goals on
your
can
children.
All are amembers
The
Legion Family.
about our organization.
5. Interview
Veteranoffor
theAmerican
be accomplished.
May your New
2. Write a report. Complete History Project and share with Year be full of resolve to make
your end of the year report for others.
2017 your best year ever!
your unit. My dream is to have
6. Make something. Join a
Reminders
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
100% reporting. If your unit has Quilts
of Valor group and—
make
done something special or even a quilt to present. Make a mat
Debra Albers
theGirls
same State.....................................................................................May
project as last year, from plastic grocery bags for a
Department
President
31-June
6
write a narrative for the correct homeless veteran.
Department
25-28 Holiday Inn, Kearney
FROM
THEConvention...............................June
DESK
Please make plans to attend the 2015 Department Convention
OF Every
JACKI
O’NEILL
Unit President received a “Convention Call” to promote attendance to
JustDepartment
a few upd ates
a nd
the
Convention.
The business will take place on Thursday and
reminders.
Friday
followed
by Chairmen reports which include many awards distributed to
What were
those 2 tax-related
units
and
members.
forms in the last mailing? Each Unit is allowed delegates and alternates according to
the
membership
Formunit
13 ispaid
a State
of Nebraska by May 24.
form
that can save your Unit
from
REGISTRATION
FEE
— Delegates, Alternates and Senior members will be
paying
taxes
on
items
that
you
charged a registration fee of $10.00.
purchase for resale --- such as
Junior
will be charged a registration fee of $5.00, that fee will not
candy
for amembers
baseball concession.
packet
with
Useinclude
form 13the
to exempt
your
unitthe Convention Annual. Have your 2015 member card
ALA UNIT #288
available
from
the sales for
tax quicker
until afterregistration.
the
to
fill
out
the
applications
for
HOSTS
ANNIVERSARY
item is sold.
scholarships.
Nebraska
ALA
CELEBRATIONS
IRS Form
8822b is a federal
Girls
Nation.........................................................................................July
18-25
from that keeps us informed of scholarships can be found under
On October 23rd, Farnam
your unit’s responsible party the for ms button at: www. ALA Unit #288 hosted two
anniversary celebrations at the
linked to the 990 E-file. Many nebraskalegionaux.net
Don’t
forget
the
contests
like
Farnam Senior Center.
units request that the Department
Jackson Unit #175
Americanism Essay Contest,
2 016 m a r k s t h e 7 0 t h
files
for
them,
so
Department
recently sponsored a
History Book, Prayer Book, anniversary of the founding
needs
to
list
a
member
of
your
Poppy Poster Contest
unit
IRS can contact with Publicity Book, Poppy Posters, of the Farnam Ala Unit #288
andwhoanthe Americanism
Poppy Centerpieces and Poppy and the 65th year that the unit
questions,
if any.
Essay Contest.
There
time to are
get signed Corsages under chairmen articles. has hosted a Senior Citizens’
Posteris still
winners
Keep reporting your volunteer Party honoring residents 75 years
first
up
to through
ALAMISthird
– a place,
great way to
activities.
The National ALA or older. Honored seniors are
3rd Grade
— membership
Tia Pick,
track
your unit
for
reports
to
congress
our “billions” residents with a Farnam address
Brady
Carnell
and
Taylor
only $10.00 per year. American
of
dollars
donated
to
our veterans or phone number and former
Fleury;
4th
Grade
—
Legion Auxiliary Management
with
our
time
and
dollars
spent. residents who were 75 years or
Abbie
Hrouda,
Briena
System.
Gallardo and Marianna
Keep
up
the
good
work
and older when they relocated from
When advertising or on your
Romero; 5th Grade —
call me if you have any questions! the community.
web
pages,
always
list
that
your
unit
Faith Pick, Mackenzie
Thirty-four of the sixtyisSchram
in the Department
of Nebraska 402-466-1808
and Kennedy
Jacki O’Neill six honored seniors were in
American
Legion
Auxiliary,
there
Harding; 6th Grade —
Secretary
continued on page 2
are
numerous
other American
Nayleli
Cabrales,
Eli
Legion
with the same
Riedel,Auxiliaries
and Jocelynn
CONGRATULATIONS, LOTTERY WINNERS!
Graves; and Special
number.
December 1, 2016 . . . . Linda Moore . . . . . . . . . . Edgar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Needs
IRS 990—
formsHannah
are still being
December 2, 2016 . . . . Jolene Smith . . . . . . . . . . Pierce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Wahls,
Lucas
Twohig
updated at Headquarters. Copies
December 3, 2016 . . . . Larry Woita. . . . . . . . . . . Wahoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
andavailable
Nate Coffman.
December 4, 2016 . . . . Helen Hansen . . . . . . . . . Coleridge . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
are
for your records by
December 5, 2016 . . . . Trevor Jacobsen . . . . . . . Minden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Essay
winners
are,
request only.
December 6, 2016 . . . . Jolene Fujan . . . . . . . . . . Malmo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
first through third place,
December 7, 2016 . . . . Post 193 Ohiowa . . . . . . Ohiowa . . . . . . . . . . . . $200.00
Be sure to update the unit’s
December 8, 2016 . . . . Pat Howell . . . . . . . . . . . Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
3rd Grade — Lily Korth,
Const
it
ut
ion,
Bylaws,
a
nd
December 9, 2016 . . . . Amanda Washburn . . . . . Ashland . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Deighton James and
December 10, 2016 . . . Marcia Sabatka . . . . . . . . Valparaiso . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Standing
Rules. If not4th
already
Dylan Kastning;
December 11, 2016 . . . Amber Eggerling . . . . . . Creighton . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
done,
the
“Unit
Dues”
portion
December 12, 2016 . . . Carmen T Peetz . . . . . . . Neligh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Grade — Abbie Hrouda,
December 13, 2016 . . . Charles Craig . . . . . . . . . Talmage . . . . . . . . . . . . $150.00
for
theJackson
2018 year
need to
Cole
andwill
Ellie
December 14, 2016 . . . Rolland Otte . . . . . . . . . . Morse Bluff . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
be
at least5th
$19.25.
updated
McAfee;
GradeIf —
December 15, 2016 . . . Erma Naber. . . . . . . . . . . Waco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $150.00
December 16, 2016 . . . Cathy Garner . . . . . . . . . Valparaiso . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Taylor Korth,are
MacKensie
documents
not received,
December 17, 2016 . . . James Flores . . . . . . . . . . Superior . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Schram
the
systemand
will Matthew
automatically
December 18, 2016 . . . Lorideen Larabee . . . . . . Neligh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Lenz;
6th
Grade
—
upgrade to $19.25 for those units
December 19, 2016 . . . Janice Lampe . . . . . . . . . Beatrice . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
December 20, 2016 . . . Christine Emler. . . . . . . . Lincoln. . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00
Caden
not
in compliance.Schram,
December 21, 2016 . . . Bernard E Rohan . . . . . . Newcastle . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
McKensie
Kneifl
and
Thanks to all that helped with
December 22, 2016 . . . Mom Baxter - Leona . . . Palisade . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Kaden
Fields;
and
December 23, 2016 . . . Burdette Burkhart . . . . . . Lincoln. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
the 2017 fundraiser. Most raffle
December 24, 2016 . . . Don Suchy . . . . . . . . . . . Valparaiso . . . . . . . . . . $200.00
Special Needs — Nate
calendars
were
sold.
Thanks
December 25, 2016 . . . Linda Smith . . . . . . . . . . Gravois Mills MO . . . . $250.00
Coffman,
Jackson
December 26, 2016 . . . Unit 86 Atkinson . . . . . . Atkinson . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
toStroud
those whoand
purchased
Ava raffle
December 27, 2016 . . . Pat Heinemann . . . . . . . . Wallace . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
calendars.
We
couldn’t
have
done
December 28, 2016 . . . Keaton Griess . . . . . . . . . Sutton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Fontenot.
December 29, 2016 . . . Fran Shaffer . . . . . . . . . . Niobrara. . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
it without you.
December 30, 2016 . . . Denise Hunzeker . . . . . . Humboldt. . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
It’s time for the students
December 31, 2016 . . . Dallas D Petersen . . . . . Curtis . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,000.00
SERVICE TO VETERANS
A s I w r it e
this ar ticle on
December 7th,
my last one for
2016, I have great
news! The assignments for two
facilities --- the Grand Island
Veterans Home and the Western
Nebraska Veterans Home in
Scottsbluff Assignments --- are
filled for 2017! And, there are
only five out of the eighty-four
assignments left for the whole
year of 2017. Give yourselves
a BIG hand and be proud of the
work each of you accomplishes
within your units for the “Service
to Veterans” program!
News Flash - today, a unit
requested assignments for 2018!
It would seem all of you are taking
President Deb Albers’ theme to
heart and you truly have shown a
“Slice with a Price” attitude!
Since you have all done so
well, and I am almost out of work
for 2017, I am asking you to help
me with a project? I would like to
develop a list of all of Nebraska’s
rest homes which are “V.A.
Contracted Veterans Homes”
before my Chairmanship ends.
I would ask you help me collect
the names, addresses, and phone
numbers of these facilities in your
communities. The veterans who
are residents in these facilities
are only a few per facility, but
we as Auxiliary members need
to remember they served too;
and we can’t properly recognize
them if we don’t know of the
facility. Please help me build my
list so these few veterans can be
remembered, too.
Thank you again, ladies, for a
GREAT 2016! Let’s have an even
better 2017!
Melody Sanna
Service to Veterans
Chairwoman
Pictured (l to r), Papillion American
Legion Auxiliary members Charlene
Marchand, Tess Ward, Irene
Duryee, and Neola Freese served
refreshments after the Veterans’
Day program held at American
Legion Post 32.
Linda Varejcka, Sharon Egger, Rosie Vermaas, and Lori Lindgren of
Hickman Unit 105 decorated the holiday tree “Red White and Blue” at the
Lincoln VA Clinic. Decorations were donated by Hickman Unit 105. The
wishes of less fortunate veterans were then hung from the tree for people to
include in their holiday shopping.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS continued from page 1
attendance and are pictured here.
Additional family and friends
were also present to celebrate the
occasion.
Special recognitions included:
Ora McMichael, eldest woman
at 100 years old; Orvale Widick,
eldest man at 91 years old;
Raymond and Mildred Tillotson,
the couple married the longest
at 65 years. ALA District 5
President Diane Donnelly from
Hershey and her husband, District
5 Commander Marvin Donnelly;
and , Dist. 5 American Legion
Commander, from Hershey, and
Diistrict 5 Vice President Vicki
Colson from Paxton.
The “Men on the Mountain”
Gospel Quartet from Arnold
provided entertainment.
A moment of silence honored
five seniors who passed away
since last year’s party. They were
Janice Brauer, Rex Ealy, Elvin
Gardner, Geraldine Johnson, and
Bill Minges.
The theme of this year’s party
was “Remember When.....?” and
included party decorations with
framed pictures of many of the
honored seniors at an earlier time
of their lives.
Lunch was provided by the
Senior Party Committee of Darla
Lungrin, Marlene Johnson, Laura
Oberg, and Nancy Oberg.
Robert Beckett
VETERANS DAY
LUNCHEON
The Shubert American Legion
Auxiliary held a Veterans Day
Luncheon for all veterans and the
community to honor our veterans.
A crowd of 42 were served a
turkey meal and pumpkin desert.
Following lunch, veterans and
Shubert Legionnaires Robert
Beckett and Jim Owings spoke on
their Vietnam Honor Flight trip to
Washington, D.C. in June. Their
day started at Eppley Airfield
about 4:00 A.M. They visited the
Memorial Wall and took a drivearound tour to see the Capitol
and White House --- among a
few other sites before stops at
the World War II Memorial and
Arlington National Cemetery
--- including the Changing of the
Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of
the Unknowns.
While the veterans were in
D.C., their wives were enjoying
the home front back in Nebraska.
They got a tour of Memorial
Stadium, lunch, and an afternoon
tour of their choice. They returned
to Eppley Airfield to welcome
their loved and beloved heroes
home. Families with small
children and veterans of all ages
greeted our veterans upon their
return.
Robert and Jim (pictured)
both were very grateful for
the opportunity to attend and
encouraged any one eligible to
apply for a future trip.
Jim Owings
Barb Washburn, on behalf of the Department Past Presidents’ Parley,
presented a gift to Mary York, a WWII / Korean Navy veteran at the
Western Nebraska Veterans Home. The gift was presented to honor the
service of all women veterans living in Nebraska’s Veterans Homes.
Hastings area Legionnaires and Auxiliary members helping with bingo
for the veterans at the Grand Island VA were Joanna Faber and Virginia
Walton. Pictured in the back row, l. to. r., are June and Jim Doyen, Roger
Griffiths, and District 10 President Nancy Griffiths.
Pictured (l to r) are Melissa Steinle, Papillion Unit 32; District 8 President
Sally Johnson; and District 8 Vice-President Lea Doolen. They distributed
52 bags of necessities and lots of food at the Omaha Stand Down for
Homeless Veterans held in November.
2017 CENTERPIECE AND TRAY FAVOR ASSIGNMENTS
GI Med Center
10 Cntrpc
GI Veterans Home
215 Tray Fav
Bellevue Eastern NE
VA Home 24 Cntrpc
Norfolk VA Home
20 Cntrpc
Western NE Home
7 Cntrpc
Western NE Home
90 Tray Fav
Omaha Med Center
75 Tray Fav
January ....... Unit 61 Juniors ...... # 141 Hampton ..... #196 Ulhing .....................................................# 7 Alliance ........... # 7 Alliance..........#336 Crab Orchard
February ..... # 183 Friend .......... # 236 Wolbach ...... #353 Louisville........#326 Osmond .................# 213 Wallace ........ # 213 Wallace ......#264 Dorchester Jrs
March ......... #96 Arapaho ......... #251 Archadia ...... #264 Dorchester ......# 175 Jackson .................#133 Culbertson .... #133 Culbertson ..#222 Shubert
April ........... #126 Broken Bow.. # 141 Hampton ..... # 288 Farnam...........# 127 Craig.....................# 288 Farnam ........ # 1 Chadron .........2016 Girls State
May ............ #147 Crete ............. # 160 Polk............. #147 Crete ...............# 307 So. Sioux City ......# 10 Morrill ........... # 352 Deshler ......2016 Girls State
June ............ #171 Milford ......... #209 Franklin .........................................# 307 So. Sioux City ......#40 Grant .............. #40 Grant .............#146 Rising City
July ............. #294 Hallam .......... #218 Exeter .......... # 243 Plymouth .......# 283 Platte Center .........# 10 Morrill ........... 2016 Girls State ...2016 Girls State
August ........ #290 Elmwood ...... District 11 Jrs........ # 154 Blair .......................................................#7 Alliance ............ #7 Alliance...........
September .. #290 Elmwood ...... # 160 Polk............. #3 Lincoln ...............#302 Leigh .................................................... 2016 Girls State ...# 243 Plymouth
October....................................... # 225 Eddyville .... #266 Bennington .....# 283 Platte Center .........#17 Sidney ............ #17 Sidney ...........#222 Shubert
November... # 257 Eustis ........... # 225 Eddyville .... # 294 Hallam ...........#84 Columbus ................#301 Dalton........... #301 Dalton .........#222 Shubert
December ... #294 Hallam .......... #218 Exeter .......... #32 Papillion ...........# 128 Crofton .................# 7 Alliance ........... # 7 Alliance..........2016 Girls State
YOUR VOICE COUNTS!
LEGION FAMILY VISITS THE SCHOOL
The students of Hitchcock County Elementary Schools in
Culbertson were treated to a special presentation on the United States
Flag preceding Veterans’ Day. Post 133 Commander Dennis Kennedy
and his wife, Peggy, a member of the Auxiliary, used a DVD from the
National organization to explain flag etiquette and respect.
Included in the DVD were demonstrations on honorary flag
presentations at funerals, proper disposing of retired flags, folding the
flag, positioning with other flags, and displaying it at night.
A special video on the Pledge of Allegiance by Red Skeleton helped
give students more meaning to the words. Each student was given
a copy of Our Country’s Flag comic book. The session closed with
a ‘game show’ competition in the class and yummy flag-decorated
cupcakes.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit
#290 in Elwood presented a check to
the Family, Career, and Community
Leaders of American (FCCLA) Club
at Elwood Public School. Pictured
(from left) are Ms. Halmes (club
sponsor), Felicia Knoerzer (club
president), and Maria Atterberry
(Auxiliary president). The donation
was given in conjunction with the
Auxiliary’s “Give 10 to Education” program. The Auxiliary also provided
cinnamon rolls to the entire school staff in recognition of National
Education Week.
The American Legion Auxiliary is proud of Elwood Public School and its
dedication to our community and youth.
VETERANS DAY 2016
Helen Willard, of the Milford
American Legion Auxiliary Unit
#171, presented a red, white, and
blue afghan to all the veterans
residing at the two local nursing
homes in Milford. Each veteran
received an afghan and a letter from
the Milford Auxiliary thanking
them for their service. Pictured
is Helen and David Nicholas, who
served in the United States Navy. Helen stated that she has crocheted
over a hundred afghans for lap covers in the various nursing homes.
As 2016 quickly fades away and 2017 appears, there is time to voice your opinion on legislative issue that
affect our veterans. Are you aware of the current issues which may have an impact? Have you contacted
your senators and representatives to express your concerns?
Now is the time to speak up for the veterans at the Hot Springs VA facility in South Dakota. They are
strongly considering closing it. Let your elected representatives know why it should not be closed. (It is
needed in the area because many Nebraska veterans in the northwestern part of the state use this facility
and it would be a hardship for them to go other places. It is a tranquil place for those patients with drug
addictions. It is a beautiful facility that should not close. Use your own words.)
Contact the following:
Secretary Robert McDonald, Veteran Affairs - [email protected]
Senator Ben Sasse - www.sasse.senate.gov/
Senator Deb Fischer - www.fischer.senate.gov/
Representative Jeff Fortenberry - https://fortenberry.house.gov/contact/email-me
Representative Adrian Smith - > https://adriansmith.house.gov/contact-me/email-me
Representative Don Bacon - https://bacon.house.gov/contact/email
Have you subscribed to :
The American Legion’s Legislative Action Alerts? www.capwiz.com/legion/mlm/signup to subscribe.
The American Legion’s Legislative Update? Visit www.legion.org/enewsletters to subscribe.
Visit the American Legion’s legislative website --- www.legion.org/legislative.
Legislative Day
Plan to attend The American Legion Legislative Day on February 3, 2017 at the State Capitol in Lincoln.
Registration is from 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. in the Rotunda. The meeting will be held in the Werner Chamber.
This is a chance to hear from the Governor and some State Senators about legislation affecting veterans.
For more information on the Unicameral and Senators go to http://nebraskalegislature.gov. Some special
activities are being planned for Auxiliary members. More details to follow.
Every unit should be doing something to advocate for our veterans, and it is important to report that
to me so I can report at Mid-Year and to National. We are doing good things, so share them and show we
care for the veterans.
Lorene Bartos
Legislative Chairman
IT’S A NEW YEAR!
Hope ever yone enjoyed a
wonderful holiday season.
Many of us are cleaning
closets, organizing calendars,
and preparing for what the year
we have been blessed with has
in-store for us. Membership
should always be considered for
future plans of your unit. Want
to be more active with Auxiliary
programs in schools, community,
and veterans facilities? That takes
more members!! It also takes
getting those inactive members
interested in helping out again.
They need to feel included and
asked to join a project.
Membership for Nebraska is
still struggling to keep up with
last year at this date. With goals
reduced greatly, we should be
way ahead by now, not only in
paid dues but new members, too.
Also, do not forget to turn in
those “Recruit One,” etc. awards
to National. Bottom line, PAY
YOUR DUES and SEND THEM
IN NOW . You are making our
veterans and youth wait for our
help and they deserve better!
Make it Rain Members. Fill
Up the Rain Barrel. We need to
show our heroes that they will be
honored and helped by an active
and growing organization. Every
member, every unit, every county,
every district, every department
and division. Membership must be
addressed and grow! Of course, it
will be done in a No Crab Zone!
LEADERSHIP.
going on. Share your knowledge
about plans and programs in
plain and clear language and
then always ask if there are any
questions.
Enc ou r a ge me mb e r s t o
participate as much as they can
and then be sure to say “thank
you” and let them know that
their help was appreciated.
Please have someone in your
unit go to www.ALAforVeterans.
org under the Leadership tab and
copy Welcome to the American
L e g io n Au x i l i a r y S e n io r
Auxiliary Basics, A Course
on our History and Legacy.
Then, study it in sections to
learn how our organization was
formed and what we had done.
If you take the test and send the
answer sheets to me, I will send
cards to those who complete the
course.
Pat Wisemann
Leadership Chair
An upcoming event in 2017
is the Mid-Year Conference in
Grand Island. Activities are
being planned for the Juniors
on Saturday, January 14. The
Juniors will visit the Veterans’
Home in Grand Island and do
some activities with the veterans
there. Please contact me if you
have some Juniors who would
like to attend.
With the New Year comes
time to report your previous
year’s Junior activities. There
will be an award at Mid-Year
and/or the Department meeting
for those reporting. So, please
send me your information!
I look forward to seeing many
of you at Mid-Year. Please
look for and support the Junior
fund raiser there. The proceeds
will go towards the cost of the
2017 Northwestern Division
Junior trip. Department Junior
President Daisha Hoff man
continues to collect the coinfilled pill bottles for her project
for the veterans. Daisha plans to
purchase a three-wheeled bike
from the funds collected. Hope
to see all of you there!
Happy New Year!
Judy Bors
Jr. Activities Chr.
WHAT IS IT? I FOUND AN
INTERESTING DEFINITION.
“Leaders set direction and
help themselves and others
to do the right thing to move
forward. To do this, they create
an inspiring vision --- and then
motivate and inspire others to
reach that vision.”
I think it is very important
just to take time to be sure that
everyone understands what is
Barbie Meyer
Membership Chr.
308-893-2200
TOP TEN MEMBERSHIP
as of 12/12/16
1. District 2 71.041%
2. District 1 68.563%
3. District 9 68.495%
4. District 13 67.378%
5. District 3 66.638%
6. District 7 64.163%
7. District 5 63.348%
8. District 10 62.807%
9. District 12 62.103%
10. District 8 60.882 %
JUNIOR ACTIVITIES
We are very proud to have so many members of one family in our small
community who belong to the American Legion and American Legion
Auxiliary! All of the following are members of the Tilden American Legion
Post 170 or are members of the Unit 170 Auxiliary or Junior Auxiliary.
Back Row: Kelli Thomas, Jackie Blom, Samantha Nelson, and Kandi Wragge.
Front Row: Mary Ann Croxen, Dale Croxen, Karen Thomas holding
Charlotte Blom, and Jamie Nelson holding Madelynn Blom.
A SLICE FOR THE FUTURE
ALA Scholarships
It is time to place a phone call to your school’s guidance counselors
to remind them of the March 1, 2017 ALA scholarship deadline.
Encourage them to recruit students to apply for the many scholarships
the ALA offers. Consider placing an article in your hometown
newspaper to remind parents of the scholarship offerings and the
deadline students need to meet.
Your unit will need to select the scholarship applications that will
be sent on to ALA Department Headquarters for consideration. To
qualify for judging, each application selected must be signed by a unit
officer. Your unit’s selections must be postmarked no later than March
15, 2017. For information, see the Education article in the 2016-2017
ABC Book.
Sharon Brozovsky
Dept. Education Chairman
2017 is here, and it’s time to
plan your Junior activities for
the New Year. Reflecting on
2016, one of the highlights was
our Nebraska Juniors traveling
to Minneapolis to attend the
Northwestern Division Junior
meeting. This meeting has
replaced the National Junior
meeting. Those attending were
Katelyn Babula and Briana
Capek from Milligan, Hailey and
Courtney Synder from Gretna,
Hope Dowell from Plattsmouth,
and Daisha Hoff man f rom
Dorchester. The girls were
accompanied by six adults.
The Juniors had a great
time and met several other
Juniors from the Northwestern
Division. “Socks of Love” was
one of the projects the Juniors
participated in for the veterans
at this meeting. To complete
their trip, the Juniors enjoyed
time at the “Mall of America.”
Thank you to all who helped
make this trip possible for these
Juniors.
THE CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
The road to finding the next President of the United States of America
was a long and difficult job. What is worse, it’s not over. Protests
claiming he’s not our President, recounts, and the media with a constant
barrage of criticism.
In elections past, there has been a peaceful change of the Executive
Branch of our government. We may not have been happy with the
outcome, but we prayed the new President would guide our country
with wisdom. To think otherwise is to pray for the demise of our
government. That just doesn’t sound right.
Why is this happening? What would make anyone say, “He is not
my President?” Perhaps we have become selfish. We have come
to believe that it has to be what we want and everyone else does not
matter. Whatever happened to “for the good of the country?” Let’s
be agreed to pray for our President and all those selected to help him
run our country.
No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. 1
Corinthians 10:24
Dear Lord, We glorify Your Holy Name. Protect our President,
Vice-President, and those selected to help run our country. We pray
the Holy Spirit gives them the wisdom to make wise decisions. We
pray those decisions are made for the good of every citizen. We ask
You, Lord, to help them lead our country in a way that will encourage
every citizen to be fulfilled in our great nation. We ask these things
in Your name. Amen
Elizabeth Paes, Department Chaplain
THANKS
Dear Members,
Our family wishes to express
its appreciation for the cards,
visits, and memorials given at the
passing of my father, World War
II Veteran John James Gallop Sr.
My father was a lifetime member
of The American Legion. Dad
will surely be missed by our
family and his many friends and
acquaintances. Thank you Deb,
Kathy, Elizabeth, Jacki, Pat, and
more Auxiliary ladies who have
shared their love, hugs, and kind
words and prayers with us. All is
greatly appreciated. God Bless
you during this most Blessed
holiday season and throughout
the new year. Thank you.
Beverly A. Neel
Department Historian
MUSIC
January and February,
although cold, are two wonderful
months for many reasons.
First, because it’s so cold
outside, it gives me, anyway, a
good excuse to catch up on the
many things that get neglected
in the warm spring, summer,
and even sometimes, fall months.
After I accomplish all of the notso-fun tasks, such as cleaning
and organizing my house, I get to
spend time refreshing my musical
skills.
I often sit at the piano for a few
hours, play saxophone, accordion,
guitar, ukulele, or clarinet, or
--- if I get really adventurous --might try to sharpen my skill at
a different instrument. Being a
band teacher, it’s fun to refresh
skills to help offer students tips
and tricks into making playing
their instrument flow smoother
for them. And, what better way
than to gain personal experience.
January and February also
happen to be two months that
hold a special place in my heart
because several important people
in my family were born in these
months. Another favorite cold
weather hobby is scrapbooking
a nd per u si ng t h roug h old
scrapbooks.
In January, I remember my
G rand ma Marcy, who was
such a sweet lady. She enjoyed
playing bingo and spoiling her
grandchildren. Although she
and my grandpa didn’t live a
life of luxury, they both worked
hard to provide for my dad and
aunt even though farming didn’t
always prove to be a kind and
fruitful profession. She always
did a splendid job of scrapbooking
and even made each of her four
grandchildren --- and even some
of her great-grandchildren --their own scrapbooks before she
developed Alzheimer’s disease.
In February, I celebrate my
dad and my grandpa on my
mom’s side of the family. While
I love getting to celebrate with my
dad on his birthday, I also enjoy
getting to visit with my mom and
grandma to share fun memories
of my Grandpa Bill Anderson
when we observe his birthday.
Grandpa Bill is the reason I was
able to become an Auxiliary
member.
He grew up in Minnesota and
was too young to see action in
World War II, but trained as a
paratrooper. Although he never
saw combat, he was always a
hero in my eyes because not only
did he and my grandma raise
three children on a dairy farm in
Minnesota, which is no easy task,
but he bravely fought lung cancer.
Although he didn’t win the battle
against cancer, I always believe
that his hard-working attitude
played a role in his being a fighter.
The moral of this article is
to embrace the cold weather
months and employ any free time
indoors to catch-up on neglected
activities. Whether you’re like
me --- reminiscing, cleaning,
and practicing up on skills and
hobbies --- or if you have your
own agenda, find a task that you
enjoy to help kick those coldweather blues. The same idea can
then be applied within your units.
Now is a great time to establish
a musical plan for the upcoming
months. Hire or invite musical
performers, designate which
songs will be utilized in each
month’s meetings, or come up
with creative ways to incorporate
music into your meetings. Now’s
a great time to roll up our sleeves,
and as the kids like to say, “do
work!”
January and February
Honored Songs:
Hymns: Psalm 1 (sung as a canon)
and Jesus Calls Us O’er the
Tumult
Patriotic: You’re a Grand Old
Flag
Fellowship: Beautiful Day by U2
Maureen Beck
Music Chairman
ALA Unit #95 in Curtis participated in the town’s Fall Festival and our unit
won “Best Float” of the Grand Parade! The parade theme was “Harvest
in the Heartland.” The auxiliary members on the float are Erin Pascoe,
Drew Pascoe (youngest member), Randi Houghtelling (driving), and Sienna
Houghtelling (with cornhead).
Calling All Juniors
The Shubert American Legion Auxiliary Unit #222 held its annual
“Christmas Tour of Homes” on Sunday, December 4th. Four gracious
home owners showed their homes which had been decorated for
Christmas. All of the proceeds will be given to Nebraska homeless veterans
in the local area.
HELP WANTED
The Department of Nebraska American Legion Auxiliary is
looking for applicants to fill a vacancy in the bookkeeping
department. Hours are negotiable, and the position can be filled
by a part time or full time employee. Duties will be discussed at
time of interview.
A background check will be made prior to employment.
Call 402-466-1808 for an application.
Jacki ONeill
Department Secretary
The Stuart American Legion Auxiliary, with help from the Sons of the
American Legion, held its first Annual Veteran Appreciation Picnic in
the city park on September 11th. Local veterans and their families each
received a personal invitation to the event. They were served grilled
hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, chips, drinks, and dessert. There were
72 in attendance and over 40 door prizes were given out. The oldest veteran
to attend is 92 years old. Next year, the Auxiliary wants to include the
local Fire and Rescue squads and Sheriff’s Department to make it a true
Patriot’s and Veteran’s Day
DATES TO REMEMBER
JANUARY
1
New Years Day
2
New Years Day observed - Department Headquarters closed
13-15 Mid-Year Conference - Hotel Grand, Grand Island
16
Martin Luther King Day - Department Office closed
21
Make A Difference Day
FEBRUARY
American Legion Legislative Day - State Capital
3
10
“THE STAR” articles are due. Please submit them by the 10th.
14
Valentine’s Day
20
President’s Day – Department Headquarters closed
FOR YOUR ADVANCED PLANNING
June 4-10, 2017
American Legion Auxiliary Cornhusker
Girls State, Lincoln
June 22-25, 2017
Department Convention, Columbus
August 17-24, 2017
National Convention, Reno, Nevada
EDITOR’S NOTE
Please send articles and pictures for future editions of “The Star” to Lorene
Bartos, Editor, 7441 San Mateo Lane, Lincoln, NE 68516 or email to
[email protected]. Send photos jpg as attachments. Materials for
the next issue need to be submitted by February 10, 2017.
You are invited to participate
in a Service to Veterans Project
during Mid-Year Conference
at the VA Medical Center in
Grand Island on Saturday,
Januar y 14th f rom 2:00 3:30. Please let Department
President Deb Albers or Judy
Bors know by January 6 if you
plan to attend.
[email protected]
[email protected]
In Memoriam
Notices received
Nov. 10, 2016 to Dec. 10, 2016
Joyce Stoker . . . . . . . . . Omaha
Shirley V Busboom . . . . Lincoln
Diana K Mueller . . . . . . . Lincoln
Zola Wood . . . . . . . . . . Alliance
Alice M Haase . . . . . . Hastings
Goldie Mitchell . . . . . . Chadron
Dorothy Vasey . . . . . . . .Wymore
Mardi L Larson . . . . . . . . Gering
Mylet Zvacek . . . . . . . . . .Pender
Violet C Robison . . . . . . .Pender
Adeline Axt . . . . . . .Plattsmouth
Barbara J Hoesing . . . Newcastle
Karen A Lyon . . Newman Grove
Alma B Suchan . . . . . . . Stanton
Grace C Wiese . . . . . . . . Mullen
Eloise Weber . . . . . . . . . St .Paul
Wilma A Poss . . . . . . . . St .Paul
Dorothy Frady . . . . . . . . Crofton
Fern Schegg . . . . . Bloomington
Corolla Patras . . . . . . .Plainview
Josephine Pepperl . . . . Burchard
Alice A Ulch . . Beaver Crossing
Helen Atwater . . . . . . . . Greeley
Ellen Schopp . . . . . . .Plymouth
Maxine Weaver . . . . . .Humboldt
Eunice Prottsman . . . . . Venago
Pauline Childs . . . . . . . . .Hallam
Elsie Mays Duran . . . .Doniphan
Delores M Sykora . .S .Sioux City
Evelyn V Dlouhy . . . . . . . . Tobias
Nadyne Gerdes . . . . . . Johnson
Jane Kolling . . . . . . . . . . Deshler
Vera Sercl . . . . . . . . . Valpraison
Marilyn Quinn . . . . . . . Ralson
1
3
3
7
11
12
25
36
55
55
56
62
73
88
109
119
119
128
145
148
156
178
186
243
269
270
294
300
307
311
33
352
371
373