inutes of the epartment xecutive ommittee … minutes/minutes dec 2016-05-21.pdf · to assist...

Honorable Service - Moral Obligation

The American Legion

For God and Country

MINUTES OF THE DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING, SATURDAY,

MAY 21, 2016, AT NANTICOKE POST #6, SEAFORD, DE

CALL TO ORDER

At 11:00 AM, the Department Executive Committee was called to order by Department

Commander James Gallagher.

OPENING CEREMONIES

Opening ceremonies were completed per the Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies with

Wayne Hicks, Chaplain, offering the Opening Prayer. Commander James Gallagher declared the

Department Executive Committee meeting regularly convened.

ROLL CALL

Department Officers Name 7/10 9/26 11/14 1/30 3/12 5/21

Commander James Gallagher P P P P P P

1st Vice-Commander Jeffrey Crouser P P P P P P

2nd Vice-Commander MaryAnna Moderhak P P P P P P

Adjutant Richard J. Santos P P P P P P

Assistant Adjutant Robert Michael P P P P P P

Finance Officer John A. Endres P P P P P P

Judge Advocate Davis Wright P P

Asst. Judge Advocate Dennis Dinneen

Chaplain R. Wayne Hicks P P P P

Service Officer Joseph Houghton P P P P P

Historian Robert Royland P P P P P

Sergeant-At-Arms James Stewart P P P P P

Past Dept. Commander Robert Michael P P P P P P

Past Dept. Commander John A. Endres P P P P P P

Past Dept. Commander James M. Brady, Jr. P

Department of Delaware, The American Legion, Inc.

P.O. Box 930, Seaford, DE 19973-0930

Tel: 302.628.5221

E-mail: [email protected]

2 Minutes DEC 2016-05-21

Roll Call by Department Adjutant Richard J. Santos (Continued):

7/10 9/26 11/14 1/30 3/12 5/21

National Officers Name

NEC Kenneth Whitman P P P P P

ANEC John A. Endres P P P P P P

District Commanders

New Castle District Edward Colaprete P P P P P P

Kent District James Cole P P P P

Sussex District James Lafferty P P P P P P

District Vice-Commanders

New Castle District Paul Smith P

Kent District Scott Holmes P P P

Sussex District Gary Shols P P P P P

DEC

New Castle District Aleta Krauss P P P P P

New Castle District Raymond Abbott P P P P

Kent District Kim Endres P P P P P P

Kent District Larry Marcouillier P P P P P

Kent District John Roberts P P

Sussex District Bettylou Evans P P P P

Sussex District Lee Glasco P P P P

Sussex District Agustin P. Govin, Sr. P P P P P

Sussex District Richard Jefferson P P P P P

Sussex District Roland Placente P P P P

Raymond Trabbold

Clarence Jackson

John Jackson

Margaret Reining P P P

Bettylou Evans P P P P

Past Department Commanders


Carl Platner

Charles Armbruster, Jr. P P P P

Thomas Burns

Dale Nauman

Corbit Goff

Lyman Brenner P P P P

Ruth McBride

Larry Marcouillier P P P P P

Edward Feeley P P

Kenneth Whitman P P P P P

James Brady P

John Endres P P P P P P

Robert Michael P P P P P P QUORUM

Commander Gallagher declared a quorum present.

GUESTS

None.

TECHNICAL MOTION

A motion by Kenneth Whitman and seconded by Edward Colaprete that non-members of

the Department Executive Committee are permitted to make reports. Motion passed.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion by Larry Marcouillier and seconded by Jeffrey Crouser to approve the Minutes

of the March 12, 2016 Department Executive Committee meeting as distributed by the

Department Adjutant. Motion passed.

OPENING REMARKS BY DEPARTMENT COMMANDER JAMES GALLAGHER

He thanked all officers, staff, and DEC members for their support, understanding, and

efforts during the past year. It was his pleasure and honor to serve as Department Commander.

He could not have done the job without everyone helping.

Although department membership fell short of goal, it was very impressing to see the

hard work and effort put into recruiting and retention. He thanked the district commanders who

really came forward and did an outstanding job. He deferred to Vice-Commander Crouser for

additional remarks on membership.

The Department is currently proceeding with attempts to develop posts at the Del-Tech

campuses. There has been interested shown also at a few other schools. This is being done

through the veterans’ clubs on campus, not thru school administrations. He had hoped to get the

post started at Del-Tech, but fell short on time. He feels this is a viable idea and hopefully next

year’s team can get it done.

NATIONAL OFFICER REPORTS


NEC: Kenneth Whitman

Spring NEC meetings were held April 30 to May 5, 2016, IN Indianapolis, IN. He

attended the Convention & Meetings Committee meetings as the NEC Liaison to the committee.

The upcoming National Conventions are scheduled for: Cincinnati 2016, Reno 2017,

Minneapolis 2018, Indianapolis 2019, Louisville 2020, and Phoenix 2021.

The NEC reviewed 34 resolutions. Once again, a resolution to protect the American flag

was approved.

The VA Disability Claims for veterans who were or are currently employed by the

federal government. Many veterans/employees have a portion or all of their claim payments

taken out of their retirement checks. The American Legion is pursuing correction of this situation

by supporting the Retired Pay Restoration Act HR 303 and S 271.

National elections are in November 2016. The American Legion values its independence

and effectiveness on veterans’ issues. This stance is best maintained by neutrality on individual

candidates or political parties. The American Legion by legal definition is non-partisan and

supports only issues which impact the Four Pillars of the organization. Although we must avoid

partisan politics, The American Legion strongly urges all eligible citizens to register to vote and

to cast their ballots in ALL elections at ALL levels through the Legion’s Get Out the Vote

(GOTV) program. To assist individuals and posts with GOTV efforts, the Americanism

Commission publishes Get Out the Vote and Vote America. Both are available for free at

www.legion.org/publications. More information and samples of news releases and public service

announcements or to share your post’s GOTV success stories visit www.legion.org/vote. Further

information is in addendum 1.

ANEC: John A. Endres

The NEC approved Resolution 1, American Legion Legacy Scholarship Enhancement.

The pool of children of military personnel killed in action after 911is thinned out. The resolution

broadens the pool of recipients for scholarships. The resolution is attached as addendum 2.

DISTRICT COMMANDER REPORTS

New Castle District: Commander Edward Colaprete reporting.

The New Castle District held is bi-monthly meeting on 5/4/16.

Post 13 reported:

• On April 10, members attended the Welcome Home and Departure ceremony on

Delaware

Air National Guard Airmen at ANG Base in New Castle.

• On May 28, at 10:30 am, members will attend the Memorial Day Service at the Delaware

• Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

• On May 30 at 10:30 am the Post will be having a Memorial Day Service at Veterans

Point in Delaware City.

• On July 16 the Post will be participating in the Delaware City Day Parade forming up in

Ft. DuPont at 10:00 am.

• On Sept 24 the Post will be participating in Military Heritage Day at Ft DuPont.

Post 25 reported:

• Membership is currently at 277 out of 282 goal 98.2

http://www.legion.org/vote


• Post 25 donated $400 to Unit 25 to allow them to reinstate their non-profit status

• JROTC Awards were presented to Middletown High School and will be presented to

Appoquinimink High School.

• Name change is complete for Post & Squadron 25 and amended charters have been

received.

• They are having a Beef & Beer on May 14 from 6:30 to 10:30 at MOT Senior Center.

Tickets are $25 each.

• VA Carnival will be held on May 14 from 11 - 2.

• There will be a table at VetFest located at 900 Lorewood Grove Rd.

• They continue to do our Bob Evans Fundraisers at the Middletown location. This month

they will be on the 7th & 17th. Flyers are needed.

• Received donations for the Wheelchair games from Posts 18, 29, and 30.

Post 29 reported:

• March: voted to donate to the Wheelchair games travel fund; attended the Medal of

Honor commemoration in Middletown; attended the funeral of 52 year PUFL member

Joe McCullough; attended the National Commander luncheon.

• April: Slate of officers for 2016-2017 nominated; Delegates to convention selected; audit

begun on finance records; attended the Delaware Military Academy awards night and

presented 5 awards to cadets with the assistance of District Commander Colaprete.

• May: Election of officers at next meeting; V AMC carnival on May 14; will be attending

Memorial Day observances.

• Membership remains at 96+.

Post 30 reported:

• March: voted to donate to the Wheelchair games travel fund; attended the Medal of

Honor commemoration in Middletown; attended the funeral of 52 year PUFL member

Joe McCullough; attended the National Commander luncheon.

• April: Slate of officers for 2016-2017 nominated; Delegates to convention selected; audit

begun on finance records; attended the Delaware Military Academy awards night and

presented 5 awards to cadets with the assistance of District Commander Colaprete.

Donated to 6SAAA softball team and Stahl Post Diamond Boys softball team for their

2016.

Sponsored a Wheel Chair bound Veteran to participate in the Wheelchair Games.

Presented Medals and Awards to 2 ROTC Cadets at William Penn High School.

Purchased and awarded 198 Pins in 10 year denominations to our Stahl Post Members.

Donated $3S0.00 to Camp Colwell, DENG

• May: Election of officers at next meeting; VAMC carnival on May 14; will be attending

Memorial Day observances.

Membership remains at 96+. Membership 491 paid up as of 4- 27- 2016.

Donated to V AMC Carnival along with 8 Volunteers.

Stahl Post 30 Baseball Team Beef and Beer Fund Raiser, $2S.00 Music and Dancing

May 7, 7 to 11 PM.

May 8th MOTHERS DAY.

May 18th Award a $1000.00 Scholarship and a $SOO.OO award to 2 Seniors at William

Penn High School.

May 28 & 29th Place Flags on our Veterans Graves at Gracelawn Cemetery, also give

flags to visitors who wish to place a flag on their veterans Grave.

Memorial Day May 30, 2016 Ceremony at Delaware Memorial Bridge 10 AM. Light

lunch at Stahl Post after Ceremony for those who attend Beau Biden for Homeless

Veterans campaign.


• Nominations for District officers: Ed Colaprete as District Commander; Paul Smith as

District Vice Commander; and David Duncan as Sgt. At Arms. The nominations for our 2

DEC representatives were missed and will take place at our district caucus. Nominations

were closed and the slate of officers will be voted on at the district caucus on July 7 at the

department convention.

• The district make a $50 donation to the Wheelchair Games fund.

Sussex District: Commander James Lafferty reporting.

The Sussex District held another successful Dish Fry on April the 23rd, 2016. A big

thank you goes out to the wonderful volunteers at Post 28 who spent most of their day preparing

the fish, cooking the fin, serving the fish and conducting the SO/SO. It never would have

happened without the generosity of those fine folks. Great job and thank you from him!

On May 5th, the Sussex District lost a real pillar of the district. Maurice Evans passed

away on this date after a long and painful battle. Maurice, a Past District Commander, was

always there to help and make sure things were done correctly and on time. He will be sorely

missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Bettylou, Sussex District Adjutant, and

Past Department Commander.

The Sussex District was considering having a day at the Shorebirds Baseball Game.

After much discussion and presentations to the respective posts within the district, it has been

decided to wait until next year to have this event. Actually, discussions were started late in last

season and they will be doing a better job next year.

The Sussex District has not reached its 100% goal this year; however, it is not because of

the lack of effort. He knows for a fact that many posts have really tried hard and worked hard to

bring on new members and make sure the existing members renewed their memberships. It

seems to be getting harder each year, but they will still keep working to try and make it happen.

Congratulations go out to Posts 17 and 37 who have reached their 100 goal.

The next Sussex District meeting will be our caucus on June 11th at Post 28, starting at

11 AM. The caucus will be followed with a BBQ lunch. Those delegates that have signed up to

go to the convention in July should all attend the caucus. During this caucus, election of district

officers will take place along with the election of delegates to the department executive

committee and delegates to the national convention in August. It is important for all delegates to

the department convention from the Sussex District to attend this caucus to vote and support

your district.

He reminded everyone that on this Memorial Day to take a moment and remember all

those American heroes that paid the ultimate sacrifice, so we can enjoy the freedoms we have in

our great country today.

AMERICANISM

Americanism Committee: Lyman Brenner

The National American Legion Americanism Commission met in Indianapolis on May 2-

3, 2016. The commission members heard reports on Youth Education, the American Legion

World Series and had an update on Troop and Family Support Programs before breaking in

committee and subcommittee meetings. Michael Bredeck of Minnesota talked about the different

scholarships awarded by The American Legion. Mr. Eddie Holbrook of North Carolina talked

about the effect the Legion World Series has had on Shelby, North Carolina. Bruce Drake of

Indiana talked about the effect that the different American Legion programs have on active duty


personnel.

The following committees met: Baseball, Children and Youth, Citizenship &

Naturalization, and Youth Activities. The committee meeting that he attended was Youth

Activities. This committee started off with the Trooper Youth Program. Delaware is recognized

as one of the 19 departments with this program. They recommended the establishment of a

Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Subcommittee. The next subject was the Junior Shooting Sports

program. This is a program that Delaware does not have - basically because of the problems of

finding convenient venues for the participants to practice in.

The section on the American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program "A

Constitutional Speech Contest" was next. The national winner was Benjamin Crosby of

Washington State - a sophomore in high school. They also drew the pairing of the first round for

next year's contest. Delaware is in the group with South Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, New

Mexico, and Florida. There was a resolution to change some of the structure of the program.

This was not approved, not because of the idea, but because the national organization costs for

the weekend (room rentals, extra judges, prize money) in Indianapolis would almost double.

The commission members evaluated the top 10 Eagle Scout nominations. They also

approved a resolution, which was sent onto the NEC, allowing Eagle Scouts to be the son or

grandson of a member of the SAL. This was put in because the present requirement is the son or

grandson of a member of The American Legion or Auxiliary. There will be a National Scouting

Conference Call on Oct 27th. The Eagle Scout of the Year is Jacob Kelley of Wisconsin, a

runner up from last year. The runner-ups this year include Liam O'Conner of Delaware. Liam

will receive a scholarship from the national organization.

Boys State and Boys Nation was discussed briefly with the emphasis on making sure the

state programs have their insurance.

On May 3rd, the Commission met as a whole and reviewed everything that each of the

subcommittees did. Probably the one item that affects Delaware the most is that no one from our

national baseball district submitted a bid for the regional tournament for 2017 and 2018.

The Committee on Children and Youth announced the dates for the Children and Youth

Conference, Sept 16-18, 2016. They would like a representative from both the Auxiliary and the

Sons of the American Legion to attend from each department. They also announced the names of

the 31 recipients of the American Legacy Scholarships. There were none from Delaware.

The last committee report was the Citizenship and Naturalization subcommittee. They

announced that Get Out the Vote brochure and the Vote America booklet are now available on-

line.

American Legion Baseball: Roy Lamberton

1. The 2016 Delaware American Legion Baseball Season begins June 2nd, 2016. The 8 teams

are scheduled for 28 games each between June 2nd and July 21st.

2. Highlighted games:

a. June 14, R.C. DuPont Post 18 at Fox Post 2 - at Wesley College 6 PM, site of Boys State.

b. June 26, The Annual Veteran's Cup Game, Delaware Post 1 at Delvets - at Frawley

Stadium, 12 Noon. Picnic at Delvets follows.

c. July 4, Delvets Post 1 at Stahl Post 30 for the Fourth of July Game - Wilson Field 11

AM.

3. The 2016 Delaware State tournament will commence July 23rd. Final game should be played

Wed July 28 or Thursday July 29th. Games at Wilson Field. See website for full schedule.

4. The Baseball Scholarship applications are due to the State Office by July 15th. Winner will

be determined during the State Tournament by the Baseball Committee. Please encourage


your teams to identify a candidate and submit the scholarship. Two of our last 3 State

winners have also been honored with selection to the National American Legion All

Academic Team!

5. The Department Committee will be working to identify new managerial talent to expand the

number of teams in the state. He needs at least two new teams, preferably in Sussex County,

although additional teams up north would also help our presence in Delaware Baseball.

Scouting: Daniel Seeman, Jr.

2016 Eagle Scout of the Year applications were online. The American Legion Eagle

Scout of the Year will receive a $10,000 scholarship and three runner-up scholarship awards of

$2,500 each will be granted. Applications were due to department headquarters by March l;

department nominee submissions had to be sent to National Headquarters by April l. The

download for an application was under Americanism at www.legion.org/publications.

There was one application in the name of Liam P. O’Connor, 203 North Layton Avenue,

Wyoming, DE 19934. He is in the 12th grade at Caesar Rodney High School with a 4.0 grade

average and number 2 in the class. He received his Eagle Scout on September 9, 2012 in Troop

#24. Mr. O’Connor’s application was sent to National on March 7, 2016. Liam finished as a

national runner-up.

On May 6-8 the Cub Scouts went to Akridge Scout Reservation for a weekend camping

trip. There they learned how to pitch a tent, nature and even did a little fishing. They were taught

just the basic, so not to over load those little minds. On May 7 they also marched in the Old

Dover Days Parade. On May 15-17 the Weblos will be going to Camp Akridge with the Boy

Scouts to camp in the Council Jamboree, this will give them the experience of camping with

other troops.

Conventions & Meetings

Convention Committee: Bettylou Evans

Ms. Evans reported that the 98th Annual Convention of the Department of Delaware, The

American Legion, Inc. will be held at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, 1131 North DuPont

Highway, Dover, Delaware, starting Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 9:00 AM-EDT and continuing

through Friday, July 8, 2016. The annual conventions for the American Legion Auxiliary and

Sons of The American Legion coincide.

For members of The American Legion, delegates, alternates, delegates-at-large, past

department commanders and their guests may obtain housing directly with and through the

Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, or a post may obtain housing directly with and through the Dover

Downs Hotel & Casino for its delegates, alternates, delegates-at-large, past department

commanders, and/or guests. Members of the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The

American Legion may obtain housing through their post or as an individual.

Adjutant Santos reported that room reservation info was sent via E-mail and 1st class

mailing to all posts as shown in addendum 3. The following is a breakdown of the room rates

and method for making reservations.

Nightly Room Rate $125

8% Tax 10

Resort Fee 6

Total $141


Credit Card Only – No Checks

Cutoff Date for room reservations is June 6, 2016

All individuals will use their own credit card

Reservations only by telephone

302-674-4600

Ask for VIP Services

Use group code – GAMER16

Several Posts will use a credit card to make reservations for the members of the post, unit

and/or squadron. The room reservation form for a block reservation is attached.

The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion

will hold their 2016 convention sessions in the same rooms used in 2015. The Department

Hospitality Room again will be on Wednesday and Thursday nights in the Fire & Ice Lounge.

The drink and snacks provided last year will again be served. The first post commitment to the

hospitality room is from Henlopen Post #5 for $1,000.

Vice-Commander Crouser reminded all posts that they can use the 40% contribution

money from their video lottery machines to support the Department Convention Hospitality

Room; ear mark it “American Legion Programs.” Commander Gallagher and he will be

contacting posts toward assisting in funding the room. Individual delegates will be able to

partake at a fee of $30 per night. It was emphasized that $30 per night is rather cheap when one

goes to the casino bars and pays $10 or more for one alcoholic beverage without any finger food.

Adjutant Santos added the registration forms for post delegations, a delegate fee

schedule, a registration overview, and the Call to Convention for the 98th Annual Department

Convention have been sent by E-mail and 1st class mailings on two occasions to all posts as

shown in addendum 4.

Program Convention Book: Kim Endres

The 2016 convention book ads are available at the following rates: Inside Front Cover

and Back Cover $250; Back Inside Cover $225; Full Page $125; Half Page $65; and Business

Card $25. Boosters remain the same at $1 per name. There are still some posts that are

submitting two names on one line (Mr. and Mrs. - Bobby & Sue) and only contributed a dollar. It

is not a dollar a line but a dollar per name. She revamped the forms (See Addendum 5 and 6) for

this year to help clarify some information both for the seller and the Department.

2016 American Legion Convention Shirt: Richard J. Santos

The FY-2016 Budget provides for the purchase and resale of the shirts. The DEC in

March approved the design and purchase of the 2016 convention polo shirt from Delaware

Correctional Industries (DCI). Vice-Commander Crouser and his wife, Rebecca, posed for the

2016 American Legion Convention Shirt (See Addendum 7). He wears the men’s style; she

wears the woman’s style. They are charcoal gray; no pocket. Cost for a small to XL will be $30;

2XL and larger will be $35. It is estimated the order for Legion, SAL, and Auxiliary will be

about 70 pieces.

2016 National Commander’s Visit/Tour: Richard J. Santos

National Commander Dale Barnett visited the Department of Delaware, March 16-18,

2016. Activities were held in the three districts and several posts; meetings with Francis D.

Vavala, MG, Adjutant General, Delaware National Guard, and with the Director, Robin Aube-


Warren, V AMC Wilmington were held. Tours of Dover AFB and Delaware Veterans Horne

were enjoyed by all who participated.

Joseph B. Stahl Memorial Post #30, Sussex Post #8, Dagsboro Post #24, Callaway-

Kemp-Raughley-Tee Post #7, Nanticoke Post #6, Oak Orchard-Riverdale Post #28, and

Henlopen Post #5 hosted activities and he thanked the post commanders for executing the visit in

a professional fashion.

National Commander Barnett's project is the National Emergency Fund (NEF). His goal

is $1,000,000. Posts, units, squadrons, and districts presented donations to the national

commander in the amount of $5,050 (See Addendum 8).

2016 National Commander’s Banquet: Richard J. Santos

In conjunction with the official visit, the Department of Delaware will hold a banquet to

honor National Commander Barnett on Friday evening, March 18, 2016, commencing with a

social at 5:45 PM, followed by dinner and program, at Walter L. Fox Post #2. The banquet was

sold out at 161 attendees.

For those that needed overnight accommodations, the MainStay Suites, 201 Stover Blvd.,

Dover, DE 19901 was utilized as the Department HQ hotel.

2016 National Convention Rooms: Richard J. Santos

The 2016 National Convention is scheduled from August 24 to September 1, 2016 in

Cincinnati, Ohio. The Department of Delaware hotel is the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati. Southeast

quadrant of West Fifth Street (One way East) and Elm Street (One way North). The Hyatt is

located in the epicenter of downtown Cincinnati, connected to Saks Fifth Avenue and just one

block from Fountain Square. The hotel is connected to the city’s 16-block Skywalk network

which offers easy access to a great variety of exclusive shops and renowned dining

establishments. The convention center is the Duke Energy Convention Center, diagonally across

the street from the Hyatt on the northwest quadrant.

Place: Hyatt Regency Cincinnati

151 West Fifth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

513-579-1234

Rooms/Rates: 11 Kings $133 + 23.27 = $156.27

8 Doubles $133 + 23.27 = $156.27

Additional Occupant $15 per day per person

Valet Parking: $28 per day

Self-Parking: Hotel has no self-parking.

Adjacent private lot used. $19 per day. No in/out privileges.

Room reservation forms and an overview of the hotel and the surrounding area were

distributed. The rooms are at a first come – first serve basis. All were urged to get their

completed and signed form and one night’s deposit to Department HQ as soon as possible.

Nineteen (19) rooms of the twenty-one (21) rooms in the department block of rooms have been

reserved.

2016 National Convention Banquet: Richard J. Santos

The 2016 National Convention - National Commander's Banquet will be held on

Tuesday, August 30, 2016, commencing at 6:00 PM in the Duke Energy Convention Center,

diagonally across the street from our hotel, Hyatt Regency Cincinnati. National Commander


Dale Barnett has selected Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers for the entertainment. Tickets are

$46.00 per person and each table is a round for ten (10) people. Twenty-six tickets have been

purchased.

FINANCE

Department Finance Report:

Department Finance Officer John A. Endres reported that the Finance Report, dated May

8, 2016, for FY-2016, was e-mailed by the department adjutant to the members of the

Department Executive Committee for their advance review. On a motion by John A. Endres and

seconded by MaryAnna Moderhak to accept the report as distributed, subject to audit. Motion

passed.

Motion by John A. Endres and seconded by Jeffrey Crouser to pay all legal bills and

amounts due until such time as the Department Executive Committee holds its next regular

meeting. Motion passed.

Finance and Budget Committee: Kim Endres

Item 1: Scholarship Payments. There has been confusion on department policy toward

submission of payment on scholarships. The department does not have any standardized

procedures for payment of scholarships. She obtained procedures used by Nanticoke Post #6 and

Richard C. Dupont Post #18. She prepared a “Recommended Standardized Rules for

Scholarships Awarded

by the Department of Delaware, The American Legion, Inc.:”

1. Each Scholarship awarded by the Department of Delaware shall follow its own program

rules for selecting winners.

2. Each winner shall be notified via standard award letter issued by the Adjutant

a. on behalf of the Department Commander and the Selection Committee

b. Congratulating him/her on winning the named scholarships.

c. Instructions for the student to provide to the Department Adjutant

i. a letter of request for the funds

ii. The name and address of the College or University

iii. Student ID number

iv. Acceptance Letter at the College or University

3. Upon receipt of request for funds to be issued the Adjutant/Finance Officer will:

a. Verify that the winner is an eligible winner and the dollar amount

b. Issue a letter to the College or University

c. State that the funds are to be used for tuition/books and supplies required for

completion of the degree program.

d. Any unused funds should be returned to the Department once the student is no longer

enrolled at the institution or has completed the program.

e. Enclose a check made payable to the student and the Institution

f. Finance Officer will issue the check and retain a copy for the file”

Motion by Kim Endres and seconded by Jeffrey Crouser that the DEC approved the

“Recommended Standardized Rules for Scholarships Awarded by the Department of Delaware,

The American Legion, Inc.” as prepared. Motion passed.

Item 2: Sons of The American Legion Travel Expenses. The Detachment has submitted a


request for funds for out of state travel for participation in National Commander and National

Vice-Commander activities, Washington conference, and training in the amount of $246.14. The

Detachment approved the expenditures. Motion by Kim Endres and seconded by Jeffrey Crouser

to approve the expenditures with reimbursement to the individuals in the amount of $246.12.

Under the Question, John Endres stated that such future expenses must be included in the annual

detachment budget. Motion passed.

Item 3: National Children & Youth Conference. National will be including the Sons of

The American Legion in the annual September C&Y Conference, held in Indianapolis. The Sons

of The American Legion and Detachment of Delaware are active in C&Y activities and they

should send a rep to the conference. For the FY-2017 Detachment Budget, a new line item will

appear for this expense.

Label Program: Peggy Lou Reining

The first invoice # 50496 for the 2016 labels has been received from national. The 2016

Spring Return Address Labels Report follows:

Donations $10,876.50

Expenses:

Label Printing $1,133.58

Postage 426.37

Postage Reminders 419.43

Commission 0.00

Less Expenses 1,979.38

Net Contributions $8,897.12

Post and Squadron Fundraising: Richard J. Santos

Department Adjutant Santos advised that all monies raised for individuals by squadrons

and posts shall be used to pay bills directly, not to the individuals, or into a trust that has been set

up in a banking institution. To pay the individuals directly is in direct conflict with the Internal

Revenue Code 501(C)(19). If an individual is paid, the post shall issue an IRS Form 1099 with a

cover letter to the individual that the individual is responsible for all federal, state and local taxes

and other deductions that may apply.

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

Headquarters Post #4: Richard J. Santos

For many years, National has processed the renewals for Post #4 through the Dues Direct

program at an expense to the Department. After meeting with the Budget Committee, it was


agreed to no longer use national to process the renewals. With the 2017 membership year, the

duty and responsibility to process Post #4 renewals will be with the Assistant Department

Adjutant.

Consolidated Post Reports: Richard J. Santos

The Consolidated Post Reports were mailed to the posts, yesterday, March 11. The

completed forms were to be received in Department HQ by April 15, 2016 in order to meet the

deadline of submission to National and to permit the extraction of information for Department

program reports. Commander James Gallagher had requested that Department Officers and

District Commanders highlight the need of the completed forms and the filing deadline as they

made the Post visitations. For the posts who were registered on myLegion.org, the Consolidated

Post Report Form was on-line.

The due date of April 15, 2016 was in the late term of Post administrative and fiscal

years. It was suggested that posts use data for activities, hours, and donations for a 365 day

period such as March 1, 2015 to February 29, 2016 and do not wait for the end of the present

governing administration or fiscal year to complete the form. This time cycle can be used in

ensuing years to facilitate the reporting process.

To date, Post #2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 28, and 29 have submitted their CPR.

Posts who had not submitted their CPR were urged to submit to Department HQ immediately.

Post Data Reports: Richard J. Santos

The 2017 Annual Post Data Reports were mailed to posts on February 24, 2016. All post

reports received except for #20, 27, and 39 and they were urged to submit their PDR

immediately.

Notification of Post and Squadron Commanders and Adjutants: Richard J. Santos

The Notification of Post and Squadron Commanders and Adjutants form was mailed to

all posts on March 4. Posts #2, 12, 14, 19, 25, 28, 30, 37, and 39 have not submitted their

notification and are urged to do so immediately. If their post commander and adjutant are not

submitted to national, communications from national to the post will be directed to the incorrect

commander or adjutant.

American Legion Riders: Charles Parisan

Honor & Merit Awards: Bettylou Evans

There are two Merit Award winners. The plaques have been ordered for presentation at

the 2016 Department Convention. There were no submissions for the Honor Award. Somehow,

and through the Honor Award, posts are missing an opportunity to recognize members’

outstanding contributions to the post and The American Legion.

Membership: Jeffrey Crouser

The 2016 Department Membership Awards and Target Dates were approved at the July


10 DEC meeting. They are attached (See Addendums 9 and 10). For the May 10 target date,

Department did not reach its goal of 100. Department had 10,019 at 93.636 (See Addendum 11).

Membership as May 20 is 10,041 at 93.841%. The May 10, 2016 On-Line Credit Report is

addendum 12. 1,180 members renewed on-line. 8 credits remain to be used.

At the National level as of May 15, 2016, the Department was in 13th Place with 10,023

members and at 93.766.

Armed Forces Day Award Target Date - May 9, 2016 for 101% of Goal in three

categories receive two Department Polo Shirts awarded to one Post in each category with highest

percentage exceeding designated target date percentage.

(1) Post membership goal of 51 to 250 members - Robert Taylor Post #13 - 101.538

(2) Post membership goal of251 to 500 members - William T. Spooner Post #17 -102.625

(3) Post membership goal of 501 to 3,500 members - No Winner

District Revitalization:

There was a Kent District Revitalization on March 30 to April 1. Walter L. Fox Post #2

was the HQ for the effort. DSO Joseph Houghton was available. Sean Sparks, national staff, was

assigned. Approximately 80 members were transferred into the 4 posts of the district from HQ

Post #4.

National Membership Workshop: Richard J. Santos

The 2016 National Membership Workshop (NMW) is July 28 – 31, 2016, Indianapolis.

Sessions will be held in the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel. He is opting to room the

Delaware delegation in the Hilton Garden Inn around the corner from the Sheraton (See

Addendum 13). National pays for the Department 1st Vice-Commander. There are budgeted

funds for the Department Commander, Department 2nd Vice-Commander, Department Adjutant

and Assistant Department Adjutant. At the workshop, the department will receive its 2017

membership goal. The tentative schedule is attached as addendum 14.

National Membership Incentives and Awards:

Gold and Silver Brigade Award: Delaware Legionnaires who recruit 50 or more new

members (transfers do not count as new members) into The American Legion by the May 9,

2016 target date qualify for The American Legion’s Gold Brigade award. Brigade members will

receive a Gold Brigade patch, a special Gold Brigade cap pin, a Gold Brigade certificate, and a

designer jacket or polo shirt or sweater with a Gold Brigade logo. Second time/repeat Gold

Brigaders will receive a Gold Brigade patch and certificate, a hash mark for a jacket sleeve, and

a designer jacket or polo shirt or sweater with a Gold Brigade logo.

A Gold Brigader who has won the award for five consecutive years is eligible for a

distinctive Gold Brigade blazer. And a Gold Brigader who has earned the award for at least six

consecutive years or more is eligible for a $150 check and a Legion cap with the inscription

"Master Recruiter."

A Legionnaire who recruits 25-49 new members (transfers do not count as new members)

into The American Legion by the May target date qualify for the Silver Brigade award.

Post Excellence Award:

The Post Excellence Award program honors posts that show excellence in membership


participation, youth activities, community service, and support to veterans and U.S. troops.

Criteria:

• Membership. Post membership must be at least one member more than the previous year. A

post officer must attend district meetings.

• Youth activities. The post must sponsor and actively participate in at least one primary youth

program: Boys State, Legion Baseball, Oratorical Contest, Boy Scouts of America or Junior

Shooting Sports.

• Community service. The post must organize a community service project that involves

members of the Legion, Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion. A monetary donation

may only be one part of a project.

• Service to troops or veterans. The post must organize a project supporting troops or veterans

(for example, Family Support Network or Operation Comfort Warriors) that involves

members of the Legion, Auxiliary or SAL outside the post. A monetary donation may only

be one part of a project.

Certification. District commanders must certify posts as having fulfilled the four

specified criteria, and submit a list of the post's name, number, address and commander's name to

department headquarters. If possible, accompany with copies of press releases submitted to local

media that raise awareness for the projects and enhance the Legion's public image.

Awards. Each qualifying post, as well as district commanders whose districts have at

least 50 percent of posts reach certification, will receive a certificate of recognition. For

additional information, go to www.legion.org/commander/postexcellence. The Department of

Delaware was proud of Oak Orchard-Riverdale Post #28 a couple of years when the post was

awarded a Post Excellence Award.

National Commander’s Honor Ribbon:

During the 2015-2016 membership year, American Legion National Commander Dale

Barnett will award his National Commander Honor Ribbon to any American Legion Family that

achieves 100 percent membership by May 30, 2016. For this award, the Legion Family is defined

as a post and any combination of an Auxiliary unit, Sons squadron or Legion Riders chapter.

Each branch must achieve 100 percent membership to qualify for the award. The National

Commander Honor Ribbon incentive program will end May 30, 2016, or when supplies are

exhausted. Download the form online: www.legion.org/commander/ribbon.

Recruiters to be Honored with Duty, Honor, Country Pin:

During the 2015-2016 membership year, American Legion National Commander Dale

Barnett will award his national commander pin to any Legion Family member who obtains three

new members into the Legion. A new member is any eligible person joining for the 2016

membership year who was not a member of The American Legion during the 2015 membership

year. Each member listed must be eligible for membership in The American Legion. Forward

names of SAL members or Auxiliary members to your detachment or unit for use in their

respective incentive programs. To maintain the integrity of the national commander's pin

incentive program, only one pin will be awarded per individual. Upon receipt, national

membership staff will confirm the names and mail the pin directly to the person who earned it.

Commander Barnett's pin incentive program will end June 30, 2016, or when supplies are

exhausted. Go to www.legion.org/commander/pin.

Become a Paid Up For Life Member:

http://www.legion.org/commander/postexcellence

http://www.legion.org/commander/ribbon

http://www.legion.org/commander/pin


American Legion members interested in the discounted Paid Up For Life (PUFL)

program can easily join online at www.Legion.org/pufl. Legionnaires who become a PUFL

member will avoid any future increases to membership dues and will never have to pay annual

dues or receive renewal notices. A Paid Up For Life membership cost quote can be provided

online by entering a name and Legion membership ID number. For those who do not have an ID

number, one can be obtained by calling customer service at (800) 433-3318.

National American Legion College: Richard J. Santos

The application for the 2016 National American Legion College, scheduled for October

23-28, 2016, at National HQ, Indianapolis, IN. The one allowed student shall be eligible for

membership in The American Legion from Lebanon/Grenada (August 24, 1982 – July 31, 1984)

forward. A candidate from “other” war era may be considered based upon the department’s

successful submission of a candidate with service during or after the Lebanon/Grenada period.

Candidates from earlier eras are limited by the availability of seats. If any Legionnaire is

interested, please review the application requirements. If anyone qualifies, fill out the application

as soon as possible and return to Department HQ.

One Legionnaire submitted an application: Tammy Hull, Walter L. Fox Post #2. If

anyone else is interested, he strongly recommended that the application be submitted as soon as

possible, do not wait. Please contact Department HQ for an application

Department 501(c)(3) Organization: Richard J. Santos

The DEC approved formation of a 501(c)(3) subsidiary corporation. "Delaware American

Legion Foundation, Inc." was selected as the name. The Department Judge Advocate has drawn

the drafts for by-laws and articles of incorporation. He has submitted the documents to the

national judge advocate for approval.

Department HQ Renovations; Richard J. Santos

Renovations to the HQ building continues. Department property remains stored in a POD

on the property. Expenses to date are more than $900. Renovations are expected to be completed

by October 1.

Legionnaire’s Insurance Trust (LIT): Richard J. Santos, Trustee

The Legionnaire Insurance Trust (LIT) is the Department’s “sponsored” insurance

program. The LIT has been protecting Legionnaires and their loved ones for nearly 50 years.

Founded in 1965, the non-profit Legionnaire Insurance Trust is comprised of 48 Departments of

The American Legion representing some two million members. For nearly five decades, the

Legionnaire Insurance Trust has been your Department’s endorsed insurance program.

The LIT offers Supplemental Health and Accident Plans. Their years of experience and

their valued partnership with Legionnaires has allowed them to customize their programs and

products to better serve members’ needs. The LIT’s priority is helping Delaware Legionnaires to

find the right solution for their insurance needs. They are committed to serving the unique

insurance needs and offer a wide range of insurance solutions designed to protect you, your

family and your health. One unique program is LegionCare, a no cost accident coverage.

http://www.legion.org/pufl


As a Legionnaire in good standing (current year’s dues paid), you are eligible for

LegionCare, a “No Cost Accidental Death Protection,” that is guaranteed to all Legionnaires.

This base benefit is an important benefit extended to valued members – compliments of the

Department of Delaware. You cannot be turned down, no matter how dangerous your job or how

often you travel. Plus, it pays benefits regardless of any other coverage you have, as well as

disabling injuries. But it is not automatic – you have to activate it.

Every time you step into your car to go to your monthly Post meeting, you can rest

assured your LegionCare benefits are on duty. And this is true if you travel for any Legion

function – Post, District, Department or National meetings, fundraisers, softball events, or any

event conducted for Legion business. That's because once you enroll in LegionCare, you are

covered for $5,000.00 in Accidental Death Protection. Your loved ones will receive a check for

$5,000.00 if you suffer a fatal covered accident while you are traveling to or from any event

conducted for Legion business.

You are also covered for $1,000.00 in protection for all other covered accidents, all at no

cost to you. There are no strings attached and you pay nothing for this benefit. But your

confirmation is required for full activation.

Your family or beneficiary will collect cash benefits regardless of any other insurance

and you cannot be singled out for a premium increase. Most important of all, this valuable

accident protection is issued through The Legionnaire Insurance Trust and endorsed by the

Department of Delaware. When it comes to protecting your family's economic security, you

shouldn't rely on strangers. Get the insurance that was carefully examined and endorsed by the

Department of Delaware. Sign up today for the protection especially designed to help protect

your family in case of your death.

How do I confirm these no cost privileges? Just complete the 100% secure online

confirmation form. Once your confirmation is submitted, The LIT will finalize your LegionCare

benefit file right away. Because this plan is offered to you on a guaranteed basis, there is no long

form with complicated health questions to worry about. No medical exam is required. Just fill

out the short form on this website to activate LegionCare today,

This program is intended to provide coverage for accidents, and is not intended to cover

any loss resulting from:

• Suicide; self-inflicted injury, while sane or insane;

• Sickness, disease, bodily or mental infirmity or medical or surgical treatment thereof, or

bacterial or viral infection;

• Use of any drugs or chemical substances not prescribed or taken as directed by a doctor;

• Loss while driving intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance;

• War or act of war (declared or undeclared);

• Commission or attempt to commit a felony; participation in a riot or insurrection;

• Travel or flight in any aircraft (including getting in or out, on or off) being used for test or

experimental purposes, by or for any military authority;

• Insureds are not covered if they are serving as a pilot or crewmember or while they are hang-

gliding, parasailing, or parachuting; participation in any organized race or speed contest; or

• Loss occurring more than 90 days after a covered accident.

LegionCare will become effective upon receipt of your application by the Administrator.

You cannot be singled out for cancellation, a benefit decrease, or an increase in your premiums,

if Additional Benefits are purchased, due to a change in your health or occupation. Your benefits

will continue in full force as long as you pay your premiums on time, remain a Legion member

in good standing, and the master policy remains in force.

Your beneficiary for Additional Benefits will be the first surviving class of spouse,

children, parents, siblings, or insured's estate. The beneficiary of any proposed insurance on your


Spouse or Children is you. You may change your beneficiary at any time by notifying the

Legionnaire Insurance Trust headquarters in writing.

The LIT administrator is the Association Group Insurance Administrators aka AGIA, Inc.

Mailing address for AGIA is P.O. Box 26720, Phoenix, AZ 85068. To learn more about your

Department’s insurance products and services please call 1-800-810-8369.

Important reminder, LegionCare coverage is not automatic. You have to activate it. Your

confirmation is required for full activation. Just fill out the short form on The LIT website to

activate LegionCare today. There is a link to The LIT on the Department of Delaware’s website

at http://www.delegion.org/. Or, you may go directly to The LIT website at

https://www.thelit.com. Go to the right side of the web page and below center and click on “No

Cost LegionCare.” Fill in the required information and you are registered.

Post Members Signed Up Percentage

Unknown 34

Delaware Post #1 59 2 3.39%

Walter L. Fox Post #2 2,017 198 9.82%

Milford Post #3 77 14 18.18%

HQ Post #4 514 28 5.45%

Henlopen Post #5 315 68 21.59%

Nanticoke Post #6 473 208 43.97%

Callaway-Kemp-Raughley-Tee Post #7 421 45 10.69%

Sussex Post #8 100 22 22.00%

Lt. J. Allison O'Daniel Post #10 463 130 28.08%

Diamond Post #11 2 2 100.00%

Brandywine Post #12 36 20 55.56%

Robert L. Taylor Post #13 61 13 21.31%

David C. Harrison Post #14 305 16 5.25%

Glen Rayne Post #15 23 9 39.13%

William T. Spooner Post #17 400 115 28.75%

Richard C. DuPont Post #18 372 121 32.53%

Laurel Post #19 336 137 40.77%

Milton Post #20 13 4 30.77%

Laurence Roberts Post #21 65 41 63.08%

Dagsboro Post #24 370 92 24.86%

Middletown Post #25 264 77 29.17%

Charles E. Durney Post #27 93 2 2.15%

Oak Orchard/Riverdale Post #28 2,885 716 24.82%

First State Post #29 55 20 36.36%

Joseph B. Stahl Memorial Post #30 515 177 34.37%

Prattis-Deshields Post #37 15 3 20.00%

Selbyville Post #39 15 4 26.67%

Department Total 10,264 2,318 22.58%

https://www.thelit.com/


The goal is to ensure that every Legionnaire activates this protection. Below is a table with

the number of registered by post. The Department has 2,318 as of February 29, 2016.

The Board of Directors of the Legionnaire Insurance Trust (LIT) held their 50th annual

meeting on April 19, 2016. Forty-six of the forty-nine participating departments were

represented. Since its inception in 1966, the LIT has returned over one billion dollars in benefits

to insured Legion families and nearly $78,000,000 to the participating departments of which the

Department of Delaware is one ofthem. Since the department's entry in 1972, the Department of

Delaware has been allocated $336,654.

For 2015, the department received $20,259. The department's 2015 allocation is a direct

result of the participation by the Delaware Legionnaires with the insurance and other products

available through the LIT. The department leadership extends its gratitude and appreciation to

the membership for their support of the financial needs of the department.

Diamond State Post #11: Kenneth Whitman

He reported that he obtained a verbal bid to demolish the building in the amount of

$25,000 from Harry Caswell, Inc., Mechanical Contractor. There are several issues with the

demolition and one is asbestos shingles on the roof and the second would be the fill-in of an

underground cesspool tank and the building’s masonry foot print. Special demolition processes

need to be taken and increase the expense. There are not any water, sewer, or electrical hookups.

He has been unsuccessful in obtaining another bid as well as a written Carswell bid. It is the

general consensus of the DEC that the property should be sold as soon as feasible.

Department Adjutant Santos recommends that the Department obtain an up to date

appraisal, retain a realtor to sell, and transfer title of the property into the department if a

successor corporation is not a recognizable entity in Delaware. Motion by Kenneth Whitman and

seconded by Kim Endres that the Department proceed as recommended by the Department

Adjutant. Motion passed.

Nanticoke Post No. 6, Holding Company: Richard J. Santos

Department Adjutant Santos reported that he has remained in contact with representatives

of American Legion Nanticoke Post 6, Inc. and Nanticoke Post No. 6, Holding Company. Two

trustees are Marvin Kennedy and Roy S. Lamberton. Commander Gallagher called upon Roy

Lamberton for an update from the perspective of the holding company.

Mr. Lamberton reported that for the past several years, there has been a disagreement

between several the members of Nanticoke Post 6, and the Department of Delaware of the

American Legion, Inc. over the legality of the holding company as it relates to the National

American Legion Charter held by Nanticoke Post 6.

Since its rechartering by the National American Legion, Inc. in 1986, American Legion

Nanticoke Post 6, Inc. has declared the Post Home building and land as assets in its tax filings as

a non-profit Veterans organization. The legality of this action is under discussion, but there is a

lot of disagreement about these filings and any possible future tax ramifications.

In discussing the situation, the trustees see three possible remedies to place the fixed

assets of the holding company in a situation acceptable to the Internal Revenue Service, the State

of Delaware and the American Legion, Inc.

Option 1: Bring the present holding company into compliance with the above organization’s

rules and regulations, including filing for a FEIN, and the reinstatement of the holding

company’s tax exemption under federal law.


Option 2: Transfer the assets of the holding company to the present Nanticoke Post 6

corporation, essentially finishing what appears to be the intentions of the post leadership

when they incorporated and rechartered the Post in 1986.

Option 3: Establish a new corporate entity as a tax exempt veteran’s organization, obtain an

FEIN for the new corporation and transfer the Holding Company assets to that corporation.

The trustees have discussed the three options, and will be meeting with their lawyer to

determine which option provides the best and most economical solution to the various issues

regarding the holding company. Post funds have been allocated for this effort. In addition,

their Accountant, Rick Tull of Lank, Johnson & Tull, has assured us that, in his opinion, we

can pursue of any of the 3 options listed above with minimal tax liability.

Much of the confusion surrounding this issue comes from a belief among certain

members of Nanticoke Post 6 that to resolve this issue, the Department will require us to turn

over the ownership of ALL Post assets held by the Holding Company to the Department of

Delaware. This issue is one of the major points of contention with many of the membership of

the Post.

In addition, while he has a short checklist of requirements from the Department, the

trustees have been unable to find official guidance regarding by-law changes that might be

required to bring the existing Holding Company into compliance with American Legion rules

regarding subsidiary corporations.

It is the trustees’ intention to meet with a lawyer as soon as they can schedule such a

meeting, and announce to the membership of the Post that anyone possessing information

regarding the holding company present it to the trustees by June 30, 2016 or cease any attempts

to delay or disrupt the resolution of this issue. The Holding Company has called an election in

June to fill the vacant 3rd trustee position, which should enable them to proceed in accordance

with the Holding Company’s bylaws.

It is the fervent desire of the trustees to resolve this issue without causing a suspension of

any of the rights and privileges of membership in the American Legion, Inc. and any inadvertent

violation of trademarks and logos owned by The American Legion.

He expects to be able to hold a vote of the membership to resolve this issue during their

regularly scheduled September meeting, choosing a path to pursue, and resolve this issue before

the end of the year. He asks that the Department Executive Committee delay any official action

until that time.

At the conclusion of Mr. Lamberton’s presentation and hearing no objections,

Commander Gallagher granted the postponement of any DEC action on this matter until the

September 2016 DEC meeting. The date, time and place of the September 2016 DEC meeting

has yet to be determined.

Sons of The American Legion: Richard J. Santos

He reported that the detachment has 2,289 members, 92.78% of 2,467 goal (See

Addendum 15). At national on May 19, the detachment is in 30th place with 2,287 and 94.426%

of goal (See Addendum 16). There are 7 squadrons at goal:

Henlopen #5 Sussex #8 William T. Spooner #17

Richard C. Dupont #18 Laurel #19 Dagsboro #24

Joseph B. Stahl Memorial #30

He has ordered plaques from national emblem sales for the 7 squadrons. Canal Squadron #25


exceeded last year's membership. Squadrons #5, 17, 18, 19, 24 and 30 are at an all-time high.

The detachment convention is scheduled for Thursday, July 7, 2016, at Dover Downs

Hotel & Casino in the Chesapeake Room. Arrangements have been made with the hotel for the

meeting. The detachment is handling their own registration. Some squadrons have inquired on

the registration process. He has not received any info as to SAL registration from the detachment

officers.

The SAL Liaison has not been having the detachment adjutant submit Minutes of their

meetings or from their detachment conventions. The records of their proceedings need to be

submitted in the future.

Charles Armbruster, Jr. reported that Michael Cotten will be a candidate for National

Vice-Commander Northeast on a future date. The detachment is drafting a convention resolution

for their adoption.

Delaware Legionnaire: Bettylou Evans

Cutoff date for next issue is June 12, 2016. She requested that everyone have their

articles and pictures in a few days earlier so she can have the paper out prior to the Department

Convention. If someone has more than two photos, they need to send to her on a DVD. This

issue will include the national commander’s visit, the national Auxiliary president’s visit, new

post officers, and the Washington Conference. She had to leave out a lot of material in the last

issue. The amount of material from four to three issues is overwhelming and causing her to leave

out important articles. The proposed FY-2017 budget will provide for four issues.

She also asks department committee chairpersons to submit articles for the Legionnaire

on the programs that they oversee. The everyday Legionnaire is not subject to most of the

information available on Legion programs.

The Department Adjutant thanked Ms. Evans for her efforts on an excellent issue in

January.

VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION

Department Service Officer: Joseph Houghton

Since his last report to the Department Executive Committee, six (6) Community

Outreach visits were conducted. Below is the number of veterans/dependents that were

assisted/contacted during those visits.

Millsboro Post #28 (3 Visits) - 12 Veterans/Dependents

Seaford Post #6 (1 Visits) – 3 Veterans/Dependents

Dover Post #2 (2 Visits) - 3 Veterans/Dependents

Thirty-six (36) claims for service connected/non service connected compensation claims,

were submitted by the DSO office; below is the breakdown;

Disability Compensation Claims - 31

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) - 2

Veterans Non-Service Connected Disability Pension - 1

Survivors Pension Benefits - 0

Veterans Status of Dependent Claims - 2

Answer/responded to 421 telephone inquiries since the last DEC meeting.

Since his last report, the Wilmington VA Regional Office has awarded $289,495.25 in

service connected/DIC/Survivors benefits/non-service connected disability pension and/or


retroactive compensation payments to American Legion veterans and/or their dependents of the

State of Delaware.

He attended American Legion Service Officer Training in Washington DC.

SPECIAL MOTION

Motion by Jeffrey Crouser and seconded by Larry Marcouillier to receive and file all reports

except for those requiring action. Motion passed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Department Adjutant Santos thanked the many officers and committee chairs for submitting

their DEC reports in advance to him. Those who have not submitted their report, please do so

as soon as possible.

• Department Adjutant Santos urged posts to put the DEC Minutes on post bulletin boards to

allow the Blue Cap Legionnaire the opportunity to read the actions, issues, and workings of

their Department. There are not any items of confidentiality in the Minutes; so share them

with the membership.

TECHNICAL MOTION

A motion by Larry Marcouillier and seconded by Jeffrey Crouser that instructs the

Department Adjutant to review the Minutes of the Department Executive Committee meeting,

make any necessary corrections without changing the intent of the Department Executive

Committee, and proceed to edit and distribute the Minutes. Motion passed.

CLOSING CEREMONIES

Closing ceremonies were completed per the Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies

with Wayne Hicks, Chaplain, giving the Benediction. Commander James Gallagher declared the

Department Executive Committee meeting of the Department of Delaware, The American

Legion, Inc. adjourned at 12:33 PM.

The Minutes were recorded and prepared by Richard J. Santos, Department Adjutant.

Richard J. Santos


Addendum 1

Election Year Reminders on Partisan Politics and Voting

Article II, Section 2, of the constitution of The American Legion states, “The American

Legion shall be absolutely nonpolitical and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan

principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or

preferment.” The National Charter, approved by Congress, also stipulates The American Legion as

an organization that is nonpolitical. The term “nonpolitical” been interpreted by the National Judge

Advocate as “nonpartisan” in modern terms. The American Legion is al-lowed by Congress to

lobby for veterans benefits and a strong United States of America Therefore, The American Legion

as an organization, is prohibited from contributing, helping or endorsing a candidate; however, a

member, as a private citizen, and not representing the organization, can employ whatever legal and

ethical means to advance his or her candidate.

The Legion cap is considered the official Legion uniform and it is not an individual Legion

member’s decision on the appropriate usage of the cap and emblem. When attending a political

event, The American Legion cap, or any clothing with the emblem visible, should be removed so as

not to imply endorsement by The American Legion. Failure to do so may cause those who see the

emblem or name worn at in improper location, such as a partisan rally, to incorrectly assume Legion

endorsement.

When using post facilities to host candidates, post should remove the emblem and Legion

flag to avoid any impression of endorsement. Candidates for all parties must be presented equal

opportunity at the same time to use the facilities on the same terms and conditions as other

competing candidates.

Financial contributions offered by candidates for political office, campaigns, political action

committees or political parties to The American Legion should be politely declined. Accepting

these contributions may be perfectly legal, but The American Legion must avoid any perception of

supporting any candidate or political party.

The American Legion values its independence and effectiveness on veterans’ issues. This

stance is best maintained by neutrality on individual candidates or political parties. The American

Legion by legal definition is non-partisan and supports only issues which impact the Four Pillars of

the organization.

Although we must avoid partisan politics, The American Legion strongly urges all eligible

citizens to register to vote and to cast their ballots in ALL elections at ALL levels through the

Legion’s Get Out the Vote (GOTV) program.

To assist individuals and posts with GOTV efforts, the Americanism Commission publishes

Get Out the Vote and Vote America. Both are available for free at www.legion.org/publications.

More information and samples of news releases and public service announcements or to share your

post’s GOTV success stories visit

www.legion.org/vote.


Addendum 2

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

MAY 4 - 5, 2016

Resolution No. 1: American Legion Legacy Scholarship Enhancement Origin: Committee on Youth

Education

Submitted By: Finance Commission (As amended)

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 2 of the National Executive Committee, October 2001, entitled

The American Legion September 11 Memorial Scholarship authorized the establishment of said

scholarship in memory of our military men and women who died while serving on active duty on or

after September 11, 2001 (hereafter referred to as “Post-9/11”); and

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 20 of the National Executive Committee, May 2002, entitled

The American Legion September 11 Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund authorized the establishment

of said trust fund, under the same name, at the Hoosier Trust Company to fund a scholarship

program for children of those members of U.S. Armed Forces who died while serving on active

duty on or after September 11, 2001; and


Clarification of Purpose, The American Legion September 11 Memorial Scholarship allowed the

scholarship to also be known as the American Legacy Scholarship; and


Amend Rules and Conditions For Administration Of The American Legacy Scholarship Program

clarified eligibility to apply and rules and conditions for administration of the scholarship program;

and

WHEREAS, The American Legion Riders have been the most dedicated fundraiser and

supporter of the American Legion Legacy Scholarship, participating in the annual American Legion

Legacy Run that has grown in success each year with an excess of one million dollars raised in both

2014 and 2015; and

WHEREAS, By resolution the fund is also known as the American Legacy Scholarship,

however, referring to the scholarship as The American Legion Legacy Scholarship for marketing,

promotion and fundraising purposes and related materials establishes clear branding for the

organization; and

WHEREAS, The impact of the American Legion Legacy Scholarship has been diminishing

in the past five years due to a much greater availability of federal educational benefits that are

evolving for children of fallen servicemembers, most notably Public Law 111-32 which created the

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, along with greater availability of state and

local educational benefits, thereby fulfilling the vast majority of their education costs; and

WHEREAS, Those servicemembers having been injured in the line of duty while serving on

active duty have demonstrated dedication and sacrifice for their nation; and WHEREAS, A

disability rating assigned by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of fiftypercent (50%)

indicates a potential loss of income by fifty-percent (50%) for labor intensive employment, shows

significant disability, and a veteran may not be able to earn a high enough income to save for

college; and

WHEREAS, A disability rating assigned by the VA of fifty-percent (50%) is considered

serious disability that allows VA medical care of all conditions; and

WHEREAS, The Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation (VA&R) Division of National

Headquarters relates there are 1,712,236 veterans who have been assigned a disability rating of

fifty-percent (50%) or greater by the VA, although there is no breakdown by war era available; and


WHEREAS, There is opportunity to enhance the relevance of the American Legion Legacy

Scholarship by providing educational assistance to children of Post-9/11 veterans having been

assigned a disability rating by the VA; and

WHEREAS, Enhancing the current merit-based American Legion Legacy Scholarship

program to that of a needs-based educational scholarship program can allow for providing more

equitable benefit among eligible beneficiaries; and

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon The American Legion to ensure the legal requirements for

distribution of the trust fund are met and the trust fund be preserved as a public charity; and

WHEREAS, Enhancing the current American Legion Legacy Scholarship program to reflect

an expansion of eligibility and relevance will benefit a larger pool of beneficiaries, is more relative

to the beneficiaries, and reinforces the organization’s renowned reputation as the nation’s premier

veterans service organization; and

WHEREAS, Enhancing the current American Legion Legacy Scholarship program can still

allow for growth and long-term sustainability of the existing trust fund; and

WHEREAS, The Committee on Youth Education, the Americanism, Internal Affairs and

Finance Commissions each have approved this resolution and recommend it to the National

Executive Committee for its favorable action; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By the National Executive Committee of The American Legion in regular

meeting assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 4-5, 2016, That the American Legacy

Scholarship trust will continue to provide educational benefits to those children of military

servicemembers who have died while serving on active duty on or since September 11, 2001,

(hereafter referred to as “Post-9/11”); and, be it further

RESOLVED, That effective in 2017 the scope of American Legacy Scholarship trust

eligibility will be further enhanced by establishing conditions to allow awarding education benefits

to children of Post-9/11 veterans having been assigned a disability rating by the Department of

Veterans Affairs (VA) of at least fifty-percent (50%); and, be it further

RESOLVED, That effective in 2017 the American Legion Legacy Scholarship will be

enhanced from the current merit-based scholarship program to that of a needs-based scholarship

whereby the program will serve to fulfill a financial gap remaining after all federal and state

grants/scholarships available to an eligible applicant have first been sought, with the gap fulfillment

not to exceed $20,000 within a calendar year per applicant; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the American Legion Legacy Scholarship program will annually

prioritize distribution of allotted funds to those eligible applicants demonstrating the greatest

financial need, with top priority consideration first given to children of fallen Post-9/11

servicemembers, then secondly to children of Post-9/11 veterans having been assigned a disability

rating by the VA of at least fifty-percent (50%), until such allotted funds are exhausted; and, be it

further

RESOLVED, That the strategy for establishing a maximum amount of allotted funds that

may be awarded per annum will be that half (50%) of the annual trust fund income earned plus half

(50%) of monies fundraised for the American Legacy Scholarship trust during a calendar year will

be made available the following year to award as individual needs-based scholarships, with any

allotted funds not awarded at the end of the year then returned the trust fund for continued growth;

and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the other half (50%) of monies fundraised during a calendar year for the

American Legacy Scholarship trust will automatically be invested into the trust fund for continued

growth; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the above distribution formula and/or individual scholarship maximum

may be changed with concurrence of the Finance Commission and approval of the National

Executive Committee; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Americanism Commission will determine, establish in writing, and

review annually thereafter, all other conditions, rules, guidelines and procedures for the American


Legion Legacy Scholarship program so as to attain maximum equity and efficiency for the

eligibility, application, selection, award and disbursement processes; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the existing trust fund from which monies are issued will maintain the

legal title The American Legion September 11 Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund, which is also

referred to as the American Legacy Scholarship; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the title The American Legion Legacy Scholarship will be used for

marketing, promotion and fundraising efforts and related materials so as to promote brand

awareness and help alleviate confusion with other funds/scholarship programs associated with the

September 11, 2001, attack on America; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Americanism Commission will be responsible for the awarding and

administration of scholarships and will report same through the Finance Commission to the

National Executive Committee at its annual May meetings; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Americanism Commission will maintain an accounting of work

hours, wages, and expenses associated with administration and promotion of the American Legion

Legacy Scholarship to further include in the annual report through the Finance Commission to the

National Executive Committee at May meetings; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That to provide for the expenses associated with the promotion of the

American Legacy Scholarship trust, an amount not to exceed five percent (5%) of the income

earned for the trust may be allocated annually; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the national judge advocate and national treasurer shall cooperate in the

drafting of the appropriate amendment to The American Legion September 11 Memorial

Scholarship Trust, as originally established in Resolution No. 20 of the National Executive

Committee, May 2002, titled The American Legion September 11 Memorial Scholarship Trust

Fund; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the national commander, after review and approval by the national judge

advocate for legal sufficiency, be and is hereby authorized and directed to execute all appropriate

contracts, trust indentures and documents to accomplish the purpose of this resolution and the

national adjutant be and is hereby authorized and directed to attest to the same; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That the following resolutions: Resolution No. 2 of the National Executive

Committee, October 2001, titled The American Legion September 11 Memorial Scholarship;

Resolution No. 16 of the National Executive Committee, May 2003, titled Clarification of Purpose,

The American Legion September 11 Memorial Scholarship; Resolution No. 31 of the National

Executive Committee, May 2005, titled Amend Rules and Conditions for Administration of the

American Legacy Scholarship Program, are hereby superseded and rescinded.


Addendum 3

Memorandum

Date: May 16, 2016

To: All Posts, Units and Squadrons

From: Richard J. Santos, Department Adjutant

Subject: 98th Annual Convention of the Department of Delaware

The 98th Annual Convention of the Department of Delaware, The American Legion, Inc. will be

held at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, 1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, Delaware, starting

Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 9:00 AM-EDT and continuing through Friday, July 8, 2016.

Delegates, alternates, delegates-at-large, past department commanders and their guests may obtain

housing directly with and through the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, or a post may obtain housing

directly with and through the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino for its delegates, alternates, delegates-

at-large, past department commanders, and/or guests. The following is a breakdown of the room

rates and method for making reservations.

Nightly Room Rate $125

8% Tax 10

Resort Fee 6

Total $141

Credit Card Only – No Checks

Cutoff Date for room reservations is June 6, 2016

All individuals will use their own credit card

Reservations only by telephone

302-674-4600

Ask for VIP Services

Use group code – GAMER16

Several Posts will use a credit card to make all of their members’ reservation. The form for a block

reservation for a post is attached.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 302-628-5221, or by e-mail at

[email protected].


Addendum 4

MEMORANDUM

Certification of Delegates, Delegates-At-Large and Alternates

to the 98th Annual Department Convention

Date : May 16, 2016

To : Post Adjutants

From : Richard J. Santos, Department Adjutant

In the 98th Annual Department Convention, each chartered Post shall be entitled to two delegates and to one

additional delegate for each fifty members, or major fraction thereof, whose current dues have been received by

the Department Adjutant thirty (30) days prior to the date of the convention and to one alternate for each delegate.

Certain Department and National officers and Past Department Commanders are delegates-at-large to the

department convention with a voice and vote.

Each Post shall be required to pay the registration fee for each and every delegate that the post is entitled to no

later than the start of the Department Convention. A post failing to pay registration fees pursuant to the preceding

sentence shall have its delegation disqualified for all purposes and no individual delegate will be permitted to vote

at the Department Convention; provided, however, that non-payment of registration fees shall not disqualify a

delegation from participating in any District Caucus or electing district officers. Payment of registration fees at

any time during the Department Convention will qualify a Post delegation from that point until close of the

Department Convention.

Delegates, alternates, delegates-at-large and past department commanders shall be accredited, in writing with full

name and American Legion member identification number, together with the registration fee of $15.00 per

delegate-at-large and past department commander, to the department adjutant at department headquarters, 601

Bridgeville Road, Seaford, Delaware (P.O. Box 930, Seaford, DE 19973-0930) by the close of the business day at

4:00 PM, Monday, June 6, 2016.

Any accreditation of post delegates, post alternates, delegates-at-large, and past department commanders received

by the department adjutant at department headquarters, 601 Bridgeville Road, Seaford, Delaware (P.O. Box 930,

Seaford, DE 19973-0930) after the close of the business day at 4:00 PM, Monday, June 6, 2016 shall be at a

registration fee of $20.00 per post delegate, post alternate, delegate-at-large, and past department commander.

Enclosed are the certification forms for delegates, delegates-at-large, and alternates. For posts that do not have use

of a computer and do their work in long hand, the forms need to be completed and returned to Department HQ by

mail as provided above, properly signed, with a check for the total amount of delegate, delegate-at-large, and

alternate fees.

For those with a computer, the form is available in Microsoft Excel format. The computerized format is very easy

to use. To eliminate doing the entire form, year to year, you save the blank form on your computer in MS Excel

format. Please note that there is a tab for the delegates/delegates-at-large form and a separate tab for the alternate

form. Open the template. Save as and name as the 2016 submission. Insert the requested data. Please use upper

and lower case; no straight capitalization. Save the completed form. When received in HQ, the data is

transferred to the master convention listing for delegates, delegates-at-large, and alternates; so please use the form

as requested. E-mail the completed form to Department HQ as an attachment. Send your check by mail for

delegate, delegate-at-large, and alternate fees to Department HQ.

Delegates, delegates-at-large, and alternates do not change that often from year to year. Follow the same

instructions for opening, save as, and save for your 2017 submission and for future years. You will only have to

enter information on any changes for delegates, delegates-at-large, and alternates in lieu of doing the entire form.


98th Annual Convention


2016 Certification of Delegates

Post Name: District:

First Last Name ID First Last Name ID Delegates At Large

1 33 1 2 34 2 3 35 3 4 36 4

5 37 5 6 38 6 7 39 7 8 40 9 41 10 42 Number of Delegates

11 43 At-Large Delegates 12 44 Number of Alternates 13 45

Total

0.00

0.00 14 46 15 47 Delegate Fee $15.00 16 48 Late Delegate Fee $20.00

17 49 $0.00

$0.00 18 50 Total Fees Paid

19 51 Check No. 20 52 21 53

22 54 23 55 24 56 25 57 26 58 27 59 28 60 29 61 30 62 31 63 32 64

Signed & Attested To Date:


98th Annual Convention


2016 Certification of Alternates

Post Name: District:

First Last Name ID First Last Name ID

1 33 2 34 3 35 4 36

5 37 6 38 7 39 8 40 9 41 10 42

11 43 12 44 13 45 14 46 15 47 16 48

17 49 18 50 19 51 20 52 21 53 22 54

23 55 24 56 25 57 26 58 27 59 28 60 29 61 30 62 31 63 32 64

Signed & Attested To: Date:


Addendum 5

If you require any additional information, please contact me by telephone at 302.628.5221 or by E-mail at

[email protected].

Print Legibly 98th Annual Department Convention Program Book $1.00 per Name

Post Name to be listed in Program Book Under:

1

26

2

27

3

28

4

29

5

30

6

31

7

32

8

33

9

34

10

35

11

36

12

37

13

38

14

39

15

40

16

41

17

42

18

43

19

44

20

45

21

46

22

47

23

48

24

49

25

50 Names that cannot be read by the Convention Book Chairman may not be printed or printed correctly


Addendum 6

CONVENTION PROGRAM BOOK AD FORM

The 98th Annual Department Convention is scheduled for July 14-15, 2016, at the Dover Downs Hotel

& Casino, 1131 N Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. A 98th Annual Department Convention

Program Book will be published and distributed to the delegates and guests. Like most activities in The

American Legion, the convention is a self-supporting activity. Districts, posts, units, squadrons,

chapters, past commander and president associations, and candidates for office are encouraged to

purchase an ad. Also, post business associates and outside vendors may take an ad. Each outside

organization or business will receive a copy of the booklet.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Email the ad copy to [email protected] in Microsoft Word© format if possible, otherwise mail the

ad copy with the form and payment. Fill out the form and return it with ad copy and payment to

Convention Program Book, P.O. Box 383, Camden, DE 19934-0383, no later than June 8, 2015. Make

checks payable to the Department of Delaware.

Name: __________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________ Tel: _________________

Address: ________________________________________ State: ___________ Zip: ___________

Size of Ad - Check One: Full Page $125 ___ Half Page $65 ___ Business Card $25 ___

Check Amount: _____________Check Number: __________ Ad Copy: __Attached__Emailed

Contact Name for Ad Copy Questions: ____________________________ Tel #___________

Date: ____________________ Signature: ___________________________________________

Print Name: __________________________________________

Ad Sold By:_________________________ to be credited to Post No. _____________________

Received by Department: Date:________ Check# ___________ Amount:________ Deposited:________ Ad Copy Received: _______________ Entered in Program Book: ______________


Addendum 7


Addendum 8


National Emergency Fund

2015-2016 Contributions

Received Entity Donation Check To Nat. Sent

03/18/16 Walter L. Fox Unit #2 $50.00 3388 03/24/16

03/18/16 Richard C. DuPont Post #18 350.00 1914 03/24/16

03/18/16 Sussex District 150.00 1038 03/24/16

03/18/16 Oak Orchard-Riverdale Unit #28 100.00 1796 03/24/16

03/18/16 Walter L. Fox Squadron #2 100.00 1419 03/24/16

03/18/16 Dagsboro Post #24 500.00 1518 03/24/16

03/18/16 American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Delaware 300.00 9509 03/24/16

03/18/16 Nanticoke Post #6 1,000.00 2325 03/24/16

03/18/16 Department of Delaware, The American Legion, Inc. 750.00 3200 03/24/16

03/18/16 Department of Delaware, The American Legion, Inc. 300.00 2300 03/24/16

03/18/16 Henlopen Post #5 250.00 4989 03/24/16

03/18/16 David C. Harrison Post #14 500.00 1547 03/24/16

03/18/16 Walter L. Fox Post #2 250.00 2016888 03/24/16

03/18/16 Oak Orchard-Riverdale Post #28 200.00 4362 03/24/16

03/18/16 Joseph B. Stahl Memorial Post #30 250.00 4951 03/24/16

$5,050.00 $0.00


Addendum 9

Department of Delaware - 2016 Membership Awards

Post 100% Goal Award

One Check, payable to the Post for $250, and plaque for 100% of Goal by the cutoff date of May 9, 2016.

Post 100% Goal Plus Plaques

Cutoff date is May 9, 2016 for plaques in their (4) categories to one Post in each category with the highest

percentage over their 100% Goal.

Category I 050 to 299 - 15 Posts (Minimum of 50 paid-up 2016 members to be eligible)

Category II 300 to 399 - 06 Posts

Category III 400 to 699 - 05 Posts

Category IV 700 & Up - 02 Posts

Post 100% Goal Plus Plaque

The Post with the highest percentage of membership over their 100% Goal. Minimum of 50 paid-up 2016

members to be eligible. Cutoff date is May 9, 2016.

Post All Time High

All Time High Posts will receive a plaque. Cutoff date is May 9, 2016.

District 100% Goal Award

Check payable to any District for $250 and a plaque that makes 100% of Goal by the cutoff date of May

9, 2016.

District 100% Goal Plus Plaque

The District with the highest percentage of membership over their 100% Goal. Cutoff date is May 9,

2016.

Gold Brigade Award

A member shall qualify for the Gold Brigade Award upon enrolling fifty (50) or more “New Members”

into The American Legion by the May Target Date of May 9, 2016. It shall not be the Department

Adjutant’s responsibility for the submission of the awards. The Post Adjutant shall submit and certify the

award with the new member’s names and six-digit sequence numbers or Post card number on Post

stationary. Winners of the Gold Brigade Award are not eligible for the Silver Brigade Award as a recruiter

cannot be awarded both during the same membership year.

Word of “Caution,” National checks each and every submission to verify the accuracy of the list of new

members. If you hand write the list of new members, print legibly and go to MyLegion.org to obtain their

nine digit member identification number.


Silver Brigade

A member shall qualify for the Silver Brigade Award upon enrolling twenty-five (25) to forty-nine (49)

“New Members” into The American Legion by the May Target Date, of May 9, 2016. It shall not be the

Department Adjutant’s responsibility for the submission of the awards. The Post Adjutant shall submit

and certify the award with the new member’s names and six-digit sequence numbers or Post card number

on Post stationary.

Word of “Caution,” National checks each and every submission to verify the accuracy of the list of new

members. If you hand write the list of new members, print legibly and go to MyLegion.org to obtain their

nine digit member identification number.

Top Recruiter

The Department’s top recruiter will receive an American Legion polo shirt. The cutoff date is May 9,

2016.

Awards Cutoff Date

Membership Awards Cutoff Date of May 9, 2016 shall be defined as:

1. Membership and full payment of National and Department dues at $24.50 per member received by

the Department Adjutant by the close of the business day, January 18, 2016 at 4:00 PM at Department

HQ, 601 Bridgeville Road, Seaford, DE.

2. Membership and full payment of National and Department dues at $29.50 per member, January

19, 2016 to May 9, 2016 at 4:00 PM, at Department HQ, 601 Bridgeville Road, Seaford, DE (Mailing

Address – P.O. Box 930, Seaford, DE 19973-0930).

Department Convention Delegate Strength Cutoff Date

Convention cutoff date of June 6, 2016 shall be defined as:

1. Membership and full payment of National and Department dues at $24.50 per member received by

the Department Adjutant by the close of the business day, January 18, 2016 at 4:00 PM at Department

HQ, 601 Bridgeville Road, Seaford, DE.

2. Membership and full payment of National and Department dues at $29.50 per member, January

19, 2016 to June 6, 2016 at 4:00 PM, at Department HQ, 601 Bridgeville Road, Seaford, DE (Mailing

Address – P.O. Box 930, Seaford, DE 19973-0930).”

Veterans' Day Awards

Target Date - November 10, 2015 for 70% of Goal in three categories:

(1) Post membership goal of 51 to 250 members


(3) Post membership goal of 501 to 3,500 members

Awards to top two Posts in each category exceeding designated target date percentage. Two awards:


(1) Highest percentage - $200 check in the name of the Post

(2) Second highest percentage - $100 check in the name of the Post

President's Day Award

Target Date - February 8, 2016 for 90% of Goal in three categories:




Award to Post in each category with highest percentage exceeding designated target date percentage with

2 tickets to Post for distribution to the 2016 National Commander's Banquet

Legion Birthday Awards

Target Date - March 7, 2016 for 95% of Goal in three categories:




Awards to top two Posts in each category exceeding designated target date percentage. Two awards:

(1) Highest percentage - $200 check in the name of the Post

(2) Second highest percentage - $100 check in the name of the Post

Armed Forces Day Award

Target Date - May 9, 2016 for 101% of Goal in three categories:




Two Department Polo Shirts awarded to one Post in each category with highest percentage exceeding

designated target date percentage.


Addendum 10

2016 - DEPARTMENT MEMBERSHIP TARGET DATES

AND PERCENTAGES OF GOAL

Target Percentage of Goal Target Date

Early Bird 55% September 8, 2015

Fall Meetings 60% October 12, 2015

Veterans Day 70% November 10, 2015

Pearl Harbor Day 80% December 7, 2015

Mid-Winter 85% January 18, 2016

President's Day 90% February 8, 2016

Legion Birthday 95% March 7, 2016

Children & Youth 100% April 4, 2016**

**Membership cards and transfers (MDFs) must be received in Department HQ by April 4, 2016 in

order to have the names of member on the 2017 membership roster.

Armed Forces Day 101% May 9, 2016

Delegate Strength to Department Convention June 6, 2016*

*In order to be included in the Target Date Report, membership transmittals shall be received in

Department HQ by the Target Date; not post marked, not in the mail, not on the membership

chairperson's, adjutant's or finance officer's desk.

CUTOFF DATES RENEWAL DATES

*September 11, 2015 October 2, 2015

*October 16, 2015 November 16, 2015

*December 11, 2015 January 8, 2016

*February 12, 2016 February 26, 2016

*April 15, 2016 April 27, 2016

*Denotes a Target Date -Transmittals received after this date will not prevent a subsequent notice

being delivered at or around the renewal date.


Addendum 11

The American

Legion, Inc. 2016

Membership

Report

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

05/12/15

High

100% Post 2015 Paid Goal Percent Need 07/31/15 G LY ATH Del

1 59 17 42 63 66.667% 21 59 2,697 3 21

10 463 4 459 482 95.228% 23 463 463 11 23

12 36 4 32 40 80.000% 8 36 188 3 8

13 61 5 66 65 101.538% 1 61 117 % $ 3 1

18 372 14 358 391 91.560% 33 373 398 9 33

21 65 6 59 69 85.507% 10 65 274 3 10

25 264 13 277 282 98.227% 5 270 390 $ 8 5

27 93 1 94 98 95.918% 4 93 249 $ 4 4

29 55 1 56 58 96.552% 2 55 139 $ 3 2

30 515 24 491 538 91.264% 47 518 872 12 47

New Castle

1,983

49

1,934

2,086

92.713%

152

1,993

59

152

2 2,017 73 1,944 2,085 93.237% 141 2,037 2,134 41 141

3 77 6 71 81 87.654% 10 77 242 3 10

7 422 3 425 440 96.591% 15 422 477 $ 10 15

14 305 21 326 328 99.390% 2 312 489 $ 9 2

Kent

District

2,821

55

2,766

2,934

94.274%

168

2,848

63

168

5 315 3 318 331 96.073% 13 315 336 $ 8 13

6 473 5 478 496 96.371% 18 476 595 $ 12 18

8 100 1 101 106 95.283% 5 100 189 $ 4 5

15 23 4 19 25 76.000% 6 23 131 2 6

17 400 30 430 419 102.625% 11 402 400 % $ & 11 11

19 336 17 319 359 88.858% 40 343 692 8 40

20 13 0 13 14 92.857% 1 13 138 $ 2 1

22 9 1 8 9 88.889% 1 9 106 2 1

24 370 18 388 386 100.518% 2 370 409 % $ 10 2

28 2,885 86 2,799 2,980 93.926% 181 2,917 3,260 58 181

37 15 5 20 16 125.000% 4 15 46 % $ 2 4

39 15 0 15 16 93.750% 1 15 99 $ 2 1

Sussex

District

4,954

46

4,908

5,157

95.172%

249

4,998

121

249

HQ 4 514 103 411 523 78.585% 112 519

Total 10,272 253 10,019 10,700 93.636% 681 10,358


Addendum 12


2016 Membership Report

On-Line Membership Renewal Credits as of

Earned Credits

To Date

Less Credits

Used To Date

Credits

Available

Post Per

CapitaCredit Balance

Post #

1 2 2 0 $0.50 $0.00

2 251 251 0 $10.50 0.00

3 9 8 1 $10.50 10.50

4 0 0 0 $10.50 0.00

5 35 35 0 $10.50 0.00

6 23 22 1 $5.50 5.50

7 49 49 0 $7.50 0.00

8 7 7 0 $10.50 0.00

10 62 61 1 $11.50 11.50

12 1 1 0 $0.50 0.00

13 0 0 0 $0.50 0.00

14 38 38 0 $10.50 0.00

15 2 2 0 $5.50 0.00

17 48 47 1 $10.50 10.50

18 64 64 0 $5.50 0.00

19 28 28 0 $5.50 0.00

20 1 1 0 $5.50 0.00

21 12 12 0 $0.50 0.00

22 0 0 0 $0.00 0.00

24 42 42 0 $5.50 0.00

25 48 48 0 $10.50 0.00

27 6 6 0 $10.50 0.00

28 393 393 0 $5.50 0.00

29 3 3 0 $5.50 0.00

30 55 51 4 $10.50 42.00

37 0 0 0 $0.50 0.00

39 1 1 0 -$4.50 0.00

1180 1172 8 $80.00



Addendum 13

Hotel reservations for the Membership Workshop MUST be made through Kellie Singleton. Housing forms should be mailed to The American Legion National Headquarters, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206; fax to (317) 630-1413; or by email to [email protected].

Submit your reservation as soon as possible to ensure accommodations. Reservations received after June 17, 2016 or after the room block is filled are subject to availability. To avoid duplication, roommates should only submit one reservation.

ALL ROOMS ARE NON-SMOKING 17% TAX RATE

Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel, 31 West Ohio Street

Check-in 4:00 p.m., check-out noon. You must cancel your reservation at least 72 hours before arrival or hotel will charge your credit card a one night fee. Late departure fee is $25. Self-parking is $25.00/day; Valet parking is $34.00/day.

Rollaway beds are available on a limited basis at $20.00/night in King rooms only.

King (1 Bed) $110.00 Double (2 Beds) $110.00 Executive King Suite (includes parlor/with sofa sleeper - - limited availability) $128.00

Overflow Hotel Information

Hilton Garden Inn, 10 East Market

Check in 4:00 p.m., check-out noon. You must cancel your reservation at least 72 hours before arrival or hotel will charge your credit card a one night fee. Self-parking is $12.00/day; Self-parking with in/out privileges is $22.00/day; Valet parking is $27.00/day.

Rollaway beds are available on a limited basis at $10.00/night in King rooms only.

King (1 Bed) $120.00 Double (2 Beds) $120.00

Please note: If one of the above hotels are not available upon receipt of your housing form or do not meet your requirements, we will do our best to accommodate you at another hotel in our housing block.

The American Legion

2016 National Membership Workshop

Housing Procedure

PLEASE CALL YOUR DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL FOR YOUR

CONFIRMATION NUMBERS.

mailto:[email protected]


Addendum 14

53RD ANNUAL NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP WORKSHOP SHERATON INDIANAPOLIS CITY CENTRE HOTEL

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

JULY 28-30, 2016

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM EMBLEM SALES (MONUMENT SUITE, LOWER LEVEL)

2:00 PM – 7:00 PM REGISTRATION TABLE OPENS

(MAIN LOBBY, UPPER LEVEL)

JULY 28Y, JULY 29, 2016

7:00 AM REGISTRATION TABLE OPENS (MAIN LOBBY, UPPER LEVEL)

(CLOSES AT BEGINNING OF SESSION - 8:30 AM)

7:00 AM EMBLEM SALES (MONUMENT SUITE, LOWER LEVEL)

(WILL CLOSE AT 3:00 PM UNLESS SALES DICTATE OTHERWISE)

7:00 AM – 9:00 AM EXPENSE VOUCHER TURN-IN -- CALL-INS ONLY (REGISTRATION AREA, LOWER LEVEL)

(AIRLINE TICKETS OR COPY MUST ACCOMPANY EXPENSE VOUCHER)

8:30 AM GENERAL OPENING SESSION (MERIDIAN BALLROOM, LOWER LEVEL)

CALL TO ORDER KENNETH E. ORROCK (SD), CHAIRMAN M&PA COMMITTEE

INVOCATION STEVE BARTOS (NE) M&PA COMMITTEE

POW/MIA EMPTY CHAIR REGOGNITION

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE KENNETH MUELLER (TX) M&PA COMMITTEE

PREAMBLE

8:35 AM INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS KENNETH E. ORROCK (SD), CHAIRMAN M&PA COMMITTEE

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS

8:40 AM – 8:50 AM HAROLD “DALE” BARNETT (GA), NATIONAL COMMANDER


8:50 AM – 9:00 AM DANIEL S. WHEELER (VA), NATIONAL ADJUTANT

9:00 AM – 9:10 AM MARY DAVIS (WA), NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT AMERICAN LEGION

AUXILIARY

9:10 AM – 9:30 AM VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION STRATEGIES LOU CELLI (MA), VA&R DIRECTOR

9:30 AM – 10:10 AM MARKETING, MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS PLAN JEFF STOFFER, DIRECTOR, MARKETING, MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS

10:10 AM – 10:30 AM OPERATION JOB READY VETERANS

TONY CROSS (IN), CEO

10:30 AM EXPLANATION OF BREAKOUT SESSIONS KENNETH E. ORROCK (SD), CHAIRMAN M&PA COMMITTEE

BREAK OUT SESSIONS GROUP I – LONG TERM MEMBERSHIP PLANNING

(RED BADGE) ROOM – MERIDIAN EAST MICHELE STEINMETZ, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP

PAUL BROWN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP

GROUP II – DISTRICT COMMANDER

(GREEN BADGE) ROOM – MERIDIAN CENTRE ROLANDA HERRON, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP

BRAD BUSKIRK, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP

GROUP III – 2016-2017 DEPARTMENT MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN (YELLOW BADGE)

ROOM – MERIDIAN WEST

MARTIN CONATSER (IL), DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT

MICHAEL J. DAVEY (OH), M&PA COMMITTEE

SEAN SPARKS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP

10:30 AM – 3:30 PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS

10:45 AM DEPARTMENT ADJUTANTS SESSION

ROOM – PANORAMA BALLROOM 21ST FLOOR DANIEL S. WHEELER (VA), NATIONAL ADJUTANT

3:45 PM – 4:00 PM REGIONAL BREAKOUT SESSION MERIDIAN CENTRAL – WESTERN REGION

MERIDIAN EAST – NORTHEAST REGION

CIRCLE CENTER – MIDWEST REGION

CIRCLE EAST – SOUTHEAST REGION

MERIDIAN WEST – CENTRAL REGION

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM SOCIAL EVENT


POST 64 (ATTENDEES WILL BE BUSED TO POST 64) BUSES WILL DEPART FROM IN FRONT OF

THE SHERATON HOTEL PROMPTLY AT 5:00 PM.

JULY 30

URDAY, JULY 30, 2016 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM EMBLEM SALES (MONUMENT SUITE, LOWER LEVEL)

8:30 AM GENERAL SESSION RECONVENES (MERIDIAN BALLROOM, LOWER LEVEL)

8:35 AM – 8:55 AM SPECIAL GUESTS CHARLES E. SCHMIDT (OR), NATIONAL COMMANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE, LEGISLATIVE

COMMISSION

9:00 AM – 9:05 AM DENISE H. ROHAN (WI), CONSULTANT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION

9:05 AM – 9:20 AM BREAK TO SET-UP ROOMS

9:20 AM – 4:00 PM BREAK-OUT SESSION

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS TOUR (OPTIONAL)

(TRANSPORTATION NOT PROVIDED)


Addendum 15

Sons of The American Legion

Detachment of Delaware

2015 Membership Report


2015

Paid As

Of

05/11/15

Detachment

Target Date Plus or

Minus

to 2015

2016 2015 Paid

As Of

07/31/2015

Goal All

Time

High

Attained 05/09/16

Sqdn# Paid Goal Need Percent G LY ATH Del 100%

2 218 16 202 239 37 84.52% 235 258 6 37

5 43 8 51 45 6 113.33% 43 43 % $ & 3 6

6 73 4 69 75 6 92.00% 73 83 3 6

7 131 3 128 139 11 92.09% 136 151 5 11

8 0 24 24 24 0 100.00% 22 24 % $ 2 0

14 164 11 153 180 27 85.00% 177 226 5 27

17 139 12 151 151 0 100.00% 148 148 % $ & 5 0

18 32 2 34 34 0 100.00% 32 32 % $ & 3 0

19 149 7 156 154 2 101.30% 151 151 % $ & 5 2

24 145 10 155 151 4 102.65% 148 148 % $ & 5 4

25 19 1 18 21 3 85.71% 19 29 2 3

28 958 11 947 1,053 106 89.93% 1,037 1,147 21 106

30 190 11 201 201 0 100.00% 198 198 % $ & 6 0

Det. 2,261 28 2,289 2,467 178 92.78% 2,419 71 178

National 100% Goal 2,467 178 92.78%


Addendum 16

2016 SAL Membership Report - May 19, 2016

2016 Mbsp. 2016 Membership

Needed 7/26/2016 Needed for 5/20/2016 Pctof

# Detachment for Goal 105 Target 105 Target Total Goal

1 PHILIPPINES 27 28 -16 44 162.963

* 2 NEVADA 351 368 -164 532 151.567

3 HAWAII 18 18 -4 22 122.222

4 FRANCE 267 280 -8 288 107.865

5 IDAHO 493 517 -12 529 107.302

* 6 SOUTH DAKOTA 625 656 -4 660 105.600

7 UTAH 528 554 3 551 104.356

8 PUERTO RICO 35 36 0 36 102.857

9 NORTH DAKOTA 717 752 15 737 102.789

* 10 NORTH CAROLINA 1,967 2,065 49 2,016 102.491

* 11 MONTANA 968 1,016 37 979 101.136

12 FLORIDA 17,322 18,188 1,079 17,109 98.770

13 WISCONSIN 3,683 3,867 248 3,619 98.262

14 WYOMING 1,291 1,355 95 1,260 97.599

15 MICHIGAN 21,896 22,990 1,711 21,279 97.182

16 MARYLAND 16,257 17,069 1,304 15,765 96.974

17 PENNSYLVANIA 60,151 63,158 4,860 58,298 96.919

18 ALASKA 1,363 1,431 113 1,318 96.698

19 KANSAS 6,602 6,932 552 6,380 96.637

20 NEW JERSEY 9,595 10,074 804 9,270 96.613

21 MASSACHUSETIS 5,562 5,840 471 5,369 96.530

22 OREGON 1,628 1,709 139 1,570 96.437

23 IOWA 3,978 4,176 349 3,827 96.204

24 INDIANA 37,453 39,325 3,339 35,986 96083

25 ILLINOIS 14,708 15,443 1,313 14,130 96.070

26 NEBRASKA 6,372 6,690 620 6,070 95.261

27 SOUTH CAROLINA 1,095 1,149 108 1,041 95.068

28 OHIO 30,792 32,331 3,089 29,242 94.966

29 MINNESOTA 11,452 12,024 1,151 10,873 94.944

30 DELAWARE 2,422 2,543 256 2,287 94.426

31 lOUISIANA 2,164 2,272 230 2,042 94.362

32 MISSOURI 3,586 3,765 383 3,382 94.311

33 VERMONT 3,884 4,078 427 3,651 94.001

34 CALIFORNIA 11,022 11,573 1,256 10,317 93.604

35 ALABAMA 1,708 1,793 197 1,596 93.443

36 GEORGIA 4,811 5,051 604 4,447 92.434

37 ARIZONA 6,673 7,006 849 6,157 92.267

38 OKLAHOMA 1,031 1,082 131 951 92.241

39 TENNESSEE 1,726 1,812 221 1,591 92.178

40 NEW YORK 29,298 30,762 3,822 26,940 91.952

41 COLORADO 3,099 3,253 448 2,805 90.513

42 NEW HAMPSHIRE 5,935 6,231 877 5,354 90.211

43 CONNECTICUT 1,811 1,901 270 1,631 90.061

44 WASHINGTON 2,534 2,660 404 2,256 89.029

45 VIRGINIA 4,566 4,794 741 4,053 88.765

46 ARKANSAS 474 497 78 419 88.397

47 WEST VIRGINIA 2,767 2,905 463 2,442 88.254

48 KENTUCKY 3,602 3,782 621 3,161 87.757

49 TEXAS 6,318 6,633 1,108 5,525 87.449

50 MAINE 2,577 2,705 488 2,217 86.030

51 NEW MEXICO 1,847 1,939 435 1,504 81.429


52 RHODE ISLAND 263 276 69 207 78.707

53 MISSISSIPPI 715 750 276 474 66.294

54 DISTOF COl 290 304 157 147 50.690

55 MEXICO 0 0 0 0 0.000

Grand Totals 362,319 380,408 36,052 344,356 95.042

2015 - 2016 SAL Regional Breakdown

2016 Membership: Goal Actual Percent

5/20/2016 362,319 344,356 95.042

2015 Membership:

5/20/2015 337,517

Difference: 6,839


(Western Region) William L. Foster (AZ)

Detachment Goal Actual Percent

PHILIPPINES 27 44 162.963

NEVADA 351 532 151.567

HAWAII 18 22 122.222

IDAHO 493 529 107.302

UTAH 528 551 104.356

ALASKA 1,363 1,318 96.698

OREGON 1,628 1,570 96.437

CALIFORNIA 11,022 10,317 93.604

ARIZONA 6,673 6,157 92.267

WASHINGTON 2,534 2,256 89.029

Totals 24,637 23,296 94.557

(Mid-Western Region)

Steve Ward (KS)


SOUTH DAKOTA 625 660 105.600

NORTH DAKOTA 717 737 102.789

MONTANA 968 979 101.136

WYOMING 1,291 1,260 97.599

KANSAS 6,602 6,380 96.637

NEBRASKA 6,372 6,070 95.261

OKLAHOMA 1,031 951 92.241

COLORADO 3,099 2,805 90.513

TEXAS 6,318 5,525 87.449

NEW MEXICO 1,847 1,504 81.429

MEXICO 0 0 0.000

Totals 28,870 26,871 93.076

(Eastern Region) William G. Hill (MD)


FRANCE 267 288 107.865

MARYLAND 16,257 15,765 96.974

PENNSYLVANIA 60,151 58,298 96.919

NEW JERSEY 9,595 9,270 96.613

MASSACHUSETTS 5,562 5,369 96.530

DELAWARE 2,422 2,287 94.426

VERMONT 3,884 3,651 94.001

NEW YORK 29,298 26,940 91.952

NEW HAMPSHIRE 5,935 5,354 90.211

CONNECTICUT 1,811 1,631 90.061

WEST VIRGINIA 2,767 2,442 88.254

MAINE 2,577 2,217 86.030

RHODE ISLAND 263 207 78.707

DIST OF COl 290 147 50.690

Totals 141,079 133,866 94.887

(Central Region) Dennis J. Henkemeyer (MN)


WISCONSIN 3,683 3,619 98.262

MICHIGAN 21,896 21,279 97.182

IOWA 3,978 3,827 96.204

INDIANA 37,453 35,986 96.083

ILLINOIS 14,708 14,130 96.070

OHIO 30,792 29,242 94.966

MINNESOTA 11,452 10,873 94.944

MISSOURI 3,586 3,382 94.311

Totals 127,548 122,338 95.915

(Southern Region) Steve R. Curry (KY)


PUERTO RICO 35 36 102.857

NORTH CAROLINA 1,967 2,016 102.491

FLORIDA 17,322 17,109 98.770

SOUTH CAROLINA 1,095 1,041 95.068

lOUISIANA 2,164 2,042 94.362

ALABAMA 1,708 1,596 93.443

GEORGIA 4,811 4,447 92.434

TENNESSEE 1,726 1,591 92.178

VIRGINIA 4,566 4,053 88.765

ARKANSAS 474 419 88.397

KENTUCKY 3,602 3,161 87.757

MISSISSIPPI 715 474 66.294

Totals 40,185 37,985 94.525

inutes of the epartment xecutive ommittee … minutes/minutes dec 2016-05-21.pdf · to assist...

Documents