Commander’s Corner

January 2021

T H E A M E R I C A N L E G I O N D E P A R T M E N T O F M A S S A C H U S E T T S

Happy New Year!

to each and every one of you and your fami-lies! It is a custom to make New Year Resolu-tions, and for most of us to break them within the first month.

I hope everyone en-joyed their holidays with family and friends. As we start the new year, lets approach it with hope and optimism of what it will all bring. I am grateful for leading this department with all of our amazing mem-bers, officers and volun-teers. It truly is an hon-

or! Let us also take time to reflect on the past year and pray for those mem-bers we lost, new mem-bers we’ve gained, and friends we made along the way.

Throughout the year I have read articles on many Legion Posts doing great things for their communities and their members and we have accomplished a lot around the districts this past year as well, despite the handicap this virus has delt us. As most of you know, as we take time to reflect, celebrate and always continue to improve our posts for our members.

I wish to thank all of our Auxiliary, Son’s and Rid-ers for their work, fellow-ship and support during

National Command- 3

Post Everlasting 4

Washington Conf 5

Auxiliary President 6

Membership 8-9

Mission Blue P.A.P. 10

Service Officer 11

Marketing 12

Boys State 13

Legislation 14

Editorial 15

Legion Weekly 1919 16

Raffle 17

Around the Depart-

ment 18-22

MEMBERSHIP 23-24

Ala Membership 25

S.A.L. Membership 26

Misc. Items 27-28

Inside this issue:

Volume 11 Issue 18

T H E A M E R I C A N L E G I O N D E P A R T M E N T O F M A S S A C H U S E T T S

the last year. It takes all of us working together to make this depart-ment operate and move into the future.

That being said, we as Legionnaires need to do more. Define more? We need to show up and support Post activi-ties no matter if it’s a Legion, Auxiliary or Sons event. Those events are for all to en-joy or support. We need to identify veter-an centric activities or issues that need to be addressed and rally to-gether and physically participate. You may say its ok or sufficient enough to “just write a check “ but to those who are receiving the

Continued on Page 2

Massachusetts e-Legionnaire

THE AMERICAN LEGION “Veterans Strengthening America”

Page 2

Commander’s Corner (Continued)

support, they would really appreciate your presence if nothing else but to thank you personally for caring enough to become involved.

Therefore, I hope you will join with me and create a New Year’s Resolution for which we will collectively spend this new Legion Year to identify Veterans (and their families) specific needs or programs and physi-cally participate in them. Take lots of pictures and get the word out. Look! See what American Legion-naires are doing. By doing this, we create the buzz and hopefully the curiosity to visit and find out more about The American Legion.

I ask every member of the their Post to join with me in another New Year’s Resolution of introducing themselves and speak with someone new every time they go to their Post for this 2021 Legion Year. It is my hope that by doing this, we may find out about activities, events or issues that we are not always aware of merely because no one cared enough to ask nor become involved.

Let me tell you, I sure am tired of this Corona virus and I’m looking forward to the restrictions being lifted. Although COVID-19 has dramatically changed the way we live and work, caring for our Veterans and their families will never change.

Our valuable programs Must continue even if modified and membership although challenging is still the life blood for success. Restrictions come and go but we still need to do those Buddy Checks, calling on those that can’t get out in public.

With great sadness, we have lost a wonderful friend and ardent veterans advocate to Post Everlasting. Ed-ward D. Bezio Sr., served as our Department Surgeon for many years as well as serving on the scholarship committee. Eddy’s laughter and sage wisdom will be sorely missed. His commitment to The American Le-gion and the youth of our communities is without question.

Finally, I would impress upon all of you to keep our ill Post members and their families in your prayers and those post members who are preparing to be deployed or have already been deployed overseas, may God watch over and care for you. May 2021 be a healthful and prosperous one for all of you and your loved ones and have a happy, HEALTHY new year!

Yours in Comradeship,

Jodie Pajak

Department Commander

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James W. Oxford, National Commander of The American Legion

Legionnaires and members of the American Legion Family, as we close out 2020, I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season. I know it’s been a difficult year for many. It’s been a year of loss, whether that of a loved one or a job; separation from family and friends; political and racial tensions; and devastating hurricanes.

In the midst of this difficult year, there is an abundance of grati-tude.

I have sincere gratitude for the entire American Legion Family. I have been inspired daily by the selfless actions of Legionnaires, Sons of The American Legion members, American Legion Riders and Auxiliary members who have served their communities during

these challenging times. American Legion Family members have rallied to provide food to those in need, organized special birthday recognition drive-bys for World War II veterans, hosted blood donation drives in their communities and provided other services.

We have chronicled hundreds of stories on www.legion.org/coronavirus that demonstrate how American Legion posts have served communities, states and nation during the pandemic.

I also am thankful for our brave men and women who are protecting us at home and abroad. Many of our troops will not be able to see their families this Christmas. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Additionally, I am thankful for every veteran who has served our nation with honor. As deeply troubling as 2020 has been, our democracy is strong. Our nation has withstood challenges before and we will come out of this challenging year even stronger than when it began.

Most of all when I consider the blessings 2020 has provided, I will think of The American Legion. I am hon-ored to be your national commander. I am inspired by all the community service you have performed in the past year. And I am truly grateful for your friendship, dedication, patriotism and membership in the nation’s largest, most influential and greatest veterans service organization.

I end this year with holiday greetings for all of you. Please listen to them and share with other fellow mem-bers and veterans at www.vimeo.com/americanlegion.

Have a safe and blessed New Year.

James W. “Bill” Oxford National Commander

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Post Everlasting

Roger O. Gagnon Fall River, Massachusetts Sep 2, 1946 – Dec 28, 2020 (Age 74)

Past Dept. of Mass. American Legion Vice-Commander 1997-1998 & 1998-1999 Past Bristol County District 9 American Legion Commander 1994-1995

Past Dept. of Mass. American Legion Athletic Committee Chairman Currently serving as Grand Chef de Gare du Massachusetts 40 & 8

Roger O. Gagnon, age 74, of Fall River, passed away Monday, December 28, 2020 at St. Anne’s Hospital, Fall River. Roger served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and served 30 years in the National Guard. Roger was a member of the Fall River

American Legion Post 314 and the Forty and Eight.

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2021 Wasthington Conference to go Virtual

The National Commander has decided that a virtual 2021 Washington Conference will be held.

• The Finance, Legislative, National Security, VA&R, and VE&E Commissions will conduct business via Zoom on either February 28, March 1 or March 2, depending on each chair-man’s availability. These virtual meetings are now being planned, and additional infor-mation will be shared with commission members as it becomes available.

• In the first week of March, a virtual “Know Before You Go” session will be conducted. We

will request proposed invitee data from department adjutants, the American Legion Auxilia-

ry, and the SAL.

• Each department will let us know who they have designated to virtually “Storm the Hill.”

This will be conducted by email, phone and any other appropriate communication.

We have requested March 4 as the date of the National Commander’s testimony, but that

has not been confirmed. Most likely, the National Commander and chairmen of the

“Washington DC” commissions will be assembled in DC, either on The Hill or virtually in our

DC office. The Auxiliary National President and the Sons National Commander will be invit-

ed to attend in person. This will be a closed event; no audience members will be al-

lowed. However, the testimony will be livestreamed, and each department will receive no-

tification of how to access that when it is finalized.

This is all we know for now -- we will send more information as it becomes available. Thank

you.

Page 6

Auxiliary President Coral Mae Grout

Hello, Everyone!

I hope that you had a very enjoyable Christmas and New Year’s! It was obviously very different than in the past. I am so very appreciative of your efforts to remem-ber our veterans and the people in our communities across Massachusetts during the Holiday season. We didn’t do Christmas Gift Shops in the usual manner, but our chairmen and members were very creative in how they accomplished the task. Members collected items, wrapped them, and then they were delivered by staff to

patients. Elsewhere, members sang Christmas carols outside facilities. And, huge Christmas stockings were filled with items that the patients could use as well as enjoy. We sent Christmas cards across the world to our enlisted. Several groups sent packages to enlisted around the world, as well. Thanks for all your creative efforts to still make this a happy time for those who are hospitalized or away.

Martin Luther King Day will soon be upon us. This provides another way to support veterans and people in our communities. Once again, many events will be cancelled as we await more vaccines. But, you can still do something in your own community to benefit veterans. Most likely, there will be snow in Massa-chusetts in January. Please consider checking on veterans who are in their homes. Call/email/send a card. Ask your children or grandchildren to shovel a sidewalk for a veteran. If you community is col-lecting items to donate back into the community, such as a food drive or coat drive, please consider do-nating something to benefit someone else. Donations are always welcome by local food banks, the Sal-vation Army, and other organizations, so your Unit can help, as well. Don’t forget to document what you have done so that it can be included on the Community Service or Veterans Affairs/Rehabilitation reports in the spring.

Valentine’s Day will also soon be upon us. Although many schools are still remote, a nice art project can still be to create Valentine’s Day cards for veterans and enlisted. Contact you local school administrator for help with this. While you are making contacts, remember that the deadline for submitting your in-tent to send students to Girls’ State will soon be upon you. One thing that is different FOR THIS YEAR ONLY is to allow seniors the opportunity to attend Girls State. This is because it was cancelled last year. For further information, please contact the Department office or chairman.

Our Department Executive Committee will once again hold its meeting virtually on the first Saturday in January. It begins at 10 AM. Anyone can attend! So, if you’d like to see what’s going on in your Depart-ment, contact the Department office for the passcode to enter the meeting on Zoom. You can also con-tact me (cmgrout@comcast.net).

Happy New Year to you and yours. And, may it be healthier and better than last year.

Coral May Grout, Department President

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Page 8

Membership– DSVC Tony Dias

Membership is everybody's Business

There comes a time that I truly need to speak the truth about what we all need to ask ourselves? What am I doing for the legion in the capacity for the position to which I hold!!! What's troubling me is, we have our Department Membership Coordinator working on weekends to make our organization better, which ultimately will better serve our brothers and sisters who are a part of our legion (past, present and future). Recently on December 12th, Judy Hall, our Coordinator sent out her usual DMS list for both 2020 and 2021, only for it not to be worked by the Various Department Vice Commanders, District Commanders, Committeewoman at Large, and Post Commanders? Is it not understood, that membership is part of our job? If you don't know how to work the list, I have people who can work you through it very easily! Please ask! Lets make our Legion what it truly is, one of the best in the country! All we ask, is “Do your Job”. Sound familiar? I would like to give you an example: Worcester has 38 members (2020-2021), just waiting to be contact-ed. Lowell has 29 members (2020-2021) waiting for someone to call. Department wide, the DMS list reflects a total of 1,550 members just waiting for a phone call and transfer to a post which is close to their home. If we could just transfer 30%, we have an additional 500 members. Not too bad!!! The good news continues as we have successfully met and surpassed out goal of 75%. We were among the top 19 Departments in the country that had obtained this goal. However, as we all know, its going to get tougher as we move forward. Our next level is rapidly approaching and is called the Mid-Winer benchmark at 80% (January 21, 2021). Can you bring your post and districts to that level? We shall see? There is an old saying at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, (Home of the Airborne Soldier) which simply states: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Are you all ready to accept that challenge??? A note of thanks and congrats to Districts #2, #4, #5 and #9, for there hard work! They keep changing positions in our membership drive Looks like a nice battle brewing between Districts 9 and 2. Go for it and take no prisoners, just keep signing up those members. Now is the time, as winter sets in, to check on your members! Many post have suspended activities, meet-ings and have essentially closed for the past ten (10) months. We need to reach out and say hello, see how our members are doing and ask if they have sent in there dues? Many have not because of very rea-sons....one of which is no activities. I have offered my/our services, along with a team from our Department and National who are standing by, ready to assist you, or your district. Remember, our goal is 100%. The sad part is, no-one has reached out for any assistance?

Department Membership Standings

(12/30/2020)

District 9: Bristol 85.45%

District 2: Franklin/Hampshire 83.91%

District 4: Worcester 82.85%

Page 9

Membership (Continued)

There is another old saying, “If every member were like me, what would my organization be?” In other words, If I do good job, then we will have a good or better Legion, if I do a bad job, well, you know the answer to that? Ask your members to recruit just one member for your post. If you get just 25% of 100 members then you'll have 25 new members. It can be done, I have seen it happen. Don't forget the Silver (25) and Gold (50) Brigade awards! We have seen it achieved. In some cases, mul-tiple times. At last, I hope you all remain safe and be cautions as we move about. 2021 will be a better year for us all, I promise! Ps; I have been told, the VA will be administering the Covid-19 vaccine. Protect yourself and get your shot(s). This was told to one of our members at the Providence VA Medical Center. I am sure other sites will follow. God Bless!

MyLegion

The release of the New MyLegion has been pushed back a little and will be released shortly after the new

year. This release involves changes to access and security.

MyLegion users are familiar with he current architecture where one profile exists for access to your per-

sonal information, as well as another one for access to your post membership and electronic roster, and

being able to process membership, print labels, etc.

The new MyLegion will be driven by one account profile associated with the email address on the adminis-

trative officer’s personal membership record. Once logged into the new myLegion, administrative officers

will see options to update their personal membership record and work online post membership tools.

Those select officers will also be able to grant authority to others that need access to online rosters and

reports.

An email address will be required o the administrative officer’s membership record to access the new MyL-

egion, and all existing accounts will need to be registered. The registration process will send a one-time

password (OTP) code to your email address. The OTP code will be required to complete the registration

process.

To make sure the most up-to-date email address is on file for your personal membership record, visit myL-

egion.org and choose “Members Click Here”. You can also call American Legion Customer Services at (833)

253-9995 to update your information, or email us at mylegion@legion.org.

TO learn more about the new MyLegion visit Legion.org/training and click on training Tuesdays tab. You

will see MyLegion 2021 with a video presentation and Q&A.

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Legion posts affected by COVID can apply for $1,000 grant

Public health mandates in response to the corona-virus included stay-at-home orders and business closures. Those mandates financially impacted American Legion posts nationwide as member and community outreach efforts were limited, re-sulting in a loss of revenue.

To provide some relief during these challenging times, financial grants are now available for eligi-ble American Legion posts.

Resolution No. 36, Mission Blue Post Assistance Program, will provide $1,000 grants to posts that are in good standing with their respective department. These funds must be used exclusively to pay current or past due rent, mortgage, utilities and insurance.

The American Legion National Executive Committee approved Resolution No. 36 Oct. 14, during its annual Fall Meetings. Funds for the approved grants will be provided through The American Legion National Emer-gency Fund (NEF).

Eligibility for a Mission Blue Post Assistance Program grant requires posts to have:

1. A Consolidated Post Report on file.

2. Filed an IRS 990 within the prescribed due date.

3. Filed all other required forms and reports as prescribed by the department.

4. Actively participated in one or more American Legion programs in the last 18 months.

5. A financial need.

6. A certificate of insurance naming The American Legion doing business as American Legion National Headquarters as an additional insured.

7. Documentation indicating that the post is properly incorporated.

The Mission Blue Post Assistance Program grant application will be a fillable PDF. Please stay tuned for its release. American Legion posts applying for a grant will be required to first submit the completed applica-tion to their respective department for approval before it can be sent to National Headquarters. This appli-cation procedure is the same as the NEF.

American Legion posts have until Dec. 31, 2021, to apply for an Operation Blue PAP grant.

Page 11

From the Service Officer—VA Claims in 2020

A successful compensation or pension VA claim needs to establish not only a diagnosis, but also a nex-us [ or connection ] to the veteran’s military service. For most claims, the VA will request a copy of the vet-eran’s service records from the National Archives warehouse in St. Louis , Mo. These records would include all medical documents as well as the veteran’s military occupation and his assignments. Upon receipt of these documents, the VA would schedule an in-person exam to verify the disability and its’ severity.

As our current Covid crisis has affected every part of our lives, the VA claims process has also been de-layed and stifled. As our government imposed restrictions beginning last April, the VA then suspended all in-person medical disability examinations. The VA did not resume any exams until September, and then only on a limited basis. Finally, by November, with the use of video and outside contractors, these important exams had begun. With the present backlog, however, there is a significant wait time.

Adding to the problem, was the situation at the records branch in St. Louis. Because of lockdowns and restrictions affecting the employees at the National Archives, there were limited working hours and short staff situations. Many requests for records could not be filled, and the pending VA claims contingent on this information could not be settled.

Despite all these unforeseen events, veterans with any service connected issues should continue to apply for compensation, as their effective date will be honored, pending approval of the claim.

Semper Fi Mike Whalen

Nominations for the 2021 American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year award are now being accepted. An ap-

plicant’s nomination packet must be received by their respective American Legion department headquar-

ters no later than March 1, 2021. Departments must then select and certify their department’s top nomi-

nee to American Legion National Headquarters no later than April 1, 2021. Award and application infor-

mation is available at legion.org/scouting/nominate.

The American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year will receive a $10,000 scholarship. Three runner-up scholar-

ship awards will be granted in the amount of $2,500 each.

Applicants that have questions or need additional information about their application, or the application

process, should contact their respective American Legion department (state) headquarters.

Eagle Scout of the Year

Page 12

Marketing Committee—ANEC Mike Davis

The Winter Sweepstakes will be held at the January Department Executive Committee Meeting. COVID19 restrictions will not stop the drawing as it will be held online if necessary . Please, if you have yet to do so, remit your tickets along with the suggested donation to the department office soon. Not only do you have a chance to win as much as $3,000.00 on the top prize but your donation helps to support your department and the various programs of The American Legion as we serve the community, state and nation.

Are you looking to get a new vehicle soon and can't decide what to do with your old vehicle . Do you not want the hassle of selling it or cannot receive much from the dealer for the trade in ? You may want to con-sider donating that vehicle to The American Legion as a tax deductible gift that helps The American Legion fund the programs which bolster the foundations of our Four Pillars : Americanism, National Defense, Chil-dren and Youth and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation. I myself used this program a few years ago. It is quick and easy. Details can be found online at Legion.org/donate/auto or by calling 1-844-4-LEGION or 1-844-453-4466. Pickup is quick and easy.

Mike Davis ANEC- Marketing Chairman

American Legion Charities Annual Report online

In 2010, American Legion Charities was launched as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit trust to allow American Legion Family members and friends to contribute to the overall organization and its many services, or to choose a specific program to support. American Legion Charities provides direct support and assistance to veterans, military personnel, families and communities.

The 2020 annual report for American Legion Charities is online and available for download. The pages in the booklet illustrate just a fraction of the programs and services funded by American Legion Charities, fol-lowed by an audited financial statement of the trust.

A few of the many programs and services supported by American Legion Charities include:

• The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation.

• The American Legion National Emergency Fund (NEF).

• The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation (CWF).

• The American Legion Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW).

• The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.

Donations to American Legion Charities are tax-deductible.

Page 13

Boys State

Page 14

Legislation—Washington Conference—Commanders Testimony

Prescription drug abuse

Data collected by the Department of Health and Human Services suggest that at least 2 million Americans have opioid-use disorders involving pre-scribed medication. This is an issue that affects all Americans, but mem-bers of the military community may be at even greater risk. In 2017, VA

Secretary Robert Wilkie stated that “more than 130 Americans died each day from a drug overdose involving an opioid, and veterans were twice as likely to die of the same. This connection may be attributed to the fact that 60 percent of veterans who have served in the Middle East, and more than 50 percent of older veterans live with ... chronic pain.” The American Legion is deeply concerned about the prevalence of opioid use among the military community and understands the pain experienced by our servicemembers is not only physical. Many members of the military and veterans are suffering from invisible wounds. The most common treat-ment method is pharmacological. According to a DoD study, antidepressants were prescribed to 70-80 percent of service members diagnosed with de-pression or PTSD. The American Legion is extremely concerned with the effects antidepressants may have on veteran suicide, and the rate VA pre-scribes such medications. A study comparing suicide rates between seven different types of antidepressants, found six to have suicide rates 10 times that of even the most at-risk veteran population. The American Legion passed Resolution No. 52: Antidepressant Harms Anal-ysis in August 2019, urging VA and DoD to investigate the potential harms of these medications. This resolution calls for a report to be created detailing any and all findings to the President of the United States, Congress and The American Legion. WHAT CAN CONGRESS DO? » Urge VA and DoD to investigate the role antidepressants have in veterans, active and reserve compo-nent servicemembers and National Guard personnel suicides. » Ensure VA has all necessary resources to remain committed to providing veterans access to the help needed to recover from substance abuse and opioid use disorder.

KEY POINTS » The American Legion remains deeply concerned about high numbers of veterans who develop opioid/substance use disorders as a means of mitigating their physi-cal and emotional pain. » The American Legion will contin-ue to urge VA and DoD to investi-gate the potential harms of anti-depressant medications and their apparent link to veteran suicide.

After combat, it’s com-mon for veterans to suffer chronic pain. But now that doctors have a clearer understanding of the risks of addictive painkillers, they are wary of relying on opi-oids to relieve it. Plus, veterans suffer from ad-diction at higher rates than the general popu-lation.

Robert Wilkie, Secretary of Veterans Affair

Page 15

Editorial—John Lenotte, PDC

Finally, we are putting 2020 behind us. A year to remember, a year to forget. Hopefully the distribution of the vac-cines will continue without many problems. Then we can figure out what the new normal will be. All this extra cleaning and sanitizing is not a bad thing. Just like after 9/11, we will figure it out and move on. Like many, I am putting together my list of resolutions for the new year. Hopefully I will follow through on most of them. Besides the usual ones like lose weight, exercise more, I plan to get better at staying in touch with family and friends. Elaine and I can’t wait to get back out to travel and visit folks back North. But not until late Spring/early Summer! We all need to focus on more tolerance with each other. Disagreements are ok, anger is not ok. I will be more active in reaching out to my elected officials to let them know how I feel about their actions. This means I will work on going from the silent majority to the vocal majority. From time to time I am asked if The American Legion is still needed, is it a dying organization. My answer is that The American Legion is essential today and it is NOT dying! The Four Pillars are our vision and re-main critical. Americanism. There are those who are trying to rewrite history. Our founding fathers were not perfect, nor have any that followed. But look at the great nation that we live in. Each year there are thousands looking to come here to better themselves. We have come a long way since 1776 and are still working on getting better. The American Legion needs to stand tall and continue to promote our way of life. Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation. The VA is doing great work but still needs improvement and oversight. The American Legion continues to work with the administration on benefits and with Congress for funding programs. For example, we have too many veterans homeless and too many committing suicide. National Security. As threats from China, Russia, North Korea, Iran and various terrorist groups continue to grow, America must remain strong and vigilant. Our military continues to need the best tools to defend us. This includes the growing cyber threats to our defense and infrastructure. Children and Youth. They are our future. And overall our future is bright. Programs like American Legion Baseball, Oratorical, Boys State/Girls State, Junior Shooting and others need to continue and to grow. Since the eligibility for membership has been expanded, we have seen new members enter our ranks. But there are many more out there who have not been contacted. And we must work to retain our current members. Way too many do not renew each year. Remember that communication is key. As are the Four Pillars. No one post can do all the programs but all posts can do some programs. For all the reasons noted (and there are many more!), The American Legion is still needed and very much alive! May God Bless America, the troops who defend us and their families. Let us also not forget our first responders and health care workers. John Lenotte, Past Commander, Post 4 Haverhill MA; Past Commander District 8 Essex County and Past Commander, Department of MA. I may be reached at jplenotte@gmail.com

Page 16

Legion Weekly, Volume 1 Number 4 (July 25, 1919)

Misuse of Titles - Use of military titles on business and advertising ' stationery is a practice that ought to

be discouraged. It is not prevalent nor even common but stationery does crop up now and then whereon is

recorded in the guise of an abbreviated military title the fact that someone in the firm has been in service.

A man has every right to be mightily proud of the fact that he was in service. It is a realization to be cher-

ished and ought to bring a vast amount of personal satisfaction. But the calling of attention to the fact by

such subterfuges as printing the erstwhile title on a business letterhead is quite out of harmony with the

spirit that prompted men to enter service. It amounts to something more than bad taste.

For Service There appeared among the "state items" of an inland exchange the other day a brief account of

plans just adopted by an Ohio village to install its first sanitary system. The item disclosed the fact, of

course, that men formerly in service had brought the matter to common attention and had petitioned the

town council to act. If four and a half million men have had impressed upon them, as an incident of their

service, the necessity of sanitation as a forerunner of health and happiness, it is entirely to be expected

that such men will be leading spirits in many just such movements.

Women's Auxiliaries Formation of auxiliaries to the American Legion by the mothers, wives and sisters of

the men who were in service is being encouraged in several states. The movement ought to become gen-

eral. No one is closer to an appreciation of the horrors of the Meuse or the Argonne than the wives and

mothers of the men who battled there. No one suffered more sharply, made a greater sacrifice. And it is

only natural that when the soldiers unite to perpetuate their associations, and the ideals for which they

fought,

Page 17

Department of Massachusetts Winter Raffle—Have you sent your ticket in!

Please Respond by January 7th

Page 18

Around the Department

The newest Custom Design Folding Chair was delivered to Ameri-

can Legion Post 40 in Plymouth.

Another successful Christmas meals program is in the books! 600+ ready to eat meals delivered to veterans, elderly, and sit-ins in our Cape Ann Communities. Thank You to all the volunteers that helped out today...Big shout out to The Open Door food pantry, Gloucester Sea Cadets, State Senatore Bruce Tarr (& friends), Gloucester City Councilor, Melissa Cox (& Bill), Paul Krueger with his FABULOUS kitchen crew, Commander Nestor & family, Squadron 3, and Unit 3 for working so hard to make this years event extra special during these challenging time.

Page 19

Around the Department (Continued)

Santa at Westfield Post 124

Food and Toy Drive at Hanover Post 149

Drive by Santa at Clark-Haddad Post 188 Sandwich

Page

Around the Department

Hard at work at the Brockton VAMC putting Christmas Stocking together!

Christmas gift shop for Chelsea soldiers home very very altered this year abiding by all guidelines social distancing and

masks keeping our veterans safe but still trying to support them in any way we can with Christmas presents.

Page 21

National Commanders Testimonial

SPECIAL NOTICE FROM THE DEPARTMENT

TO

POST, DISTRICT & MEMBERS WHO MAY HAVE ALLREADY

PURCHASED TICKETS AND ADS TO THE

NATIONAL COMMANDERS , NATIONAL PRESIDENT &

SAL NATIONAL COMMANDER VISIT TO MASSACHUSETTS

ALL TICKET AND AD DONATIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT

FOR THE BANQUET ON

APRIL 24, 2021 AT THE SAME LOCATION

IF FOR ANY REASON A POST, DISTRICT OR MEMBER WHO CHOSES TO REQUEST

THEIR DONATION BACK AT THIS TIME

PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT BY PHONE

617 727-2966 WITHIN THE NEXT THIRTY (30) DAYS

AND YOUR DONATION WILL BE REFUNDED

Page 22

Northeastern Division National Vice President

Dear Legion Family,

There are many questions in all of our lives right now. When will it be safe to gather? When

can we get together for meetings and planning? When can we have large events again?

The committee to honor Carolyn Baranowski as the Northeastern Division National Vice

President for the American Legion Auxiliary has been listening and thinking. At this point in

time we feel it is prudent to postpone Carolyn's Homecoming event to the spring. Hopefully

in the Spring we will be able to celebrate fully together and without fear.

So, with that in mind here are the details:

Date: May 16, 2021

Time: 12:00 cocktails - 1:00 Dinner

Place: Storrowtown Carriage House

135 Memorial Highway (Eastern States Exposition Center)

West Springfield, MA

Menu: choice of three meals (Chicken Francaise, Prime Rib, Baked Scrod)

Price - $50.00 per person

Please await further mailings regarding tickets and details. We did want to get this infor-

mation out for planning purposes.

Jen Jillson Hamre

Page 23

01/16/2021 10:00 AM Finance Committee Sutton Post 414

01/16/2021 11:00 AM Membership Meeting Sutton Post 414

01/16/2021 1:00 PM Department Executive Committee Sutton Post 414

District Goal Current % of Goal

1 BERKSHIRE 1339 1092 81.55%

2 FRANKLIN /HAMPSHIRE 1336 1121 83.91%

3 HAMPDEN 2763 2165 78.36%

4 WORCESTER 4751 3936 82.85%

5 MIDDLESEX 4212 3470 82.38%

6 NORFOLK 2624 2061 78.54%

7 SUFFOLK 1301 1009 77.56%

8 ESSEX 2777 2226 80.16%

9 BRISTOL 2659 2272 85.45%

10 PLY/BARN/NAN/DUKE 4270 3433 80.40%

297 CAPITOL HILL 346 355 102.60%

462 HEADQUARTERS 2343 1858 79.30%

TOTAL 30,721

National Quota 31,476 24,998 79.42%

Department Calendar of Events

2021 Membership Standing as of December 30. 2020

Target Date 1/21/2021 80%

2021 Officers and Committee Appointments and District Rosters have been

posted to or website

www.masslegion.org

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POSTS Post 6 Lynn

Post 11 Brookline

Post 46 Beverly Farms

Post 90 Melrose

Post 91 East Bridgewater

Post 117 Oliver Ames Jr.

Post 198 Mansfield

Post 230 26th Yankee Division (Bourne)

Post 291 East Lynn

Post 298 Housatonic

Post 315 Dracut

Post 327 Mission Hill

Post 366 East Chelmsford

Post 397 Victor J. Quaranta

Post 399 LTJG W.M. Penny

Post 415 Petersham

Post 425 Freetown

Post 464 Fall River

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American Legion Auxiliary

Auxiliary Membership as of 12/31/2020

No. of

Units Name

2021

Goal

Present

Membership

District

Percentage

No. Quota

Units

1 4 BERKSHIRE 221 171 77.38%

2 9 FRANKLIN /HAMPSHIRE 295 211 71.53%

3 12 HAMPDEN 419 261 62.29%

4 26 WORCESTER 1072 729 68.00% 1

5 28 MIDDLESEX 980 637 65.00% 1

6 12 NORFOLK 395 290 73.42%

7 7 SUFFOLK 214 129 60.28%

8 12 ESSEX 588 438 74.49%

9 13 BRISTOL 302 233 77.15% 2

10 14 PLY/BARN/NAN/DUKE 808 699 86.51% 5

462 1 HEADQUARTERS 139 110 79.14%

TOTAL 5,433 3,908 71.93%

ALA Mission

Mission Statement In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veter-ans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.

Vision Statement The vision of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion while becoming the premier service organization and foundation of every community providing support for our veter-ans, our military, and their families by shaping a positive future in an atmosphere of fellowship, patriotism, peace and security.

Page 26

District Goal Current % of Goal

1 BERKSHIRE 181 126 69.61%

2 FRANKLIN /HAMPSHIRE 273 152 55.68%

3 HAMPDEN 372 178 47.85%

4 WORCESTER 993 515 51.86%

5 MIDDLESEX 1262 524 41.52%

6 NORFOLK 783 480 61.30%

7 SUFFOLK 131 78 59.54%

8 ESSEX 439 135 30.75%

9 BRISTOL 246 109 44.31%

10 PLY/BARN/NAN/DUKE 619 401 64.78%

Capital Hill 9 9 100.0%

TOTAL 5308 2707 51.00%

S.A.L. Detachment Commander

Hello everyone

The New Year is just around the corner; please take time to think about how much you and your

American Legion Family have accomplished in 2020 even with all of the setbacks due to the Covid-19

pandemic, you are to be commended. Start setting your goals for the 2021 year. Planning is your key

to success and with all of the current restrictions a lot of thought will need to be given to work with

in all of the newly imposed Federal, State & local regulations due to the virus. Please continue to re-

member all those that are currently serving in our Armed Forces keeping each of us safe as we spend

time with our family and friends.

Working together we can make a difference in the lives of our Veterans, Their Families, and our Com-

munities.

Please have a very Happy and Safe New Year

Regards

Ernie Laberge

Commander S.A.L. Detachment of Massachusetts

Candidate for National Vice Commander (Eastern Region)

2021 S.A.L. Membership Standings as of 12/30/2020

Next Target date: 1/21/2021 60%

Page 27

Page 28

ATTENTION

THE DEPT. OF MASS. AMERICAN LEGION

POW/MIA COMMITTEE

IS LOOKING FOR A NEW VENUE

TO HOLD THE SEPTEMBER 2021

POW-MIA REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

We are looking for a location

with the following requirements:

Worcester County or Western MA

Free – no Fees

Handicapped accessible

Seating for 100-200 people

A stage or platform

Public Address System

Separate Reception Area

All suggestions are welcomed

Please Contact: Bill Chisholm

bigbillwjc@yahoo.com

339-226-1029

Massachusetts

E-Legionnaire

The Massachusetts E-Legionnaire is the

official publication of the Department of

Massachusetts American Legion and is

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The American Legion

Department of Massachusetts, Inc.

Room 546-2, State House

Boston, MA 02122-1099

email: fmacdonald53@comcast.net

Editor

Francis J. MacDonald, Jr.

2019-2020 Officers

Commander

Jodie Pajak

Sr. Vice Commander

Tony Dias

Vice Commanders

Sally Nay

Sandra Kee

Lisa McPhee

Historian

Nelson Blake

Executive Committee Women

Neysa Wright

Sergeant-at-Arms

Cindy Lacoste

National Executive Committeeman

James Brehio

Alternate National Executive

Committeeman

Michael Davis

Service Officer

Mike Whalen

Paul Prefontaine

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