Department News March 2015

American Legion, Department of Alabama

www.legional.org (334) 262-6638 or (800) 234-5544

2015 Department Convention

This year’s Department Convention will be in Huntsville at the Huntsville Marriott.

This year we will have registration beginning on Thursday, June 18, 2015. The

Convention will start June 19 to June 21, 2015. Please call 888-299-5174 now and

make your reservations. If you would like to make reservations on line please

contact Christy Jones at Department Headquarters and she will send you the link.

The deadline is May 22, 2015 for reservations. If you make reservations after this

date you may not get the Legion rate of $99.00 or even a room. For hospitality

rooms please call Carolyn Robinson at 256-830-2222. There is a Hospitality form

enclosed.

Boys State May 31 – June 6, 2015 All information has been mailed to the schools and posts. You can also find it on the

Boys State website www.alboysstate.org. The due date for the applications to be

back to Department is May 5, 2015. Please try to adhere to the due date failure to do

so prevents the attendees in getting their package in adequate time.

First Last Post City, State

Jessie D Adams 184 Double Springs, AL. Jerry R. Ake 30 Scottsboro, AL.

Gene Bagwell 25 Moulton, AL.

Emmitt H Boutwell 70 Troy, AL.

Richmond N Bright 111 Oxford, AL.

James F. Brown 17 Talladega, AL.

William C Daniels 99 Foley, AL.

Moises Flores 99 Foley, AL.

Ernest E Godwin 90 Atmore, AL.

Ron Green 152 Wetumpka, AL.

Dennis Haney 98 Piedmont

Clayton L. Hare 88 Mobile, AL.

James Hasberry 347 Fairfield, AL.

Rufus Johnson 1983 Montgomery, AL.

Henry Kyzer 123 Alberta City, AL.

John Lewis 250 Theodore, AL.

Clarence A McCaleb 100 Winfield, AL.

James McGinty 30 Scottsboro, AL.

Jerry McGowan 183 Geraldine

Hubert E, McKinney 250 Fowl River

James L North 134 Birmingham, AL.

Paul R. O'mary 34 Tuscaloosa, AL.

Walter Parker 347 Fairfield, AL.

James Perry 153 Prichard, AL.

Billy Pike 98 Piedmont

Ollie Sayre 100 Winfield, AL.

Andrew E Smith 8 Guntersville, AL.

Roy D Spiller 1983 Mobile, AL.

Robert A. Spoon 98 Piedmont

Cecil Stanley 90 Atmore, AL.

James P Story 52 Hartselle, AL.

Fred Wallingsford 30 Scottsboro, AL.

David R Walters 88 Mobile, AL.

Willie B Whitehead 133 Millbrook, AL.

Thomas N Younger 237 Huntsville, AL.

Post Everlasting

Winner of the Mid-Winter Conference Raffle

The Winner of the Mossberg 500 3 in 1

Joe Dozier of Evergreen

The Winner of the Flat Screen TV

Carol Reid of Citronelle

1 Night Stay and Breakfast for 2 at The Huntsville Marriott

Ticket # 1014530

1 Night Stay at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Montgomery,

Alabama

Ticket # 1014350

Please check your tickets and see if you

are a winner and notify us.

Commander’s Corner

I know the winter weather in Alabama has been very rough this year, with some areas being affected worse than others. But we should be thankful we have not experienced what those in the mid-west and northeast have! As some know, the weather really affected the Washington Conference last month -- flight delays and in some cases cancellations that kept Legionnaires from attending.

Thanks to everyone who has been working hard on our membership program -- we have met every monthly goal so far, but need to keep pushing to make the 95% goal by the end of March. I was disappointed that we missed the 95% challenge for the Big Twelve. We still have a considerable number of 2014 members who have not yet renewed for 2015. If we renewed most of them, we would easily achieve 100% for the year!! Usually phone calls or personal visits will encourage most of this group to renew, so get a group of Post members together for a couple of hours to make these calls. I am in the process of sending District and Division Commanders information regarding the RETENTION RATE for each Post and District -- remember our goal is to retain at least 90% of our members from last year. So far this year, the Department as a whole has retained approximately 84%, which exceeds the 81% achieved last year. Also, so far Alabama is one of 8 departments whose membership is still ahead of last year's numbers. So keep pushing -- if everyone does their share our Department can achieve 100% for the year, something that has not happened in many years.

We can change history and start a new trend!!

Our National Commander, Mike Helm, will visit Alabama May 11 - 13. We are currently working on the schedule, and will have him visit as many Posts and veteran activities as possible. The Adjutant is coordinating the schedule throughout the Department. Helm will arrive in South Alabama and depart from North Alabama. We, as veterans and patriots, have a lot to be proud of in Alabama, and this is a great time to show off. It would be absolutely great for our Department to be over 100% in membership before his visit!!!

I want to encourage leaders to attend the Division and Department Oratorical contests if it fits into your schedule. The work that these students apply for the contest is amazing. The Department contest is scheduled for March 28 in Montgomery. Don't forget The American Legion's 96th birthday is upon us. This is a great time to remind our members of who we are, what we do and how to do it. This helps keep us focused on our mission of serving veterans, their families and our communities. Also, it doesn't hurt to remind our communities of the same. Along these lines, we constantly need to remind ourselves of why The American Legion exists, the programs we offer our veterans and communities, and how we should conduct ourselves.

Commander’s Corner

The American Legion is a service organization that focuses on serving our fellow veterans and our communities -- at times some of us forget this and puts more emphasis on "self" and personal agendas. When this happens we find that conflicts are created, things are said and done that should not be, and the comradeship environment we should have is impacted. These negative actions impact the image of The American Legion and our collective ability to perform our missions. Such environments in our Posts cause some members to not renew their membership and other veterans to not join The American Legion. They do not want to be around a negative, bickering environment. We should each take a self-assessment of how we conduct ourselves in Legion affairs, and how our behavior may impact others. We need LEADERSHIP at each level of our organization to step up to ensure our focus in on Legion programs, service to others, and that our behavior is professional and appropriate. Unfortunately, our Department is currently dealing with several situations where this is not so. The time and energy spent resolving these situations should be spent on positive things that help our members and communities. I ask that each member do their part to ensure such situations are truly the exception, and that we renew our personal commitment to our respective Posts and The American Legion. Post Commanders, now is the time to start working on your Consolidated Post Report (CPR), if you have not already started. This report enables each Post to show what they have done over the year to support our veterans and communities, and when consolidated at the Department and National levels shows our Nation how The American Legion contributes at all levels. If you have any questions about the report, contact our Department Adjutant. Last year about 60% of our Posts submitted the CPR, and I would like to see 100% this year! In closing, I thank everyone for understanding my travel limitations due to a rather severe back situation that began just about the time of our Mid-Winter Conference. We (me and the medical personnel) are working on improvements, but it is a slow and painful process. Those who have had back problems understand what I am saying. Actions are currently being taken to stabilize the back so we can work on improvements without going directly to surgery. I am hopeful I can start some limited travel in a couple of weeks. I thank those who have picked up my slack and kept everything going very well within the Department. But at the same time, I regret I have been unable to do what I should be doing for our members and The American Legion. However, things will get better!!

FOCUS ON OUR AMERICAN LEGION PROGRAMS, OUR VETERANS AND OUR COMMUNITIES "LEAD AND ACHIEVE"

WAYNE STACEY COMMANDER, DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA

Adjutant’s Alley

I believe I’m finally hitting my stride. While staying busy I am continuing to learn and

grow as the Department Adjutant. As I travel around the state I am becoming aware of many

programs and people that support The American Legion. The relationships we are building with

these organizations and individuals are an invaluable asset to serving our veterans. Brian

Donegan from Texas Roadhouse in Pelham, Applebees in Tuscaloosa, Signs Now in

Montgomery and many many more have been huge supporters of veterans. I have had door

stickers for businesses printed that can be distributed to these organizations. If you would like

any of these please send me an email and I will have them mailed to you.

This month I have visited many posts and I see the good work everyone is doing. Nothing

recharges your batteries like going to a post and seeing the positive impact they are making on

their community. We also conducted the first two revitalizations run by the Department without

having National there. Posts 99 and 88 hosted these events and we were overall successful. As

we learn and tune these events I look forward to increasing our success.

Leadership is always the key to performance. Many posts have great leaders in place

however we need to continue to mentor Legionnaires to become future leaders of the

organization. Identify the individuals with potential and let’s get to developing them. Knowledge

of The American Legion and all of our programs is an invaluable tool to growing the

organization.

Membership is beginning to slow down. It is always harder to get 10% than the 90% prior.

I have made available tools to help everyone in this endeavor. My office is always here to

support the posts. Please do not hesitate to use any asset. There is a saying in Army Aviation

“man can create the perfect tool but until a mechanic uses it it’s useless”.

We have many events coming up this year that will be new for Alabama. The American

Legion Riders have put together an in state Legacy Ride and ROMP. These events will take

place from April 6-12. Please support these initial programs and let’s make them all a success.

NO VETERAN LEFT BEHIND!

Greg Akers, Department Adjutant

District Commanders Race to the Top Competition

The Race to the Top Competition is divided into five categories based on the membership of the district

without regard to geographic locations. District commanders compete in each of the following

categories based on final membership year totals, and a top district commander for the national award

will be selected from each of the five categories.

Category I - Districts 15 to 1,499 members

Category II - Districts 1,500 to 2,999 members

Category III - Districts 3,000 to 4,999 members

Category IV - Districts 5,000 to 7,499 members

Category V - Districts 7,500 and above members

* First Place Award - Trip to 2015 National Convention in Baltimore, Md. will be presented to the top district

commander and guest in each category whose district membership on March 31 represents the greatest

percentage over the final previous year membership of that district. Cannot be less than 100 percent to qualify.

This entitles each winner and guest to a trip to attend the National Convention as a distinguished guest of the

National Commander, including round - trip airfare, tickets to the National Commander’s Banquet, and hotel

accommodations for 6 days / 5 nights. These district commanders will also be awarded a Legion cap that signifies

they are a Race-to-the-Top winner that will be awarded on stage at the National Convention. Plus Race-to-the-

Top ribbons for each of the district's posts.

* Second Place Awards will be presented to the district commander in each category whose district membership

on March 31 represents the second highest percentage over the final previous year membership of that district.

Cannot be less than 100 percent to qualify. Winners will receive a $500 check.

* Third Place Awards will be presented to the district commander in each category whose district membership

on March 31 represents the third highest percentage over the final previous year membership of that district.

Cannot be less than 100 percent to qualify. Winners will receive a $375 check.

2014-2015 Important Forms Due Dates

Due Date Form Name March 31, 2015 Dist. Commander Race to the Top Membership Cutoff April 15, 2015 C. C. Horton Service Officer of The Year Award April 15, 2015 Irby Powers C. A. S. E. Award May 1, 2015 Veteran of The Year Form May 5, 2015 Boys State Applications are Due May 15, 2015 Silver Brigade Form Due May 15, 2015 All Gold Brigades Forms Due May 15, 2015 Recruiter of the Year Form Due June 1, 2015 Annual Deceased Report Due July 1, 2015 District, Post, and Squadron Officers’ Report Due

Public Relations and Marketing Article

If you have not received a copy of the Public Relations Booklet with DVD I want to again express how important it is for each post to have one. Hopefully every post has someone appointed as the PR and Marketing representative and is getting the most out of the excellent guidance included in the booklet. Today's topic is about one of the most powerful publicity tools, Outdoor Advertising. You see these along the road everyday including many that are not being used. That's the goldmine. Section ten of the Public Relations Toolkit goes into detail about how to get outdoor companies to place American Legion ads on billboards that are not being used. It covers the types and designs of billboards, how to find them and explains as a 501 c (19) charitable entity, your post can ask for billboard ads. The outdoor company may grant that they will place your ad for as long as that billboard location is available. It might be there for 90s or a year, either way it will be a BIG Picture for the American Legion for thousands who pass by it every day. Billboard signs are available from national HQ and I will be happy to assist in obtaining one for your area. The outdoor company may charge a onetime set up fee, so be sure to ask. Ads can be edited to include the name of your post and contact information. It would be great to see these impressive big billboards throughout the state. I am working on it for our area of the state and will share my progress with you. If you do not have a copy of the booklet, Public Relations Toolkit please send me your request to jjohn0307@aol.com.

Jim Johnson Department PR and Marketing Officer

Upcoming Oratorical Contests Dates Division Contests

1st Division Contest will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 10:00 am. The contest will be held at Decatur Post 15 located at 2607 Highway 31 South. Contact 1st Division Commander David Ferrell at 205-522-8261 or commanderferrell@gmail.com.

2nd Division Contest will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 10:00 am CVCC Key Auditorium. Contact 2nd Division Commander Earl Hutchinson at 706-718-5164 or earl@post135.org.

3rd Division contest will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 10:00 am at American Legion Post 90 in Atmore, Alabama. All Volunteers, students, and judges should plan to arrive no later than 9:30 am. Contact 3rd Division Commander Donna Stacey at 251-968-2693 or staceycw@gulftel.com

Department Contest

The Department Contest will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 10:00 am. The contest will be held at the Alabama Department of Archives and History, 624 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36130. Contestants will need be arrive no later than 9:00 am. The Archives and History will also have a tour available starting at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 27, 2015 for the contestants, parents, Legionnaires, or Department Officers that are available and want to attend. Should you have any questions please call Willie Rogers 334-467-5039 or 32ndCCRogers@gmail.com

22nd District Oratory Contest Winner Jhala Clark

Submitted by Nicolas Britto

The 22nd District Commander Herb Champion presented The American Legion Oratorical Contest Medal and a $300.00 scholarship to 17 years old Jhala Clark. Ms. Clark is the winner of The American Legion Oratorical 22nd District Contest held in Tuscaloosa. Ms. Clark, attends Hillcrest High School where she is a senior and after graduation she is planning on attending the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Ms. Clark is the daughter of Jack and Audrey Clark. From left to right, Audrey Clark, Jhala Clark, Herb Champion, Commander , American Legion District 22; and Harvey Fretwell, former mayor of the City of Northport, AL.

22nd District Officers

Partner with Apple Bees Submitted by Post 34 and Nicolas Britto

Apple Bees was recognized by the American Legion Post 34 for raising a total of $70,000.00 for Tracked Wheelchairs for disabled veterans. They sold a total of 35,000 $2.00 brownies to raise this money.

The American Legion Post 34 Honors

Congresswoman Terri Sewell Submitted By Post 34 and Nicolas Britto

The American Legion Post 34, Tuscaloosa, recently honored Congresswoman Terri Sewell,

Alabama 7th Congressional District, for her tireless efforts and continuous support of our veterans.

“Congresswoman Sewell has done a great job representing the veterans in Congress.” Said Nicolas

Britto, Adjutant, Post 34. Back row from left to right: Alan C. Spencer, Nicolas Britto, David

Livingood. Fromt row from left to right: Susan Smith, Robbye Swann, Cong. Terri Sewell, and

Past 34 Commander Lee A. Hallman.

Post 152 Oratorical Contest Submitted by District Commander Vann Daughtry

The winner in today’s speech contest held at Auburn High School is Daniel Blessing. He is a

freshman and is home schooled by his parents in Auburn, Alabama. All of the students who

participated did a wonderful job. Thank you for everyone’s hard work today. Picture below. 1.

The contestants and Oratorical Chairman Mike Kosolapoff. 2. Post Adjutant Vann Daughtry,

Contest Winner Daniel Blessing, Post Commander Carey Daughtry, and Oratorical Contest Mike

Kosolapoff. 3. Winner Daniel Blessing

Post 152 Oratorical Contest Submitted by District Commander Vann Daughtry

Picture below

1. Charles, Unit President Judy Daughtry, and Post Adjutant Vann Daughtry, 2. Post Adjutant Vann Daughtry, Chairperson Mike Kosolapoff, and Post Commander

Carey Daughtry

Roanoke Post 53

Grand Marshall of the

Christmas Parade

Roanoke Post 53

Veterans Day

Program Downtown

Roanoke

Participating in Toys for Tots

LEADERSHIP APPLICATION

JULY 24-28, 2015

Leadership camp is sponsored by The American Legion and is opened to Veterans children ages 8 – 18 years of age. Leadership camp will be held on July 24 - July 28, 2015 and will be at Camp Boothe, Greenpond, Alabama.

This application, small photo, copy of insurance card, and $160.00 registration fee must be mailed to Department Headquarters, P O Box 1069, Montgomery, Alabama 36101, no later than July 21, 2015. (Earmarked for Leadership Camp) Also, please send a copy of application to Ron Haygood, Director, 2521 Hwy 17, Montevallo, Alabama 35115. If you have any questions, please contact Ron Haygood 205-613-4814 or Gloria 205-531-9227

Name: _________________________________ DOB: _________________ Age: ___________

Address: __________________________________ City: _____________________ Zip: ____________

Home Phone: ______________________ Grade: __________ Shirt Size: ____________

If member of the Sons of the American Legion:

Squadron Name and #: _____________________________ District No: _____________

Your Favorite Activities:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Health problems:_______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact: __________________________ Phone: __________________________

I, the undersigned parent/guardian of ____________________________________________ in the

consideration of the instruction and training given to son/ward at Leadership, hereby discharge The

American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, the officers, instructors and employees from any and all

claims, demands, or cause of action I may have be reason of illness, injury, or accident incurred or

suffered by said son/ward while attending said Leadership no matter how caused or occasioned.

Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: ______________________

(Parent or Guardian)

Contact No: ________________________________ Email: ____________________________________

Address if different from above: __________________________________________________________