A National Headquarters Monthly Publication For Post Commanders and Post Adjutants Vol. XXVII January, 1984 No. 1

Thoughts for February- Americanism Month:

Great moment in history inspired

National Anthem In times past, these columns have

carried messages of encouragement to spur an American Legion Post into ac¬ tion during February—Americanism Month. Americanism, however, is not limited to “doing;"it also requires that we reflect on significant events in our history to gain a greater appreciation of our American heritage. With that in mind, and with information from the National Park Service, we’ll go back in history to the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812.

FROM 1793 to 1815, England and France were at war. In an attempt

to prevent supplies from reaching the other, both countries confiscated American merchant ships and cargoes, acts con¬ sidered by many Americans as violations of their neutral rights.

The situation became hotter with British impressment of American seamen

In This Issue Thoughts for Americanism Month. 1 Final renewal notice. 2 Commander's Calendar. 2 4 Chaplains' heroism exalted faith. 3 Scout nominations due Feb. 1. 3 Publicity basics. 4 Legion foreign relations position. 4 Good Neighbor Award Nomination_ 5-8 Marksmanship matches.9-10 Dateline: Washington.11-12

and the demands of the “war hawks,” southern and western Congressmen who wanted the United States to expand into British Canada and Spanish Florida. The “war hawks” led Congress to declare war on June 18, 1812, to preserve “Free Trade and Sailors Rights.”

British Efforts Delayed For 2 years, the Americans were merely

an annoyance to the British, who could not devote much effort against the U.S. until Napoleon was defeated in April, 1814. In August, a British expeditionary force arrived in Bermuda. The British commander, Adm. Alexander Cochrane, decided to attack Washington. Negotia¬ tions for peace between England and the U.S. were about to begin in Ghent, Belgium. Cochrane wanted to give the Americans “a complete drubbing” before peace was made to strengthen the British bargaining position.

In mid-August, the invaders entered the Patuxent River with 20 warships and 3,400 troops. Coming ashore at Benedict, Md., the British routed the American militia defending the capital and entered Washington. They destroyed government buildings and property, greatly inflaming American bitterness against the British.

Plan Coastal Attacks Cochrane’s strategy called for attacks

all along the coast, including Baltimore, until he reached New Orleans. So, after their success at Washington, the British forces returned to their ships at Benedict and set sail down Chesapeake Bay. But,

Francis Scott Key beholds the “star-spangled banner" still flying the morning after the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, 1814. His inspiration to record the moment in a poem later became our National Anthem.

to attack Baltimore from the Bay, it was necessary first to take Fort McHenry.

On the morning of Sept. 12, British troops, under Gen. Robert Ross, landed at North point and began their march toward the city. Enroute, they discovered the Americans were closer than expected. The 3rd Brigade, under Gen. John Strieker, knew Ross was advancing his direction. Strieker sent a detachment to stop the British force. A skirmish forced the Americans back, Strieker moved his troops to a position near Baltimore, and the British camped for the night.

Prepare for Bombardment Under continuous rain throughout the

next day and night, the British forces pre¬ pared to resume operations against Balti¬ more. Five bomb vessels which fired a heavy explosive shell from a mortar and a ship which fired the new Congreve rocket took positions about 2 miles from Fort McHenry. At first light, an intensive bombardment of Fort McHenry began. The British hoped the American defenders would panic, evacuate the fort, and leave Baltimore defenseless.

On the shore, a British army of 3,300 faced 15,000 Americans. Realizing that a

(continued on next page)

National A nthem.... (continued from preceding page)

frontal attack could not be made on Balti¬ more, the invaders tried to move under cover of the heavy rain to the north of the city. The Americans discovered the attempt and kept between the British and the city. By evening the British were before Rogers Bastion, the strong defen¬ sive position east of the city.

The British commander decided upon a night attack on the bastion and asked the fleet for diversionary action and pro¬ tective fire. Cochrane sent part of his naval force in a feint toward Ridgely’s Cove, just off Ferry Branch. Boats carry¬ ing 1,200 men were used while vessels of the fleet were to reduce Rogers Bastion. With the bastion destroyed, Baltimore could be attacked.

At midnight, the attack began. The fleet intensified the cannonade of Fort McHenry while 20 boats headed for Ferry Branch. But somehow, in the dark and the rain, 11 boats became separated and headed for Northwest Branch. Believing this was a move to capture the Lazaretto Battery, the Americans began to fire upon them.

Realizing their error and the danger confronting them, the boats retired to the fleet. In the meantime, other boats moving into Ferry Branch were detected by American shore batteries and, as one eye-witness account put it: “the heavens were lighted with flame, and all was con¬ tinued explosion for about half an hour. Having got this taste of what was pre¬ pared for them (and it was a mere taste), the enemy precipitately retired with his re¬ maining force, battered and crippled to his respectful distance... ”

British Retreat By 2:00 a.m., the attack was over. The

British had failed to reduce the bastion,

neutralize the fort, or capture the city. For 5 more hours, the ships continued to provide fire to cover the retreat of the army to North Point. In 25 hours of cannonade, the British expended between 1,500 and 1,800 at Fort McHenry, causing but 4 deaths and 24 wounded.

The repulse of this British naval attack against Fort McHenry in 1814 prevented the capture of Baltimore while inspiring Francis Scott Key to write “The Star- Spangled Banner.”

In 1814, Key was an influential young lawyer. Opposed to war on religious grounds, Key nevertheless served briefly with the Georgetown Field Artillery and was at the Battle of Bladensburg.

After the British captured Washington, Key and Col. John S. Skinner, U.S. Com¬ missioner General of Prisoners, were asked to obtain the release of William Beanes, a Maryland doctor held by the British.

Sailing from Baltimore, Key and Skinner met the British fleet in Chesapeake Bay. The commander of those forces promised to free Beanes after the planned attack on Baltimore.

Key Watches Bombardment Confined on board a small vessel be¬

yond the action. Key watched the 25-hour bombardment of Fort McHenry. On the morning of the 14th, Key at last saw the flag of his country still flying about the fort and knew the Americans were vic¬ torious.

The poem he wrote on the occasion was published the next day and soon was being sung to the tune “To Anacreon in Heaven.” The song was made the Na¬ tional Anthem of the United States in 1931.

1 New Year’s Day. 1983 members who have not paid dues for 1984 are now delinquent. Posts are urged to forward dues and record cards to department as promptly as possible.

3 Holiday Blood Donor Drive ends.

FEBRUARY

Americanism Month. (“Get Out The Vote” is an important part of the Americanism Pro¬ gram of The American Legion.)

1 1983 members who have not paid dues for 1984 are now sus¬ pended from all privileges. These members will receive a third notice from National. Deadline for submitting Scout of Year Nomination to district.

5 Four Chaplains’ Sunday. 5-11 Religious Emphasis Week. 12 Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday. 20 George Washington’s Birthday.

MARCH

7 Ash Wednesday. 11-17 Employ the Older Worker

Week. 15-17 65th Anniversary of Paris

Caucus, 1919. American Legion Birthday.

17 St. Patrick’s Day. (Looking ahead: April is Children & Youth Month.)

The American Legion

ADVANCE Published monthly by: National Headquarters, The American Legion, P. 0. Box 1055, Indianapolis, Ind. 46206. A publication for American Legion Post Commanders and Post Adjutants.

Editor: Frank L. Megnin

January, 1984 Vol. XXVII No. 1

Final Membership Renewal Notice February 1, 1984

Final Direct Renewal Notices for 1984 membership will be mailed to all delinquent members in time to be received on or about Feb. 1,1984. These notices will be mailed at no cost to your post or department.

Any 1984 dues currently on hand at the post should be sent to de¬ partment headquarters IMMEDIATELY in order that the member will not receive a final notice after already renewing.

Also, unless previously reported, you should report immediately to your department the amount of your post dues and the address to which post dues should be mailed. Ifthepostduesamountand mailing address are not reported, the Final Renewal Notice will instruct the member to deliver his/her dues to the post or mail to department head¬ quarters.

2 The ADVANCE, January, 1984

4 Chaplains’ heroism exalted faith

F By

JAMES C. McKEE National Chaplain

The American Legion

Time: Winter, 1943. Place: Somewhere off the coast of Greenland: precise location veiled in secrecy. THE TROOPSHIP USS Dorchester

that cold February night was carry¬ ing more than 900 soldiers in a small, es¬ corted convoy. The Dorchester had re¬ ceived warnings of Nazi sub wolf packs on Feb. 2. The ship docked briefly at St. John’s, Newfoundland, and then con¬ tinued northeast.

Feb. 3, 1943—shortly after midnight, in fact, just one minute after the ship’s bell had sounded 1:00 a.m., a torpedo ex¬ ploded in the Dorchester’s engine room. The sea rushed in to claim the stricken vessel.

Bedlam took over. Men cursed the darkness or screamed in terror, rushing in

every direction to find life preservers in anticipation of the impending disaster.

In great contrast to this cataclysm and confusion, four men of God stood in the midst of the darkness and terror and exuded the light of eternity. Calmly they sought to restore order out of chaos and render sublime service to their young charges.

A young engineer rescued after the tragedy gives this eye witness account:

"They quieted the panic, forced men frozen’ on the rail toward the boats and over the side, helping men adjust life jackets, and at last gave away their own. ”

The engineer then went on to testifly that even then the chaplains did not despair, but continued to display their high calling:

“The last I saw the chaplains, they were up there praying for the safety of the men. ”

Who were these four ministers heaven sent in the hour of need? They were the

Scout nominations due Feb. 1 WITH THE deadline for nom¬ inations (Feb. 1) just little more

_ than 30 days away, Post Commanders should be checking with their respective Scoutmasters to see whether nominations are in progress locally for The American Legion’s Scout of the Year Award.

The award now carries more than the prestige of national recognition (appear¬ ance with the Youth Champion delega¬ tion and Distinguished Guest status at the National Convention). The 1984 Scout of the Year will receive an $8,000 scholar¬ ship, an award which has been increased from its previous $2,500 value.

The recipient will be eligible to receive his scholarship immediately upon graduation from an accredited high school, and must utilize the total award within four (4) years of his graduation date, exclusive of time spent on active military duty.

The scholarship may be used to attend a state-accredited school beyond the high school level within the United States. In the case of a recipient who may reside in a possession of the United States, the award may be used to attend a school within that possession or within the United States.

Disbursement from the scholarship ^ fund, which is provided by the American W Legion Life Insurance Trust Fund, will be

made jointly to the student and the school at the beginning of each semester or quarter, depending upon the requirement of the student. However, only one request

will be honored per semester or quarter. If your post sponsors Scouting, remind

your Scoutmaster of the Feb. 1 deadline. If your post does not sponsor a Scout unit, you can still participate by recom¬ mending a Boy Scout who is a registered, active member of a duly chartered scout troop and who is the son of an American Legion family.

All post nominations must be in the hands of the respective district com¬ manders by Feb. 1. Districts must complete their selection process and forward their nominations to department headquarters by Mar. 15. Departments must review all nominations and submit their recommendations, along with all nominations, to National Headquarters by no later than Apr. 15.

The Scout of the Year will be an¬ nounced during the report of the Americanism Commission to the May meeting of the National Executive Com¬ mittee. The winner will participate as a member of the Youth Champions delega¬ tion at the 1984 National Convention, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Complete information, along with a nomination application, was contained in the November issue of ADVANCE. The same material also was mailed to the Scoutmasters of Legion-sponsored Scout organizations in December.

Don’t pass up the chance to have an outstanding Scout of the troop sponsored by your post—or a qualified Scout from a Legion family within your community— recognized with such an honor.

Rev. Clark V. Poling, pastor, Dutch Reformed Church; the Rev. John P. Washington, a Roman Catholic priest; Dr. Alexander Goode, a Jewish rabbi; and the Rev. George L. Fox,a Methodist minister.

They could have lost themselves in the crowd, slipped over the side in their own lifejackets, and preserved their lives. But these men were not ordinary in their faith. . .their devotion. . .their commit¬ ment.

Their sacrifice—their demonstration of eternal love—was hailed then and must be remembered nowand in years to come.

Much has been written and spoken in their honor. These are the words of Bernard Baruch: “The action of these men will live in the minds and hearts of all as a devoted example of those who teach tolerance and good will.”

Perhaps their greatest tribute came from President Harry S Truman at the dedication of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains, Feb. 3, 1951: “This chapel commemorates something more than an act of bravery or courage. It com¬ memorates a great act of faith in God.”

These four men knew what they be¬ lieved in. They lived that belief. When the occasion called for it, they died for it, but in dying, found eternal life. For, as long as free men shall live, as long as the songs of heroes are sung, so long as great deeds are recalled, these men shall live in our hearts, in our minds, and in our memories.

I charge American Legion chaplains everywhere to honor America by honor¬ ing these four chaplains on Four Chaplains Sunday, which this year will be Feb. 5, the opening day of The American Legion’s Religious Emphasis Week.

A wise man once said, “The only thing more fulfilling than creating a great idea is the teaching and repeating it to others.” As chaplains, we should commemorate the heroism and courage of these four chaplains by conducting appropriate ob¬ servances in our respective posts.

Chaplains are encouraged to speak at local assemblies and to write articles appropriate to this occasion for insertion in bulletins prepared for weekend religious services. Invite local tv and radio stations and newspapers to join in promoting the saga of the four chaplains.

Religious Emphasis Week, beginning with the first Sunday in February, calls on all American Legion Posts to com¬ memorate the eternal truths underscored and symbolized in the sacrifice by the four chaplains who died in the sinking of the Dorchester. It’s a most appropriate occasion for a special visitation to a church and/ or synagogue to memorialize this sacred event.

The ADVANCE, January, 1984 3

Publicity requires ‘news’ understanding PUBLICIZING the good work

of your post is an important part of American Legion community involve¬ ment and community image, because your post is what the community per¬ ceives it to be. So, the role of The American Legion public relations officer at your post has never been more im¬ portant.

All it takes is an understanding of news on your part coupled with an evaluation of the media in your area to make things happen. Before you can tell a news story,

THE COLLECTIVE thrust of the foreign relations program of The

American Legion is to urge development of a consistent, viable United States foreign policy based upon worldwide U.S. political, economic, and security in¬ terests. The highlights of the resolutions dealing with foreign relations matters at the 65th (1983) National Convention are as follows: General Foreign Policy—

The American Legion supports the Administration’s proposed Project Democracy to promote democracy around the world. We urge NATO na¬ tions to educate the “successor genera¬ tion” of young citizens in the threats to freedom and the need to defend Western liberties. We encourage the U.S. govern¬ ment to recognize the “information war” and provide the truth about democracy and accurate information on Soviet-bloc life to communist-dominated nations. African Affairs—

The American Legion supports the U.S. government’s policy of constructive engagement in South Africa, promoting peaceful evolution away from apartheid. We urge Americans to recognize U.S. strategic interests in South Africa stemming from its mineral wealth, key location, and staunch anti-communist policies. Far Eastern Affairs—

The American Legion favors re¬ affirmation of U.S. commitments to the Republic of Korea. Similarly, we support arms sales to the Republic of Korea. We favor full diplomatic and military ties with the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the full implementation of the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979. We support the U.S. government’s current efforts to resolve the POW/MIA issue and recommend this program receive the highest national priority.

you must know what constitutes news. Textbooks define news in many ways. One general definition is “previously un¬ published information on a person, place, or event.”

But there is another definition which won’t be found in books, but it comes much closer to reality: “News is what the editor or news director says it is.”

Consider this: Until the “word” passes through an editor or a news director, it re¬ mains unpublished or unbroadcast, and, therefore, non-news. So, the first step is

Inter-American Affairs—

The American Legion strongly opposes Soviet-Cuban aggression and agitation throughout the Western Hemisphere and favors an effective U.S. policy to success¬ fully counter these efforts. We support the Caribbean Basin Initiative and call for its expansion to become a full “Marshall-type Plan” for the area. We urge containment of Cuba and strong policy in aiding El Salvador to defeat the insurgency in that country. Middle East Affairs—

The American Legion favors a compre¬ hensive Middle East policy which pro¬ vides for a secure Isreal, access to Persian Gulf petroleum, and restoration of Lebanon’s sovereignty. Treaties and Agreements—

The American Legion urges continued support for the North Atlantic Treaty Or¬ ganization (NATO). We support a comprehensive, sequential nuclear arms control program calling for the United States to—

1) Modernize nuclear forces to restore credible deterrence;

2) Offset the Soviet SS-20 missile threat to NATO Europe by negotia¬ tions or deployment of U.S. missiles;

3) Negotiate mutual U.S.-Soviet reduc¬ tions; and

4) Negotiate a verifiable freeze of equal U.S.-Soviet forces.

We emphasize the need for equality of forces and verifiability of agreements. We call for consideration of on-site inspec¬ tions by both sides.

Additional information on the position of The American Legion on matters concerning foreign relations may be ob¬ tained by writing to National Security- Foreign Relations Division, The American Legion, 1608 K St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.

to know what really is news and who will put the “word” in print or on the air.

An oft-repeated mistake is the “shotgun” approach—writing a story and sending it in the same format to everyone, the newspapers, radio, and television. The media soon recognize that your stories aren’t in their format or do not concern their audience, and your news release is pitched. Analyze the media in your area and evaluate the “news” you are trying to sell.

First, there are two types of news— hard and soft. Hard news describes events of an immediate nature such as a fire, a shooting, etc.

Soft news deals with matters which are not of such immediate nature, but have a great deal of human interest. Here’s your bread and butter. Good examples of soft news would be a feature story about your post’s Children & Youth Program or veterans volunteer service activities. If you analyze your local newspaper and your radio and tv stations, you’ll find that they include a great deal of soft news in their coverage.

Be aware of the differences in news treatment by the various media.

Radio is a fast-paced, hear-it-now out¬ let. It must have something you can hear—often the voice of the newsmaker.

Television is a see-it-tonight outlet. Without visual impact to your story, you haven’t much of a chance of gaining valuable tv news time.

Newspapers provide read-it-tomorrow coverage. They enjoy the advantage of presenting much more in-depth coverage. They have the space and the time to deal with complex stories and explain more than surface facts.

Therefore, the format in which you submit your story plays an important role. Don’t send a newspaper release to radio and television stations. Take the time to rewrite it in a style they can use. If they don’t have to rework your story, you stand a much better chance of having the material aired.

Take the time to learn which person should receive your story at each outlet. Don’t send a story to the managing editor or news director as a matter of routine. There may be a reporter assigned to cover a specialized area, such as health or education. Your radio or tv station may have a public service director who handles news of community organiza¬ tions.

A crucial element of getting your story used is observing deadlines. They will vary from one outlet to another. Know them and respect them.

These general guidelines will help you stand a better chance of successfully publicizing your post.

Legion program seeks strong foreign policy

4 The ADVANCE, January, 1984

Official Nomination Application \ /

GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD

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The ADVANCE, January, 1984

GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD

RULES: 1. Nominees must be current members of

The American Legion and certified by the Post Commander or Adjutant.

2. Nomination form must be filled out completely and must be fully documented at the time of submission.

3. Nominations must be submitted by someone other than the nominees.

SELECTION 1. Nominations must be received at

National Headquarters by the deadline date of March 31, 1984.

2. National staff will send copies of the nominations by April 10, 1984 to members of the selection committee for their review.

3. The selection committee will meet on

4. Nominations to be considered for the 1983-84 year must be received at National Headquarters in proper form by the deadline date of March 31, 1984. Nominations received after this date will be returned to the sponsor.

5. One outstanding Legionnaire will be selected in each of five (5) categories of the Good Neighbor program.

OF WINNERS: May 6, 1984 to screen nominations and make a selection of the two best in each of the five (5) categories.

4. The selection committee will recommend one first place winner and one alternate for each category, to the National Commander of The American Legion, for review and approval.

AWARD PRESENTATION: 1. One Good Neighbor Award will be

presented for each of the five categories.

2. An Award Luncheon will be held for each winner in his or her own community.

3. Each winner will receive The Good Neighbor Plaque, plus a check for $1,000.00, payable to his or her favorite American Legion-approved charity.

The ADVANCE, January, 1984

OFFICIAL NOMINATION APPLICATION

GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD

(Please mark the appropriate category below which best complies with nominee’s accomplishments.)

Good Neighbor Awards: □ For Work With Veterans — One whose efforts have

significantly improved conditions for veterans in need of assistance. □ For Outstanding Volunteer

Service — One whose attitude and achievements exemplify the true spirit of volunteerism.

□ For Heroism — One whose selfless courage and quick

action has saved a human life. □ For Community Service — One whose exceptional

contribution in volunteer service to his community has made that community a better place to live. □ For Youth Activities —

One whose concern for the problems and potentials of young people has brought them increased opportunities.

Date Application submitted Nominee’s Name _ Address

(Street)

(City)

Member of American Legion Post #.

Current Membership Card # _

(State) (Zip)

Department of. (State)

Full Name and Address of The American Legion Post or Individual submitting nomination application:

(Name of American Legion Post or Individual)

(Street)

(City) (State) (Zip)

£ The American Legion The ADVANCE, January, 1984 7

BASIS FOR CONSIDERATION

(Please use the space provided below to describe the activities and/or accomplishments of the nominee for consideration in The Good Neighbor

Award. Additional sheets may be used and supporting documentation should be attached and submitted with the Official Nomination Application.)

When completed nomination applications should be submitted to: THE AMERICAN LEGION

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS GOOD NEIGHBOR PROGRAM

P. O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206

NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED AT NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS NO LATER THAN MARCH 31,1984

8 The ADVANCE, January, 1984

NRA-American Legion-SAL annual postal

Marksmanship Matches INTRODUCTION

In cooperation with The American Legion, the National Rifle Association conducts annual individual and team postal rifle and pistol matches for Legion¬ naires and rifle matches for members of The Sons of The American Legion (SAL). This program is designed for American Legion Posts as a recreational activity which will stimulate interest not only in rifle and pistol marksmanship, but also firearms safety.

AWARDS

All awards except the McNutt Trophy are contributed by the NRA.

NATIONAL AWARDS Individual Matches— Winner—The American Legion Trophy. Additional trophies will be available on the basis of one for each twenty entries in a match to be awarded to second place, third place, fourth place, etc.

Team Matches Winning American Legion Rifle Team—The Paul V. McNutt Trophy (contributed by The

American Legion) and four individual trophies. Winning American Legion Pistol Team—A Team Trophy and four individual trophies. Winning Sonsof The American Legion Rifle Team—Four additional individual trophies will be awarded for each 15 teams entered.

DEPARTMENT AWARDS

Individual Matches—If there are ten or more entries from a Department, a Winner's Trophy. An additional trophy will be awarded for each 15 entries in a Department.

Team Matches—(f there are five or more teams entered from a Department, four trophies. Four additional trophies will be awarded for each ten teams entered from a Department.

NOTE: No competitor may win more than one award in a match. Individuals or teams winning both National and Department awards will be awarded the National award and the Department award will be passed down to the next eligible competitor or team.

1983 POSTAL MATCH RESULTS NATIONAL INDIVIDUAL RIFLE (Match No. 1)

1. T. Scala, Bell Post 242 Chicago, IL.300

2. C. Fischer, Bell Post 242 Chicago, IL.292

NATIONAL TEAM RIFLE (Match No. 2)

1. Bell Post 242 (Gold) Chicago, IL.1157

2. Kennedy-Latimer Post 28 Beltsville, MD.1083

NATIONAL INDIVIDUAL PISTOL (Match No. 3)

1. Dan DeBoer, Post 134 Morton Grove, IL.273

2. J. DiSilvestri, Post 28 Beltsville, MD .265

NATIONAL TEAM PISTOL (Match No. 4)

1. Morton Grove Post 134 Morton Grove, IL.1044

2. Kennedy-Latimer Post 28 Beltsville, MD .1008

S.A.L. NATL. INDIVIDUAL RIFLE (Match No. 5) 1. Randy E. Powell, Post 22

Lodi, CA.196 2. Randy D. Horton, Post 22

Lodi, CA.195

S.A.L NATIONAL TEAM RIFLE (Match No. 8) 1. Lodi Post 22

Lodi, CA.751 2. SAL Squadron 28

Beltsville, MD.706 S.A.L. DEPT. INDIVIDUAL RIFLE California - Randy D. Horton Post 22, Lodi, CA.196

Match Nos. 6, 7, 9, & 10— Insufficient Entries for Awards

The ADVANCE, January, 1984

See Reverse Side For— General Conditions

Official Entry Forms

Postal Marksmanship Matches

GENERAL CONDITIONS ELIGIBILITY

Individual Matchea—American Legion Rifle and Pistol Matches—Open to any member of The American Legion or American Legion Auxiliary. Sons of The American Legion Rifle Matches— Open to any SAL member.

Team Matchea—American Legion Rifle and Pistol Teams—Open to one or more teams of 4 shooters from each American Legion Post.

Sons of American Legion Rifle Teams—Open to one or more teams of 4 SAL members, spon¬ sored by an American Legion Post.

Note: An individual may not fire on more than one team in the same match.

ENTRIES Entries in these matches are made to the:

National Rifle Association 1600 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036

Use the entry form on this page or entries may be made by letter. When entries are received by the NRA, registered targets will be sent to the person making entry. Entry fees must be paid to the NRA and sent with entry forms.

ENTRY CLOSING DATE Entries can be made any time provided targets

are fired after January 1, and returned to the NRA by June 1.

ENTRY FEE

Individual Matches— American Legion Matches—® 1.00 per entry, per match. SAL Matches—$1.00 per entry.

Team Matches— All team matches—$4.00 per team.

COURSE OF FIRE

Rifle Matches—

American Legion Rifle Matches—10 shots in each position: prone, sitting and standing. SAL Rifle Matches—10 shots in each position, prone and standing.

Pistol Matches—

NRA Gallery Course, 10 shots each, slow, timed and rapid fire.

DISTANCE

For .22 rimf ire matches, 50 feet from firing line to target.

EQUIPMENT

Rifle—The .22 caliber rimfire (see Smallbore Rifle Rule 3.1) for all 50 foot matches.

Pistol—Any .22 rimfire pistol or revolver. (Pistol Rule 3.4).

SIGHTS

Metallic Sights

TARGETS

NRA Official A-17 Rifle, & B-2, B-3 Pistol Targets will be used. Registered match stickers for targets will be furnished by the NRA.

POSITIONS

The Standing Positsion (Smallbore Rifle Rule 5.12) and Sitting Position (Smallbore Rifle Rule 5.8) are permitted in rifle matches. See illustra¬ tions for approved firing positions.

PRACTICE AND SIGHTING SHOTS

A shooter may fire as many sighting shots and use as much time for practice as he desires before any stage of these matches is started. After a stage is started no additional time will be allowed for sighting shots.

SPOTTING SCOPES

Competitors and coaches may use spotting scopes for observing targets.

COACHING

Coaching is permitted during the team matches. No coaching allowed during the individual matches.

TIME LIMITS

Rifle— 10 minutes per target of 10 record shots plus any sighting shots fired on that target.

Pistol—Slow fire, fired in 2 strings of 5 shots each, 5 minutes per string. Timed fire, fired in 2 strings of 5 shots each, 20 seconds per string. Rapid fire, fired in 2 strings of 5 shots each, 10 seconds per string.

RULES

Current NRA Rules will apply. Smallbore Rifle, and Pistol Rule books are available from the NRA at $1.00 each.

SUPERVISION

All shooting will be under the supervision of a responsible adult who will observe the firing and execute the Firing Report Certificate stating that all requirements were complied with.

The NRA has the privilege to request substan¬ tiating scores to be fired by any competitor if deemed necessary.

SAFETY

In these matches, as in all other NRA sponsored competitions, every safety precaution must be exercised at all times.

MATCHES

THE AMERICAN LEGION MATCHES-

Rifle:

Match 1. Individual Rifle Match

Match 2. Team Rifle Match

Pistol:

Match 3. Individual Pistol Match

Match 4. Team Pistol Match

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

MATCHES-

Match 5. Individual 50 foot, rimfire rifle match.

Match 6. Rifle team, 50 foot, same rifle as Match 5.

NRA—AMERICAN LEGION—SAL POSTAL RIFLE & PISTOL MATCHES ENTRY FORM

Fill out this entry form and mail it with entry fees to: National Rifle Association Competitions, Training and Facilities Division 1600 Rhode Island. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036

Match No. Match Name No. of Entries 1 Individual Rifle _ 2 Team Rifle _ 3 Individual Pistol _ 4 Team Pistol _ 5 Individual SAL Rifle (50 ft.) _ 6 Team SAL Rifle (50 ft.) _

_Individual Entries @ $1.00 each $_ _Team Entries @ $1.00 each $_

TOTAL ENTRY FEE •_ Send Registered Targets To: (Name of Post)_ Post No_

Your Name_

Address_

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The ADVANCE, January, 1984

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DATELINE: -,<<s%ifrrrtt

WASHINGTON

House committee reports Agent Orange bill

THE PROBLEMS of Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange have

received much attention for a number of years. Many of these veterans have sought service connection for variety of ailments as a result of service in Agent Orange-sprayed areas of Vietnam. Last November, a measure cleared a House committee which may benefit greatly cer¬ tain victims of Agent Orange exposure.

On Nov. 3, the House Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously reported HR- 1961 for consideration by the full House.

As originally introduced by Rep. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), HR-1961 would pre¬ sume service connection for veterans suffering from three rare disorders— chloracne (a skin disorder), porphyria cutanea tarda (a liver ailment), and soft tissue sarcoma (a form of cancer)—if the veterans could prove they exposed to Agent Orange while in Vietnam. The presumption would have applied no matter how long after the veteran had left Vietnam that the diseases manifested themselves.

In July, the Veterans Affairs Sub¬ committee on Compensation and Pen¬ sion amended the measure to place time limits on the manifestation of the three

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—or other publication distrib¬ uted on a regular basis to your members? The National American Legion Press Association is ded¬ icated to the assistance of Legion editors for the better¬ ment of American Leg i on publi ca¬ tions. For more information, write: George W. Hooten, Secy.- Treas., NALPA, 2975 Catalina Dr., Decatur, Ga. 30032.

diseases. For chloracne and porphyria cutanea tarda, the presumptive period was one year after departure from Vietnam. A presumptive period of 20 years after leaving Vietnam was estab¬ lished for soft tissue sarcoma.

During the full committee mark-up, Rep. John Paul Hammerschmidt (R- Ark.) introduced another amendment with regard to the health problems of radiation exposed veterans. This amend¬ ment would provide presumption of service connection for veterans exposed to ionizing radiation from atomic weapons testings in service or during the occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki.

This radiation presumption of service connection is limited to three disorders, leukemia, polychthemia vera (a blood disease), and carcinoma of the thyroid. The amendment places a delimiting period on these disorders of 20 years after leaving the service.

At press time, prospects for eventual passage of HR-1961 by the House of Representatives seem good. It is still un¬ clear as to what action the Senate will take. In its present form, the bill is opposed by the Veterans Administration.

Emergency veterans jobs program funded

LAST AUGUST, President Reagan signed into law PL 98-77 creating an

emergency jobs training program for Korean and Vietnam war veterans. There was some concern as to when funding for the new program would be enacted.

Fortunately, this funding was passed before Congress adjourned Nov. 18, and the new program is under way.

The necessary funding for PL 98-77 was passed in two parts. The first part was contained in HR-3959, the FY1984 supplemental funding bill, providing funds for programs which had not re¬ ceived their appropriations for the current fiscal year. Originally, the full $150 million necessary to fund the jobs program was included in HR-3959. How¬ ever, the bill was loaded down with “pork barrel” amendments and faced a possible Presidential veto.

After differing versions of the supple¬ mental funding bill passed by the House and Senate forced a conference to iron out the differences, Congress turned to action on House Joint Resolution 413, the second continuing appropriations bill for 1984. This bill was to appropriate

funds for several federal agencies. Its passage was imperative or these agencies would be forced to close down.

To ensure that the emergency jobs pro¬ gram could be initiated this year, The American Legion sought to have $75 million placed in the continuing appro¬ priation measure. When this was accomplished and H.J. Res. 413 was passed, House and Senate conferees turned to trimming down the supple¬ mental appropriations bill.

Because $75 million for the jobs train¬ ing program already had been included in the continuing appropriation, it was decided to trim the item in the supplemental measure down to $75 million, thereby giving the program the full amount originally intended.

All veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars are eligible for this pro¬ gram. In addition, the veteran must have been unemployed for 15 of the 20 weeks previous to application for its benefits.

Information concerning the program is available through the Office of the Assis¬ tant Secretary of Labor for Veterans Employment, while applications are to be made to the VA. A veteran can enroll in the program for a maximum of nine (9) months’ training or, if the veteran is 30 percent or more disabled, a maximum of 15 months.

Employers training a veteran in this program would be reimbursed by the VA in an amount equal to one-half of the veteran-trainee’s salary up to a maximum of $10,000.

Congress clears, Reagan signs veterans’ health care bill ON NOV. 2 and 3, the House

and Senate, respectively, passed HR-2929—the Veterans Administration Health Programs Amendments for 1983—which subsequently was signed by President Reagan to become PL 98-160. The American Legion championed many of the provisions of this law.

One of the most vital provisions of this law is the extension of the Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Counseling Centers (Vet Centers) for 4 years until Sept. 30,1988. This highly successful pro¬ gram, first authorized in 1979, has rendered invaluable aid to Vietnam-era veterans with psychological problems.

Calls for VA Study The law also mandates the VA to

undertake a comprehensive study of the problems of Vietnam-era veterans re¬ adjusting to civilian life. Specifically, the study would focus on the incidence and prevalence of post-traumatic stress dis¬ order (PTSD) among returning Vietnam veterans, as well as the effects of these post-war psychological problems have had on these veterans.

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The ADVANCE, January, 1984 11

DATELINE:

WASHINGTON

(continued from preceding page)

This study, to be reported to the Con¬ gress by Oct. 1, 1986, would require the VA to submit separate findings with respect to veterans with service- connected disabilities, veterans who served in the Vietnam theater, and women veterans.

Other factors the study will consider are the effects of PTSD on veterans’ families, correlations between PTSD and alcohol ordrugabuse, the extent to which Vietnam-era veterans suffering from post-war psychological problems have used VA-furnished care, and the VA’s policies and procedures for providing

care and disability compensation for PTSD.

Adult Day Health-Care This law also authorizes adult day

health-care programs, whereby older veterans eligible for nursing home care could receive social services, meals, and other services in VA facilities, especially those veterans who are 50 percent or more disabled. There are several such programs in various VA facilities nation¬ wide, but this law allows any VA health¬ care facility to conduct such a program, provided there is a demonstrated need for adult day health-care. Tied into this provision is the assumption that a VA program would be less costly than a nursing home for an eligible veteran.

Another favorable provision of the new law is the increase in per diem pay¬ ments by the VA to state veterans hospitals. The new rates, effective Apr. 1, 1984, are as follows:

Domiciliary care—$7.30 (up from $6.35) Nursing care—$17.05 (up from $12.10) Hospital care—$15.25 (up from $13.25)

The last increase in state nursing home per diem rates was October, 1980. The VA Administrator also must report to Congress on the adequacy of these rates with regard to projected demands on the VA for nursing home care.

Preventive Health-Care The new law also authorizes eligible

veterans already receiving VA health¬ care services to receive preventive health¬ care service. In addition, veterans receiv¬ ing VA care for service-connected dis¬ abilities or who are rated 50 percent or more disabled will receive at least one preventive health-care service as part of their treatment. This provision is in¬ tended to provide aging veterans with preventive health-care as a possible means of easing the projected burden on VA, state, and private health-care systems in the future.

Complaints of the VA’s lack of sensitivity toward women veterans resulted in a provision in the law to set up a VA Advisory Committee on Women Veterans. This committee will advise the VA Administrator on the administration

of benefits to women veterans and the unique needs of women regarding compensation, health care, rehabilita¬ tion, and other pertinent benefits and programs administered by the VA.

The role of the VA Administrator in the federal government received some serious analysis in the new law. One pro¬ vision of PL 98-160 expresses the sense of the Congress that the VA Administrator should be designated as a member of the Cabinet. However, this provision is only a recommendation and does not carry the force of law. But, it is significant that Congress views the administration of veterans affairs as being important enough to merit Cabinet-level status.

Personnel Problems Addressed The recruitment and retention of

skilled, quality personnel in various health-care professions continue to be a major problem to the VA. Another provi¬ sion of the new law allows the VA’s De¬ partment of Medicine and Surgery (DM&S) to improve programs aimed at hiring and retaining personnel in three job areas—certified or registered repira- tory therapists, licensed physical therapists, and licensed practical or vocational nurses. The VA Administrator has the authority to set pay rates and qualifica¬ tion standards for these three groups.

The quality of health-care provided to veterans living in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and other U.S. territories has received much attention recently. Although PL 98-105, passed Sept. 30, provides for contract health care for veterans in these areas, PL. 98-160 mandates the VA to report to Congress by Dec. 1, 1984, on long-range plans to meet the health-care needs of these veterans.

The long-term physical and psycholo¬ gical effects of ionizing radiation from nuclear weapons testing were also ad¬ dressed in the new law. The VA Adminis¬ trator is required to conduct an epidemiological study of veterans exposed to radiation while in the service, unless he feels the study would be scienti¬ fically infeasible. Such a study would include the actual physical and psycholo¬ gical effects on exposed veterans as well as possible effects on their children. With recent public awareness of radiation problems relative to veterans, The American Legion is eager that such a study is undertake as soon as possible.

The new law also required to the VA Administrator to submit new guidelines on payment of beneficiary travel by Jan. 1 of this year. If these new guidelines are not published, reimbursements would be limited to payment for persons receiving benefits for, or in connection with, a service-connected disability. In addition, the Administrator is required to conduct a review of the beneficiary travel program in order to effect management improve¬ ments and cost savings.