1 SPRING 2017 CONVENTION ISSUEWWW.UTLEGION.ORG Commander’s Call I think that I would be safe in saying that most everyone wants normalcy or constants in their lives. One of the things that I can count on each time I visit The American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis is just as soon as you meet someone and you tell them you are from Utah, their next question is – How is Bill Christoffersen doing? Please tell him that (so and so) said to tell him HELLO. I tell them that I will pass on their best wishes. Bill “The Big Bee” Christoffersen served as Department of Utah Commander in 1959-1960. He went on to serve as the National Executive Committeeman for 50 years. A record that will most likely never be equaled or broken. Bill has 72 continuous years as a member of The American Legion. Take a moment and try and put that into perspective. When Bill first joined The American Legion, the Legion had only been in existence for 26 years. In just two short years, The American Legion will celebrate its Centennial - The First 100 Years. I have said that any time spent with Bill and his lovely wife Elaine is “bonus” time. As the first couple for the Department of Utah, they hosted countless National Commanders, Senators, Congressmen, and other state and local officials. Bill has been the driving force behind bringing three National Conventions to Salt Lake City. A sage piece of advice that Bill has offered several times is “don’t get discouraged.” I’m not certain that I fully understood what he was telling in the beginning, but have thought about those three simple words countless times during the last 10 plus months as Commander of the Department of Utah, and they continue to mean more to me each and every day. Many of us learned how to “convention” from Bill. He was always there from the first gavel to the last gavel at the conclusion of each National Convention, and then would attend the N.E.C. Meeting that follows each Convention. Bill set the “gold standard” for dedication and loyalty to The American Legion. It would be hard to imagine there is a more dedicated Legionnaire included in our ranks. Bill will celebrate his 91 st Birthday on June 6 th . If you have been thinking about giving him a call or sending him a card, please do so. Every Legionnaire in the State of Utah owes a great deal of gratitude to this truly amazing man. The American Legion Department of utah Buzz Chuck Stephenson Department Commander Our First Convention Issue of The Buzz Would Not Be Complete Without Paying Homage to Our Own William E. “Bill” Christoffersen CALLING ALL DELEGATES 98 TH ANNUAL DEPARTMENT OF UTAH CONVENTION COMFORT SUITES, 2250 SOUTH 1200 WEST, OGDEN, UTAH 801- 621-2545
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SPRING 2017 CONVENTION ISSUE WWW.UTLEGION.ORG
Commander’s Call I think that I would be safe in saying that most everyone wants normalcy
or constants in their lives. One of the things that I can count on each time I visit The American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis is just as soon as you meet someone and you tell them you are from Utah, their next question is – How is Bill Christoffersen doing? Please tell him that (so and so) said to tell him HELLO. I tell them that I will pass on their best wishes.
Bill “The Big Bee” Christoffersen served as Department of Utah Commander in 1959-1960. He went on to serve as the National Executive Committeeman for 50 years. A record that will most likely never be equaled or broken. Bill has 72 continuous years as a member of The American Legion. Take a moment and try and put that into perspective. When Bill first joined The American Legion, the Legion had only been in existence for 26 years. In just two short years, The American Legion will celebrate its Centennial - The First 100 Years. I have said that any time spent with Bill and his lovely wife Elaine is “bonus” time. As the first couple for the Department of Utah, they hosted countless National Commanders, Senators, Congressmen, and other state and local officials. Bill has been the driving force behind bringing three National Conventions to Salt Lake City.
A sage piece of advice that Bill has offered several times is “don’t get discouraged.” I’m not certain that I fully understood what he was telling in the beginning, but have thought about those three simple words countless times during the last 10 plus months as Commander of the Department of Utah, and they continue to mean more to me each and every day.
Many of us learned how to “convention” from Bill. He was always there from the first gavel to the last gavel at the conclusion of each National Convention, and then would attend the N.E.C. Meeting that follows each Convention. Bill set the “gold standard” for dedication and loyalty to The American Legion. It would be hard to imagine there is a more dedicated Legionnaire included in our ranks.
Bill will celebrate his 91st Birthday on June 6th. If you have been thinking about giving him a call or sending him a card, please do so. Every Legionnaire in the State of Utah owes a great deal of gratitude to this truly amazing man.
The American Legion Department of utah
Buzz
Chuck Stephenson
Department
Commander
Our First Convention Issue of The Buzz
Would Not Be Complete Without Paying
Homage to Our Own
William E. “Bill” Christoffersen
CALLING ALL DELEGATES
98TH ANNUAL DEPARTMENT OF UTAH CONVENTION COMFORT SUITES, 2250 SOUTH 1200 WEST, OGDEN, UTAH
The American Legion National Commander’s Visit & “The Walk For Veterans” The American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt will visit the Department of Utah at American Legion Utah
Boys State June 12th through the 15th. National Commander Schmidt visited us last year at Boys State as the Leading Candidate and we are delighted to have him back this year. Commander Schmidt is from Oregon and is a retired Air Force officer. He assumed Command of The American Legion last year at the National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. To celebrate his visit this year, the Department will host a Walk for Veterans June 15th on the beautiful Weber State University Campus. The walk will be approximately half-mile in length. Registration will be at 3:00 pm by the Stewart Bell Tower, with the walk beginning at 4:00 pm. Registration for the walk will be $20.00, which includes a walk T-Shirt and BBQ following the event. Those wishing to participate need to let us know by June 7th, so that arrangements can be made with the Food Service Staff
at the University. Contact either Department Commander Chuck Stephenson at H 801-444-7189 C801-698-7750 / SAL NEC Kent Hansen at H 801-292-3055 C 801 589-7667 / Post 27 1VC Frank Ferrante H 801-544-1307 C 801-589-3292 for additional information. Hope to see you at the Walk for Veterans and Dinner with the National Commander.
DEPARTMENT VICE COMMANDER We have had a busy year so far. Membership is still a work in progress. The Department of Utah has met the January goal of more than 82%. Thank you all for your dedication and hard work. That being said, our work is not over. We still have time to gain strength. There is a workable folder in mylegion.org to assist. Choose the Reports/labels part of the dropdown menu and select Membership Folders for printable spreadsheets to assist you in contacting un-renewed members.
I want to congratulate those posts who have made it to 100% or more in your membership. District 4 under the leadership of Area Commander Shiela Heindel and District Commander Roger Archibald have at least 10 posts that have achieved 100% or greater. Thank you for your hard work. District 8 had a very successful Revitalization this year benefiting several posts. Thank you to Commander Hayes Stromness for all the effort provided in this campaign.
Currently, I am in the process of cancelling post charters. Letters have been mailed to individuals to see if we can assist them in joining a post close to them, and paperwork has bent sent to National for completion of this project, there are other posts that are falling away, and are going to be cancelled. I have/will make more post visits to see if we can avoid any more cancellations. The goal is to increase membership, without members we do not have an American Legion, so please keep contacting those who have not renewed, and keep recruiting, this is a job for all of us.
As we welcome the coming of warmer weather it reminds me that the abilities of our members to go out and have face-to-face time with our members and veterans at large.
Please also use the tools that you have available to you. Go to www.mylegion.org and search within a radius of your Post and get those that are marked AD0008 and ask them to transfer. Make sure you let them know that by doing so their dues are being used in the State of Utah. Some of these may be in an expired status. Ask them to renew or try to determine why they dropped off the rolls and see if there is anything we can do to change their mind. Right now we are sitting in the middle of the pack as far as National membership goes. Let’s show them what we can do all the way through June.
As an aside to this, we cannot afford to turn away veterans. I have had three calls from younger War on Terror veterans that were turned away by a Post/Club because they had ideas that were different from that of the current Post leadership. There is no one out there that has the right answer to every issue. Ignoring the experiences, thoughts and ideals, shared by these younger veterans is not appropriate. In fact, it was those shared experiences that led to the creation of this organization almost 100 years ago. We cannot afford to be bullheaded and ignorant of the possibilities that these young veterans are the future of the Legion. Without them, we will no longer be a viable player in Washington DC where we have done very well for our Nation’s veterans. I think that all of you would agree that without a strong voice and a vigorous membership, the politicians will look to start taking those benefits that we most certainly earned. They will no longer be afraid of doing so because there will be no cohesive voting strength to stop them.
Lastly, by the time you are getting this, the Call to Convention for this year’s Get together in Ogden from June 23-25th. We would really like to get at least one member from each Post to come out and represent themselves and their Post. In this newsletter you will find instructions on obtaining rooming and meals. The candidates for Department Offices will be hosting a hospitality room at various times during the convention so that you can meet and greet these wonderful Legionnaire’s who have decided to go above and beyond for the benefit of all our members. I hope to see you there.
Best wishes for the summer season. Stay safe, fly the flag, and be proud of your membership in the largest veteran’s organization in the world.
Veterans Choice Program (VCP) Phone Line Imposter It has come to the attention of the Department of Veterans Affairs that a phone line has been set up by an unknown party to fraudulently “mimic” the VCP phone line. The imposter phone line may be intended to reach Veterans who inadvertently dial the VCP number incorrectly. The VA takes this seriously and wants to keep Veterans informed of one of the steps the VA is taking. Also, the VHA Office of Community Care (VHA CC) has reported the “mimic” line to the VA Office of Inspector General for a possible civil or criminal investigation.
The phone line established to “mimic” the VCP phone line is 1-800-606-8198. You know you have reached the wrong VCP phone line when:
The phone line offers callers a $100 rebate if the caller provides a credit card.
The phone line does not state the caller has reached the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the VCP phone line.
Be aware that this phone number incorrectly confirms that callers have reached the VCP if the caller asks that question.
The correct VCP phone line is 1-866-606-8198. This line is for Veterans to check their eligibility for the VCP and ask questions about the program. If you are unsure about whether you have reached the correct phone line, hang up and dial 1-866-606-8198 again. The phone line will state the caller has reached the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
Terry Schow Department of Utah National Executive Committeeman
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Post 19 is located in Lehi, Utah, at 55 N Center Street, in the Veterans Memorial Building. We have our meetings on the first Tuesday of every month, at 7:00 PM. We have a SAL Squadron {Sons of American Legion} as well as a Legion Riders Chapter. We also sponsor events such as Boys State, Girls State, and the Oratorical Scholarship Contest. The Honor Wall which is located at the Lehi Cemetery was made possible with the aid of Lehi City and Post funds.
We also have helped put flags on the graves on Memorial Day at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bluffdale. This day is a time for remembering our passed on comrades. Our Post does a program on Memorial Day for the city. In June and July, the Post and Chapter members participate in parades such as Lehi City and Eagle Mountain.
As a Post this year we were proud to hear that we had 193% on our membership. The only thing we did different this year other than sending in renewals, transfers, and new members as soon as we received them, we asked members in our meetings if they see anyone in our area that hasn’t been to a meeting or if they haven’t renewed their membership to do so or at least come to a meeting.
Again, we are proud to have achieved this goal and will try to again, if not do better for the next upcoming year.
Have you ever wondered if there is an activity that will touch young minds in a meaningful way? Or, have you ever had the desire of making a positive difference in the life of a young citizen? Well, as a Legionnaire or Son of the American Legion, here is your opportunity to do so…!
The American Legion Utah Boys State program is a week-long, hands-on opportunity for prospective high school seniors to learn firsthand the responsibilities and accountabilities of citizenship as they work through mock city, county and state government, the judicial system and much more. Held annually, this is an opportunity of a lifetime for these young students in Citizenship, Self-Government and Public Service. The Utah Boys State program has been offered every year since its inception in 1939, and is orchestrated by an all-volunteer adult staff of Legionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members, police officers, fire fighters and guest orators from city, county, state and federal levels of Utah government. What an excellent learning environment?
In partnership with our host Weber State University in Ogden, the American Legion Utah Boys State program is scheduled for the week of Monday, June 12 ~ Friday, June 16, 2017, with the staff and counselors starting and setting up at 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 11, 2017. If you are interested in participating or observing, please contact Ms. Paula Stephenson at (801) 444-7189 or 589-2871.We would welcome you for a day, an evening or the entire week, with dorm rooms and meals provided at no cost to you. For more details, please contact 2nd Vice President Paula Stephenson at (801) 444-7189 or 589-2871, President Bob Jones at (801) 336-6951 or Executive Director Ken Hoyal at (801) 781-0900.
Spotlight
on
Post 19
Bob Jones President
American Legion Utah Boys State
Corporation
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Robert Gunn
A couple of great ways to revitalize your Squadron is right there in the SAL Handbook. Both the Detachment 10 Ideals and the 5-Star programs offer step-by-step instructions for earning the awards available from Commander The American Legion. These awards are not only for our younger SAL members but for ALL SAL member, regardless of
age. Encouraging participation in these outstanding programs will not only add interest to your program but also add valuable content to it. The more our SAL programs stand for more than mere membership, the more we will have realized the noble tenets upon which The Sons of The American Legion were founded.
If you would like more information, please feel free to call SAL Detachment Adjutant Bob Jones at (801) 336-6951 or via email at [email protected]. If emailing, please put SAL or Sons of the American Legion in the subject line, or Commander Robert Gunn at (801) 833-2836 or via email to [email protected]
Don’t miss the 10th Annual Utah Sons of The American Legion Campout. It’s from Friday, August 11 through Sunday August 13 and is open to the entire
Utah American Legion Family. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy each other’s company with no meetings scheduled. We just socialize and enjoy our beautiful Utah mountains and each other. We will be camping on Utah School Trust/BLM Grounds in the beautiful LaSal Mountains. This weekend event provides opportunities for our younger members and friends to play games and work on Children and Youth projects while we older folk visit and enjoy each other. Expect wildlife at the camp site. This is a dry camp without facilities so please bring your own water, food and anything else you may need. We will provide honey buckets for public use. We will be camped within 12 miles of LaSal and it’s only another 30 miles to Moab. The camp site is northeast of LaSal at GPS coordinates: Latitude: 38.4263766 by Longitude: -109.1426108, in Canopy Gap, San Juan County, LaSal, Utah. If you get lost, Dave Swafford’s address is 133 LaSal Road (the first street as you enter LaSal going south). His phone number is (435) 686-2379 or (435) 260-8312. We would love to have yáll join us for a weekend of fun, games, good food and even better camaraderie and a whole lot of relaxation. Remember, sometimes you have to stretch a little to relax a lot.
Message Points:
The American Legion Riders (ALR) is a dynamic national program administered by the Departments and Posts in each of the 50 states as well as in several oversea areas.
The ALR was first established as a local post program in 1993 at Post 396, Garden City, Michigan, and has since grown to over 2,000 post-affiliated chapters worldwide in 2017.
The ALR is not a motorcycle club, but rather an association of like-minded Legion Family members who enjoy family activities and the opportunity to advance the aims and goals of The American Legion.
The national ALR membership is estimated to be over 100,000 Riders, all of whom are current members of The American Legion Family.
ALR membership has continued to grow rapidly, attracting many new American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion members—a truly “family” centered organization.
In 2005, the Mulvane, Kansas ALR founded The Patriot Guard, a national movement which since its beginning has honored and protected military funerals.
The American Legion Riders across the country have helped to raise over $12.2 million dollars for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund since its inception in 2002.
The American Legion Legacy Run, www.legion.org/riders/legacyrun, the country’s largest cross country, multi-day motorcycle touring event, helps raise over $1M annually for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship.
Riders also raise and donate hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to countless national, state, and local programs and charities for veterans, military families, and communities.
Riders now also actively ride and raise funds for Operation Comfort Warriors (www.legion.org/ocw ), providing for comfort items and assistance for our recovering wounded at military bases and transition battalions all over the country.
The American Legion Riders attract active duty military members as well as veterans from all war eras as far back as WWII. Active-duty members are also eligible to join - and they are joining. Many active duty military installations conduct motorcycle safety training programs in which American Legion Riders play an important part.
Riders promote the honorable nature of military service, providing honor guards and flag lines to local military funerals, patriotic parades and other memorial events each year. The American Legion Riders today are important part of the Legion family in support of virtually all programs of The American Legion.
Legacy Run: Registration is open now. www.legion.org/riders. On page 51 in the May Legion magazine, there is a small article
about it. Aug. 12 from Kansas to Reno on the 17th. And Post 69 in Kanab is putting together a Riders chapter!
Department Liaison - Shiela Heindel - Email contact: [email protected]
POW/MIA News I received this query recently: “Do any of you know of a Lawrence Penny; he claims to have been a POW but he isn’t on any list I know of.” There is a quick way to check. Go to The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency web site: http://www.dpaa.mil/Our-Missing/Vietnam-War/Vietnam-War-POW-MIA-List/ On the right side of the page under ‘Additional Lists’ find ‘POWs Returned Alive’ and ‘Escaped Captivity.’ Mr. Penny is not listed in either category thus he is a phony POW claimant. On that site is the latest Statistical Report (April 12, 2017) of ‘Americans Unaccounted For in Southeast Asia.’ There are 1,611 of which 1,023 are under further pursuit. American remains repatriated post-Jan 27, 1973 total 1,035.
Below are those from Utah who remain Unaccounted For from the Vietnam War, either Missing in Action or Killed in Action/Body not Recovered. Remember them.
NAME HOME LOSS RANK SERVICE DATE COUNTRY STATUS
Chipman, Ralph Jim Orem Capt USMC 12/27/72 Vietnam XX
Christensen, John Michael Ogden 1/Lt USMC 4/13/72 Gulf of Tonkin XX
Connor, Charles Richard Salt Lake Capt USMC 10/28/68 Vietnam XX
Crow, Raymond Jack Jr. Salt Lake Sgt USAF 3/27/72 Cambodia BB
Ellison, John Cooley Layton LCDR USN 3/24/67 Vietnam XX
Hubler, George Lawrence Moab Capt USMC 2/23/68 South China BB
Jeffs, Clive Garth Salt Lake Capt USAF 3/12/71 Vietnam XX
Jenne, Robert Earl Salt Lake SP4 USA 5/8/68 Vietnam BB
Krusi, Peter Herman Smithfield LCDR USN 11/3/67 Gulf of Tonkin BB
Lucki, Albin Earl Salt Lake Capt USAF 4/23/70 Laos XX
Schiele, James Francis Granger SP4 USA 7/12/67 Vietnam XX
Widdison, Imlay Scott Woods Cross PFC USA 5/12/68 Vietnam BB
Wiechert, Robert Charles West Jordan Maj USAF 11/16/68 South China BB
Wood, Don Charles Provo Capt USAF 1/16/66 Laos XX XX – Presumptive Finding of Death BB – Killed in Action, Body Not Recovered
The American Legion National Convention – Reno, NV August 18-24 The National Convention for The American Legion will be held this year just down the street. That’s right, the Convention will be held “just down the street” on August 18-24 in Reno, NV. That is as close as it has been since it was held right here in Salt Lake City in 2006. Delegate strength for each Department is determined 30 days prior to Convention based on Membership Strength - Department of Utah will be authorized so many Delegates with a like number of Alternate Delegates.
This is an excellent opportunity to be part of history. In all likelihood, Leading Candidate Denise Rohan - Wisconsin will be elected the first female National Commander since our Legion was first founded in 1919. If you are interested in going, please contact Department Adjutant Greg Rowley at 801-539-1013. Do not make hotel reservations on your own. Each Department is assigned a specific hotel. Admittance on the Convention floor is by Badge only. Adjutant Greg is the one who handles the credentialing process. Hope to see you in Reno!
CONSOLIDATED POST REPORTS – 100% ALL American Legion Posts are REQUIRED to submit a Consolidated Post Report (CPR) annually. The data collection period is from June 1st to May 31st the following year. Completion of the report allows Commanders and Adjutants to
categorize and list all activities and events that the Post is involved with throughout the year. Submission of the report is due in June, and can be completed either by hand or more conveniently, completed on-line. YES, for those Posts who are established on mylegion.org it is a simple matter of logging on and entering your Post data on the electronic form. The electronic version of the form is already available on-line and can be completed and updated each month as desired until the cutoff date. Information provided on the CPR’s is consolidated at National Headquarters and is reported by the National Commander to Congress each year.
Last reporting year only 48 of Department of Utah’s 98 Posts submitted their reports – approximately 48%. Of the reports submitted, 20 were submitted on-line and 35 were submitted “hard copy.” On the National level, 8,786 out of 13,040 Posts completed the report – approximately 68%; 2,700 were submitted on-line. What exactly does that mean? ONLY 68% of what was accomplished by American Legion Posts was reported. Submission of the CPR MUST be Command Driven – WE CAN DO MUCH BETTER! Questions concerning the completion of the Consolidated Post Report may be addressed to the Department Adjutant, Area Commander, or District Commander. GOAL is 100% submission.
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AAFES BENEFITS EXTENDED TO ALL VETERANS: The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), along with its sister exchanges, will offer the benefit of shopping online to all honorably discharged veterans on November 11, 2017 and after that date. Known as the Veterans Online Shopping Benefit (VOSB), will make available on
that date online shopping (shopmyexchange.com) privileges to all honorably discharged veterans. “AAFES, along with its sister exchanges, is ensuring America’s veterans are honored for their service and recognized as Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors for life.” Active, Reserve Component, and retirees currently have this benefit.
RESERVE, GUARD RETIREES WIN VET STATUS: Ref: “Reserve, Guard retirees win vet status” article, page 22, The American Legion Magazine, May 2017. Approximately 200,000 Reserve and Guard retirees gained honorary veteran status in the eyes of the federal government on December 16, 2016 with the signing of the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care Act of 2016 (H.R. 6416). Section 305 of the law states that any person entitled to retired pay for non-regular service or, but for age, would be entitled under such chapter to retired pay for non-regular service, shall be honored as a veteran but shall not be entitled to any benefit by reason of this honor. After years of attending monthly drills and annual training periods, without deployments or other Title 10 active duty of 180-days, these retirees have earned the right to be recognized at veterans. Hooah to all who served!
RACE TO THE TOP District 4 Commander Roger Archibald is congratulated by National Vice Commander Paul Espinoza on March 25th at the District 4 Spring Convention held at Post 68 in Spanish Fork. Commander Archibald won the American Legion National
Race to the Top (Membership). Eleven of the thirteen Posts in District 4 met or far exceeded their Membership Goals for 2017. Post 19 – Lehi led the District with 193%. District 4 currently stands at an amazing 126% of Goal. Commander Archibald, along with a guest, wins an all-expense paid trip to Reno, NV during this year’s National Convention, Aug. 18-24, as a distinguished guest of National Commander Charles E. Schmidt. The trip includes round-trip airfare, tickets to the National Commander’s Banquet, and hotel accommodations for six days and five nights. He will also receive a Legion cap that signifies he is a Race to the Top Winner. CONGRATULATIONS to Roger and ALL of District 4 for a Job Well Done!
WINNER…..AMERICAN LEGION CENTENNIAL PISTOL - No. 45 of 100…..WINNER The winning ticket for the American Legion Centennial Model 1911 .45 Caliber pistol was drawn by Leading Candidate for National Commander Denise Rohan at the Legion Birthday party in Salt Lake City on the 18th of March. The drawing was a culmination of an almost year and a half effort to offer chances on this beautiful pistol. The winning ticket was held by Post 27 member L. Brent Christensen. Brent is a long time member of Post 27 who for several years also served as the Utah President of Bugles Across America. He has provided TAPS at many Military Funeral Honors for a number of years, not only Post 27, but whenever the call was made. Brent is also a retired Detective with the Salt Lake City Sheriff’s Office. A knowledgeable and dedicated shooter, Brent will ensure that the pistol has found a most worthy home.
Department of Utah Commander Chuck Stephenson and Post 27 Commander Kent Hansen made the handoff at the Post on 28 March. Congratulations to Brent, we hope you enjoy owning this beautiful pistol!
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MAY IS NATIONAL POPPY MONTH / MAY 26 IS NATIONAL POPPY DAY After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.” On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion. All veterans, servicemembers and patriotic citizens are encouraged to wear or display a poppy on National Poppy Day, May 26, 2017. “By wearing poppies on May 26, we honor every U.S. servicemember who has given his or her life in the name of liberty, freedom and democracy.” (quote by The American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt). HELP VETERANS TRANSPORTATION SERVICE: The Veterans Transportation Service is seeking new volunteers to join their team and help drive Veterans to their much needed appointments. If interested, please go to www.saltlakecity.va.gov/veterans_transportation_service.asp
Qualifications include:
Provide proof of valid and up-to-date auto insurance
Must possess a valid state driver’s license and have a clean driving record
Must pass a drivers physical given at the VA upon initial screening and every four years thereafter
Attend all driver training and other related skills training as required
Ability to communicate with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds
Accept, understand and respect the confidential aspects of the assignment
Attend Volunteer Orientation. To contact directly, please call 1-801-582-1565, ext. 1079 or 1027, or 1-800-613-4012, Ext. 1079 or 1027.
by Kent Hansen
The Buzz Staff Department Commander: Chuck Stephenson Send submissions to: Past Department Commander: Paula Stephenson [email protected] Editor: Kent Hansen
2017 Jun 5-10 Utah Girls State, Weber State University, Ogden Jun 11-16 Utah Boys State, Weber State University, Ogden Jun 12-16 Visit by National Commander Charles E. Schmidt Jun 13-15 Visit by SAL National Vice Commander - Western Region Joe Kaiser Jun 15 The American Legion WALK FOR VETERANS, Weber State University Jun 22 American Legion Golf Invitational Tournament, St. George Summer Classic (SR) Jun 23 D.E.C. Quarterly Meeting, Comfort Suites, Ogden Jun 23-25 Department of Utah Convention, Comfort Suites, Ogden Jul 8 D.E.C. Quarterly Meeting (National Convention Delegates determined),
location TBD Jul 18 Spanish Fork Flag Retirement Ceremony, Spanish Fork Fairgrounds (Post 68) Jul 22-28 American Legion Baseball State Tournament, Layton High School, Layton Aug 14-15 National American Legion Riders Legacy Run through Utah (Utah Route 50) Aug 17 Davis County Fair Flag Retirement Ceremony, Legacy Events Center, Farmington (Post 27) Aug 18-19 SAL National Convention, Reno, Nevada Aug 18-24 National American Legion/American Legion Auxiliary Convention, Reno, Nevada Sep 15 POW-MIA Recognition Day October Area or Department Annual Learning Conference(s), date(s) & location(s) TBD Oct 7-8 SAL Fall National Executive Committee Meeting, Indianapolis, Indiana Oct 9-12 National Fall Meetings & NEC, Indianapolis, Indiana Oct 28-Nov 3 National Legion College, Indianapolis, Indiana Dec 9 D.E.C. Quarterly Meeting, location TBD
Jun 22-24 Department of Utah Convention, location TBD
Jul 14 D.E.C. Quarterly Meeting, location TBD
Aug 24-25 SAL National Convention, Minneapolis, MN
Aug 24-30 National American Legion/American Legion Auxiliary Convention, Minneapolis, MN
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American Legion Utah State Convention
June 23-25, 2017
Comfort Suites 2250 South 1200 West, Ogden, UT
801-621-2545 Hosted by American Legion Baker-Merrill Post 9
Rooms: $101.00+tax *Cutoff for room reservations is June 2. Auxiliary Lunch: $17.00 Legion/SAL Lunch: $17.00 Banquet: $26.00 Your choice of Chicken Marsala or Boneless Ribs *Meal order cutoff is June 16. See order form on next page.
We are working on free or discounted tickets to Union Station Utah Railroad Museum, Browning Firearms Museum and Kimball Antique Car Museum.
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2017 AMERICAN LEGION/AUXILIARY
DEPARTMENT OF UTAH CONVENTION
FOOD RESERVATION FORM
Meal selection with payment must be received by June 16.
Mail (Legion/Auxiliary/SAL) food reservation form to: Judy Lewis, 640 East 1050 North, Ogden UT 84404
Please make checks payable to: American Legion Auxiliary Unit 9
Legion/SAL Luncheon – Saturday, June 24 – Noon $17.00
Name ___________________________________________ Post ________________ Contact Information: Phone(s) _______________________ Number of tickets _____
Auxiliary Luncheon – Saturday, June 24 – Noon $17.00
MENU: Philly Steak Sandwich on a Deli Roll with Onions, Peppers & Mushrooms, then topped with cheese, Potato Salad and a Dill Pickle Garnish and Beverage
Name ___________________________________________ Unit ________________ Contact Information: Phone(s) _______________________ Number of tickets _____
Auxiliary Banquet – Saturday, June 24 – 7:00 pm, $26.00
MENU: You have a choice of Chicken Marsala or Boneless Ribs Both will be served with Million Dollar Potatoes, Green Beans, Dinner Roll, Dessert
and Beverage
Name ___________________________________________ Post/Unit ______________ Contact Information: Phone(s) _______________________ Number of tickets _______ Chicken _____ Ribs _____ Total Amount Enclosed _________ Check # _________
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The American Legion Department of Utah 350 N. State Street, Suite 80 P.O. Box 148000 Salt Lake City, UT 84114
