SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS

Drawing July 12, 2014
Department Convention
Springfield, IL

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All interested candidates must apply online at:
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American Legion National Commander Dellinger's response to President Obama's 10:45 am Announcement

(May 21, 2014) "The American Legion applauds President Obama for committing himself to hold leadership at the Department of Veterans Affairs more accountable for their actions. If this system-wide failure is to be corrected, it is paramount for our commander-in-chief to be personally involved. The president needs to ensure that every veteran who relies on the VA can do so secure in the knowledge that he or she will receive the best and most timely care humanly possible.

"The question is this: if the administration has known about these issues for at least four years, why is it just now taking action?

"Moreover, the president's decision to keep Secretary Shinseki at his post is an unfortunate one. The VA has been aware for some time that inappropriate scheduling procedures are widespread among its medical facilities. Yet Secretary Shinseki has taken no initiative in correcting the problem. Veterans continue to die waiting for their health care, senior VA executives continue to get their bonuses, and only after all of this is the secretary now pledging to fix what's wrong.

"So now America's veterans are told, in effect, wait a while longer and things will get better. Meanwhile, care is delayed or denied and veterans and their families suffer. Words are nice, and even somewhat comforting, but when will the VA's house be cleansed of those who are soiling it and dishonoring the system?"

Daniel M. Dellinger
American Legion National Commander

ACTION ALERT: Tell Congress to Vote YES on VA Reform Bill

House to Vote on Legion-Supported VA Reform Bill             Take Action!

VA Accountability Would Be Enhanced

(May 19, 2014) On Wednesday afternoon, May 21, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on legislation to give the Veterans Affairs secretary expanded authority to demote or remove senior executives in the Department of Veterans Affairs, as necessary.

The American Legion has demanded accountability at every level of the Department of Veterans Affairs after CNN reported that no fewer than 40 veterans may have died waiting for long-delayed doctor appointments at the Phoenix VA Medical Center. Their names were reportedly kept on a so-called "secret list" that misrepresented the hospital's performance on patient waiting times.

This report is among the most recent in a succession of preventable death allegations at VA facilities nationwide. (To read more about the epidemic of VA mismanagement see the Legion's special report: Dying In Line.)

The American Legion is a long-term partner with the VA and has a vested interest in making sure it operates effectively and efficiently. We want to ensure that VA has all possible resources and tools at their disposal to successfully manage the department.

This is why The American Legion supports the VA Management Accountability Act of 2014, introduced by Rep. Jeff Miller (FL) in the House (H.R. 4031) and Sen. Marco Rubio (FL) in the Senate (S. 2013). This vital legislation has bipartisan support and is cosponsored by over 130 lawmakers in the House and Senate.

Action Needed: Please act now and send your elected officials the message below supporting the VA Management Accountability Act of 2014. Tell them this legislation would help address the lack of accountability within the VA and would provide tools to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to better manage senior level staff, and hold them accountable when they fail to perform their duties in a manner that best serves the veterans entrusted to their care. The Department of Veterans Affairs should be well supported, well managed, and well funded so that it can carry out the mission of caring for those who have borne the battle.

Take Action!

American Legion head:
Obama needs to step up on
VA problems

May 18, 2014, 10:38 AM|Dan Dellinger, national commander of the American Legion, discusses reports of mismanagement at multiple VA medical facilities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The American Legion Announces a New Alliance with Founding Fathers Brewing Company

INDIANAPOLIS (May 28, 2014) -- The National Executive Committee of The American Legion, the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, recently approved an alliance with the Founding Fathers Brewing Co., a new U.S.-owned company that brews premium lagers.

Founding Fathers will support American military families with half of net profits from sales through American Legion posts. "We are delighted to announce that effective immediately, Founding Fathers will donate 50 percent of our net profits to The American Legion for beer sold through American Legion posts," said Phil Knutsen, founder and CEO of Founding Fathers. "This will support the tremendously important work of the organization as they assist our military heroes and their families."

"This new alliance will provide significant benefit to a variety of programs on national, state and local levels," said Daniel M. Dellinger, American Legion national commander. "We are proud that Founding Fathers has dedicated a significant portion of their profits to assist veterans and their families. This additional revenue will allow The American Legion to continue to provide necessary support to our nation's greatest asset - our veterans."

According to Knutsen, the Founding Fathers Brewing Co. will become a national brand by early 2015. The brewery produces a high-quality premium American lager that is targeted to the domestic premium beer-drinking market and is available in Light, Pale and Amber varieties.

About The American Legion

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued support to our fellow service members and veterans.

About Founding Fathers Brewing Co.

Established in 2009 by Minnesota entrepreneur Phil Knutsen, the mission of Founding Fathers is to support American military families at historic levels. Founding Fathers Brewing Co.'s premium American Lager Beers are made from only the finest quality American grown hops and barley and was formulated by one of America's leading lager brewmasters. Founding Fathers donates 50% of its net profits to supporting American military families. For more information, visit www.foundingfathersbrewingco.com.

Event Specialist Jobs!
Now Hiring In Your Area!

Candidates needed ASAP to demonstrate food/products in a major retailer Engage shoppers and promote new and exciting products in store Setup, breakdown and clean product demonstration equipment Report event activity on a daily basis through an online reporting system< Build strong relationships with store managers and personnel Communicate features and benefits to shoppers Follow all food safety procedures Must have access to internet daily Strong customer service presence Must pass background & drug screens Must be at least 18 years old to apply High school diploma or equivalent required

Part-time, regular position. Up to 30 hours a week. Weekend scheduling required. Competitive Pay! Fun and exciting work environment!

Visit us on the web at: www.asmnet.com/careers Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer Contact: courtney.vanderlinde@asmnet.com 952-277-1420

        Union Pacific Career Opportunities near Milwaukee, WI

Union Pacific is looking for talented, motivated individuals to help us change the face of the transportation industry. With our track record, technology and team of talented individuals, we're leading the way. Several positions near Milwaukee, WI have been posted to the Union Pacific jobs page. Interested applicants should apply immediately for priority consideration.

Electricians - Diesel Engines (Butler, WI) perform the inspection, repair and maintenance of the electrical components on diesel electric locomotives.

Mechanics - Diesel Engines (Butler, WI) perform are responsible for the inspection, repair and maintenance of the engine and mechanical components of diesel electric locomotives.

Apprentice Freight Car Repairers (Butler, WI) inspect, repair, rebuild and service railroad freight cars in accordance with FRA regulations, AAR rules, and company policies. This is accomplished through the use of hand tools, power tools, cutting torches and welding equipment.

Train Crews (Milwaukee, WI) ensure safe, on-time/on-plan train operation and movement in compliance with company and Federal rules and instructions. This position works on an "on-call" basis, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and my travel away from home for several days at a time. Irregular hours and irregular days off are required.

For a complete job description and to apply online, please go to www.up.jobs.

Cabinetmaker & Cabinetmaker Foreman

We are a custom furniture maker geared towards hand work with solid materials. The pieces vary from antique reproductions to custom one off pieces. We are a fast paced, and varied facility and would like someone that cares about meeting time parameters, producing a beautiful product and troubleshooting to keep problems to a minimum. A knowledge of machinery and ability to read blueprints is a plus.

Our workshop is located about 10 minutes west of the loop close to Grand and Western Ave., in Chicago, and we're open from 7:30 - 4:00, M - F.

Please forward resumes to joann@mikebellonline.com.

Benefits, EEOC

New Illinois Bill being discussed.
Bill Status of HB4715 98th General Assembly
FIREARMS REGISTRATION

Synopsis As Introduced:

Creates the Firearms Registration Act.

Provides that every person in the State must register each firearm he or she owns or possesses in accordance with the Act.

Provides that a person shall not purchase or possess ammunition within this State without having first obtained a registration certificate identifying a firearm that is suitable for use with that ammunition, or a receipt demonstrating that the person has applied to register a suitable firearm under the Act and that the application is pending.

Provides that the Department of State Police must complete a background check of any person who applies for: (1) a registration certificate for a firearm that was lawfully owned or possessed on the effective date of the Act, was brought into the State by a new resident, or was acquired by operation of law upon the death of the former owner; or (2) a renewal of a registration certificate unless, within 12 months of the date the renewal application is submitted, the applicant passed a background check conducted by the Department in connection with the applicant's acquisition of another firearm.

Provides exceptions.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012.

Provides that it is a Class 2 felony to sell or transfer ownership of a firearm to another person without complying with the registration requirement of the Firearms Registration Act.

Scam targets Army soldiers, civilians, retirees and their families

Defense Department officials say scammers are trying to get information and passwords from Army civilians, soldiers, retirees and family members.

The scam involves a website called "My Army Benefits," which is nearly identical to the Army's official website called "MyArmyBenefits."

"The primary purpose of the fraudulent site is to collect soldiers' Army Knowledge Online, or AKO, email accounts and passwords, officials said. It also makes the false claim that the U.S. military has granted access to unclaimed and accumulated benefits for active duty soldiers, and that benefits not claimed within the stipulated period will be available for claims after 60 months," according to information released by the Department of Defense.

Soldiers, Army civilians, retirees and family members are strongly cautioned to ignore the website, do not log into the website and to immediately delete suspicious emails without answering them. If you have accessed the website from a government computer or system, you should contact your local information assurance office.

The scam site is called "My Army Benefits" and the most recent URL for it was Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. Again, the DOD says this site is not affiliated with the U.S. Army.

The real "MyArmyBenefits" website is at http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil.

"Most online scam attempts are easily recognizable, officials said, because they usually involve unsolicited emails or text messages. Hoax websites often contain misspelled words and punctuation and grammatical errors, they added, and often ask for private information such as an email address and password," the DOD post said.

   The Chicago Zoological Society is now hiring for    temporary positions.
   Apply now to be considered for our upcoming hiring    events! See flyer for details.

IRS Revises Position on DD-214 Requirement

The American Legion recently reported that the Internal Revenue Service was fining Legion posts - up to $1,000 per day - for not keeping records of veterans' DD-214s, the separation document given by the military to prove honorable service, or other valid documentation. The Legion felt it was being wrongly targeted, resulting in the passing of three resolutions during the organization's national convention in Houston that called upon Congress to look into the IRS's field investigations into Legion posts, while lawmakers wrote letters to the IRS asking why inspectors were asking posts to provide discharge papers or service records during reviews of their tax-exempt statuses.

The IRS has now revised its position on the DD-214 requirement in section 501(c)19 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Effective immediately, ... [please continue reading here PDF]

FRAUD ALERT: Veterans should be aware of a marketing scam targeting callers trying to reach the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Call Center or GI Bill Call Center. A marketing company has established two fraudulent numbers that differ from the two official VA call center numbers by one digit. If the fraudulent number is dialed by mistake, the answering party will offer a gift card and try to obtain personal and financial information, including credit card information, from the caller. The answering party may even transfer the caller to the VA after the caller's information is obtained. Note that VA will never ask you for a credit card number or banking information over the phone. Before giving personal sensitive information over the phone make sure you know who you are taking to.

The numbers to be avoided are:

800-872-1000 (the VA National Call Center number is 800-827-1000)

888-442-4511 (the VA GI Bill Call Center number is 888-442-4551)

VA has notified law enforcement authorities to address this situation, and will provide additional information and guidance as necessary.

Source: Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration

June 2013
Subject: .30 Caliber Blank M1909- Ammunition Safety Message

AMMUNITION SAFETY MESSAGE

A mishap occurred during the first week of May 2013 in which two M1 Garand rifles blew apart. This occurred during the rendering of honors at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. As a result of this mishap, two American Legion members received serious injuries. This mishap was caused by the use of .30 caliber grenade launching cartridges instead of the authorized M1909 .30 caliber blank cartridges issued by the US Army Joint Munitions Command. The only visible difference between the blank cartridge and the grenade cartridge is that the blank cartridge has 6 crimps and the grenade cartridge has 5 crimps. The grenade cartridge generates much more pressure and is not designed or intended to be fired with a blank firing adapter.

• Do not fire .30 caliber grenade cartridge in the M1 Garand Rifle

• Only .30 caliber blank ammunition issued by the US Army Joint Munitions Command is authorized for use.

• If your ammunition pedigree or origin is questionable, inspect your blank ammunition for the presence of grenade launching cartridges

If you have questions, please direct them to Mr. Robert Weissman, U.S. Army Armament Research and Development Center- (973) 724-3056, or robert.j.weissman.civ@mail.mil

Please note: The M1 Garand Operation and Maintenance Guide - 2013 (PDF) is available on our forms page.

THE AMERICAN LEGION

MILITARY COMMITMENT
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION

As both college tuition rates and the threats of terrorism around the world seem to be continuously rising, many high school graduates are choosing to serve in the United States Armed Forces immediately following high school. The American Legion believes that these young men and women who choose to protect our freedoms deserve our respect, admiration and gratitude. In order to allow local posts to show their gratitude to these young men and women, The American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales offers "The American Legion Military Commitment Certificate of Commendation."

Posts may purchase this certificate online; by telephone at (888) 453-4466; or by mail at:

American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales
P.O. Box 36460
Indianapolis, IN 46236

Download/View  Military-Commitment-Certificate-Flyer contains sample certificate. (PDF)