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The American Legion Department of Illinois
High School Oratorical Scholarship Program
2014 Oratorical Competition Results
Photo Creditt: Mark Sides
Pictured(l-r) Department Commander Bernie Stegmuelle, Sarvasva Raghuvanshi, and Department Sr.Vice Commander Henry Robards
Sarvasva Raghuvanshi was named the 2014 Illinois overall winner of the 77th Annual Oratorical Contest.
The Semi-Final and Finals were held February 28-March 1, 2014 in Peoria, IL at the Peoria Civic Center.
Raghuvanshi will advance to the 2014 National Finals, April 4-6 in Indianapolis, at the Wyndham Indianapolis West. Quarterfinal and semifinal contests are scheduled for Saturday, April 5,
with the finals scheduled for Sunday, April 6.
The chart below indicates all the winners and the award amount won at the Illinois competition.
| No. of Contestants | Full Name | City State Zip | Grade | Post | Dist. | Div. | Semi-Final Placement | Final Placement | Award $ | |
| 1 | Sophia Bidny | Morton Grove IL 60053 | 12 | 134 | 7 | 1 | 3rd | $350.00 | ||
| 2 | Helen L. McNeil | Chicago IL 60620 | 12 | 42 | 7 | 1 | 3rd | $350.00 | ||
| 3 | Michael P. Peretz | Alsip IL 60803 | 12 | 991 | 8 | 1 | 3rd | $350.00 | ||
| 4 | Monica Thornton | Villa IL 60181 | 11 | 36 | 9 | 1 | 3rd | $350.00 | ||
| 5 | Rachel Menhart | Round Lake IL 60073 | 12 | 659 | 10 | 2 | 2nd | $450.00 | ||
| 6 | Samantha Xu | Naperville IL 60540 | 10 | 43 | 11 | 2 | advances to finals | 4th | $1,000.00 | |
| 7 | Mitchell Carter | Plano IL 60545 | 12 | 395 | 12 | 2 | 4th | $250.00 | ||
| 8 | Sarvasva Raghuvanshi | Naperville IL 60565 | 10 | 43 | 11 | 2 | advances to finals | 1st | $2,000.00 | |
| 9 | Eric Gier | Cary IL 60013 | 12 | 911 | 10 | 2 | 4th | $250.00 | ||
| 10 | Olyvia Chinchilla | Glen Ellyn IL 60137 | 12 | 3 | 11 | 2 | 2nd | $450.00 | ||
| 11 | Logan Weeter | Aurora IL 60503 | 11 | 675 | 12 | 2 | 4th | $250.00 | ||
| 12 | Christel Thompson | Glen Ellyn IL 60137 | 9 | 80 | 11 | 2 | advances to finals | 5th | $1,000.00 | |
| 13 | Ellen Cealey | Washington IL 61571 | 12 | 2 | 16 | 3 | 2nd | $450.00 | ||
| 14 | Kristie Krigbaum | Cerro Gordo IL 61818 | 12 | 117 | 19 | 4 | advances to finals | 3rd | $1,200.00 | |
| 15 | Hunter Dyer | Atwood IL 61913 | 11 | 770 | 19 | 4 | 2nd | $450.00 | ||
| 16 | Owen Myers | White Heath IL 61884 | 12 | 101 | 19 | 4 | 3rd | $350.00 | ||
| 17 | Samantha D. Crist | Atwood IL 61913 | 12 | 770 | 19 | 4 | advances to finals | 2nd | $1,500.00 | |
| 18 | Alex Ruocco | Swansea IL 62226 | 10 | 307 | 22 | 5 | 4th | $250.00 | ||
| 19 | Luke Hayes | O'Fallon IL 62269 | 11 | 724 | 23 | 5 | 4th | $250.00 | ||
| 20 | Caitlyn E. Redman | Belleville IL 62220 | 10 | 665 | 22 | 5 | 2nd | $450.00 | ||
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.
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Career Opportunities |
Current Available Jobs
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Maintenance Analyst MD |
Technical Writer | |
| DBE Compliance Spec | Dir Qual Assr Qual Control | |
| Employment Services Coor | HR Rep FMLA | |
| Maintenance Analyst MED | Project Qual Control Spec |
If you are interested in applying for a position at Metra, please send your cover letter which must include the position title, your resume and salary history to:
E-mail: jobs@metrarr.com
Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Metra / 547 W. Jackson Blvd. / Chicago, IL 60661
| Sweepstake Winners | ||
| Drawing Date: February 12, 2014 | ||
| Place | Amount | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | $10,000 | Joe Stell |
| 2nd | $5,000 | Dennis Manning |
| 3rd | $2,500 | Leslie Mehrtens |
| 4th | $1,500 | Benedict Sedivy |
| 5th | $1,000 | Joseph Germano |
| 6th | $1,000 | Tane Temple |
| 7th | $750 | William Vickers |
| 8th | $750 | Robert Kimmons |
| 9th | $500 | Jerome Schneider |
| 10th | $500 | Aaron Preece |
| 11th | $250 | Mary Maass |
| 12th | $250 | Tabetha Dungan |
| 13th | $100 | Raymond Cruz |
| 14th | $100 | Frank Pena |
| 15th | $100 | Leroy Karsten |
| 16th | $100 | Richard Smith |
| 17th | $100 | Thomas Heffran |
| 18th | $100 | Gary Cornwell |
| 19th | $100 | Harold Dent |
| 20th | $100 | James Butler |
| 21st | $100 | Marlene Tomerlin |
| 22nd | $100 | Elsie Tibbs |
| Total Prize Amount Awarded | $25,000 | |
The American Legion Family
First Division - Cook County Council presents a Fundraiser for
Sharon Conatser
Candidate for American Legion Auxiliary National President 2015-2016
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Saturday, May 31st, 2014 3:00pm - 8:00pm 115 Bourbon Street 3359 W 115th Street Merrionette IL (115 &Kedzie) |
For tickets, contact: Jimmy Hunter: jimmyqrb@comcast.net Gail Starr: 219-730-8749 Pat Kranzow: pkranzow@att.net Barry Cicero: whatthefish@sbcglobal.net Carol Junge: caroljunge@sbcglobal.net |
$25 in Advance $30 at the Door
Includes: Food, Beer, Wine, Pop, and Free Valet Parking
Come and join us for a night of fun and
show your pride in our Illinois candidate!
View/Share Fundraiser Flyer (PDF)
2014 Hiring Our Heroes- UIC Forum
Veterans Employment Fair
725 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608
March 26, 2014 From 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Join Hiring Our Heroes on March 26, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for an employment fair for veteran job seekers and military spouses.There will be over 100 employers in attendance conducting onsite interviews. The fair will be held at the UIC Forum on 725 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608.This event will be a FREE hiring fair for both employers and job seekers and military spouses.
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EMPLOYERS Must register for FREE at HoH.GreatJob.net Employers must post listing of available jobs |
JOB SEEKERS Register for FREE at HoH.GreatJob.net Registration and uploading of resumes will result in day of event interviews for qualified candidates. |
A workshop for veterans and other military job seekers that focuses on resume writing, tips for successfully navigating hiring fairs, military skill translation, and interviewing will start at 9:00 AM. To register for the Hiring Our Heroes Employment Workshop, visit hohworks.eventbrite.com/
This hiring event is being conducted by The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), The U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service (DOL VETS), The Robert R. McCormick Foundation, The American Legion, and is being supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's
Hiring Our Heroes program.
Walk in job seekers are welcome but will not be guaranteed on-site interviews.
If you need assistance registering, please contact us at hiringourheroes@uschamber.com or call 202-463-5807.
Find Hiring Our Heroes online
| Download the free Hiring Our Heroes mobile app! All our powerful tools and resources at your fingertips |
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The Chicago Zoological Society is now hiring for temporary positions.
Apply now to be considered
for our upcoming hiring events! See flyer for details.
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Follow this link for |
LOOKING FOR A GREAT JOB WITH EXCELLENT WAGES AND BENEFITS???
Farmland Foods in Monmouth, IL is looking for Motivated Employees with Good Worth Ethic to join our Team!!
Production rates range from $14.65 - $18.10 upon qualification.
Visit www.FarmlandFoods.com/careers to learn more and apply.
Outstanding Benefit Package including:
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Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Prescription Drug Program Advancement Opportunities 36 Hour Weekly Guarantee Tuition Reimbursement & Scholarship Program Company Paid and Supplemental Life Insurance Bonus Opportunities |
401K Program Employee Assistant Program 10 Paid Holidays Paid Vacation |
Pre-Placement background check, physical and drug screening required.
Farmland Foods, Inc. is an EEO/AA Employer/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age protected veteran status or status as an individual with disability.
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
Washington and Central Illinois
Tornado Relief and Recovery
Learn where to Get and Give Help with the Do Your Part
Resource Directory for
Washington & Central Illinois Tornadoes
Tyson Foods Maintenance Position
- This position is for our plant located at 3548 N. Kostner, Chicago, IL 60641.
- All applications must be submitted on-line through our Tyson Foods Careers site.
- The position starts at $19.55 per hour and will go to $23 per hour after 9 months.
This position is responsible for the set-up and breakdown process and repair of all food processing equipment including but not limited to packaging equipment, slicing equipment and conveyors.
This position is responsible for performing a variety of building and grounds duties, both semi-skilled and skilled functions in proper maintenance. This requires multiple skills in basic electrical and plumbing repair, as well as good overall mechanical knowledge.
The natureof this job will also involve periodic exposure to outdoors conditions during the summer and winter months.
Duties include: perform skilled electrical work with the ability to install, troubleshoot and repair a wide range of electrical components to include circuit wiring, lighting fixtures, ballasts, receptacles, switches, solenoids, low voltage power supplies, etc.; performs skilled plumbing work with the ability to install, troubleshoot and repair plumbing fixtures such aslavatory faucets, valves, shutoff valves, check valves, etc.; other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS: Education: HS Diploma or equivalent; any associate technical maintenance or vocational school degrees a plus.
Experience: 2 + years maintenance. Computer Skills: Basic computer skills.
Communication Skills: Good verbal and written communication skills.
Special Skills: possess the ability to function effectively in a team environment and interact productively with all levels of team personnel and outside contractors.
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.
WARNING
• 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)
'The least we can do'
When the Illinois River began cresting a few weeks ago, rising waters forced the evacuation of dozens of homes along the river in the city of Marseilles, Ill. It also caused American Legion Post 235 to spring into action.
The Illinois River crested near 30 feet, its highest level ever; flood stage is 20 feet. Several Illinois counties were classified as disaster areas. Following the April 18 flooding in Marseilles, Post 235 set up as a central location for food items to be donated. Post members, Salvation Army officials and community volunteers spent hours putting together bag lunches to take directly to flood victims who had begun the process of rebuilding their lives.
The post also started serving three hot meals a day to flood victims, police, fire and other emergency personnel, and any other volunteers who came to Marseilles to lend a hand. And it did so without hesitation, 60-year Post 235 member Gene Thompson said.
Read the whole story on The American Legion's national headquarters website.
American Legion Post #235 in Marseilles, Illinois opened it's doors to flood victims in their community, offering sack lunches and hot meals to those affected.
Retirement Planner: Special Extra Earnings For Military Service
Source: Social Security Administration
Since 1957, if you had military service earnings for active duty (including active duty for training), you paid Social Security taxes on those earnings. Since 1988, inactive duty service in the Armed Forces reserves (such as weekend drills) has also been covered by Social Security.
Under certain circumstances, special extra earnings for your military service from 1957 through 2001 can be credited to your record for Social Security purposes. These extra earnings credits may help you qualify for Social Security or increase the amount of your Social Security benefit.
Special extra earnings credits are granted for periods of active duty or active duty for training. Special extra earnings credits are not granted for inactive duty training.
If your active military service occurred
From 1957 through 1967, we will add the extra credits to your record when you apply for Social Security benefits.
From 1968 through 2001, you do not need to do anything to receive these extra credits. The credits were automatically added to your record.
After 2001, there are no special extra earnings credits for military service.
Note: In January 2002, Public Law 107-117, the Defense Appropriations Act, stopped the special extra earnings that have been credited to military service personnel. Military service in calendar year 2002 and future years no longer qualifies for these special extra earnings credits
How You Get Credit For Special Extra Earnings
The information that follows applies only to active duty military service earnings from 1957 through 2001. Here's how the special extra earnings are credited on your record:
Service in 1957 Through 1977
You are credited with $300 in additional earnings for each calendar quarter in which you received active duty basic pay.
Service in 1978 through 2001
For every $300 in active duty basic pay, you are credited with an additional $100 in earnings up to a maximum of $1,200 a year. If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, and didn't complete at least 24 months of active duty or your full tour, you may not be able to receive the additional earnings.
Check with Social Security for details.
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