o 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE

0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

HEADQUARTERS William M. Detweiler, Chairman

P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317I635-S411

Michael E. Alexander, Director

/o

Origin Date: 5-7-82

INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) — National Commander Jack W. Flynt told reporters this

week the suspension of $1.2 billion in Veterans Administration hospital construction

could cause "the dismantling or deterioration of a medical system that took

decades to develop."

The conTtiander' s comments came during a press conference at Legion national

headquarters. Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission Director Robert E.

Lyngh provided many of the details at the news conference.

Flynt said the suspension, prompted by VA administrator Robert P. Nimmo's

suggestion that political and other pressures had influenced past hospital con-

struction, "is unwarrented, unless the administrator's purpose is to change com-

pletely the way health care is provided veterans. I suspect that may be his

ultimate objective."

Lyngh also criticized the suspension, and described the results of an on-

site inspection of 56 VA center projects in 29 states conducted by staff field

representatives.

"You're talking about 90,000 beds in which there are 70,000 patients on any

given day," he said. Most of these hospitals were built around World War II.

Most are at least 35 years old." (more)

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Hospitals - 2

Lyngh reminded reporters that specialized units such as hemodialysis,

intensive care and cardiac care units did not exist when most VA hospitals were

built, and that modernization of existing facilities often requires the removal

of many patient beds to allow such units to be established.

"We believe the American people will want to decide the extent to which

they want to look after those who fought their wars," Lyngh said. "We believe

also that young Americans who will have to answer their country's call in the

future will want to know what they can expect when they come marching home."

Lyngh concurred in Camiander Flynt's conclusion that Niinmo's action may

have hidden motives, saying "we can only think that the construciton validation

ploy is just one part of a more extensive plan to reorder veterans health care

and other problems."

(alns)

QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE B m

NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION HEADQUARTERS

William M. Detweiler, Chairman Michael E. Alexander, Director P. 0. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317)635-8411

m

Origin Date: 5-7-82

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ALNS) — Concern about the toll of lives, suffering and

costs caused by drunk drivers, The American Legion is supporting a $125-million

federal program encouraging states to increase enforcement aimed at such violations.

E. Philip Riggin, director, Legion National Legislative Commission, wrote

Pep. Glenn Anderson, D-Cal., chairman, House Public Works and Transportation sub-

committee, about the Legion's position on surface transportation. Riggin's

letter was in advance of an April 29 hearing on legislation introduced by Reps.

James Howard, D-N.J., and Michael Barnes, D-Md.

The Howard-Barnes bill would authorize a three-year program of grants to

states that enact proven methods of curbing drunk driving. Suggested approaches

are defining intoxicated drivers as those with a 0.10% or higher blood alcohol

level, a system to easily identify repeat offenders, and a strict policy of sus-

pending offenders' driving licenses.

Riggin said drunk driving kills 26,000 persons a year in this country, per-

manently disables 125,000 and costs $5-6 billion directly.

An insurance executive told the subcommittee the indirect economic losses

exceed $24 billion annually.

(alns)


HEADQUARTERS William M. Detweiler, Chairman Michael E. Alexander, Director

P. 0. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317)635-8411

It 5

Origin Date: 5-7-82

INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) — With awards of $175,480 for 1982, The American Legion

Child Welfare Foundation surpassed the $1 million mark in total grants since 1954.

The foundation gave grants ranging from $7,500 to $25,000 to 12 non-profit

organizations involved in research or education projects on behalf of children

and youth. The grants were announced May 3 following the foundation's annual

meeting at American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis.

Grant recipients and amounts are:

-- Association of Insulin Dependent Diabetic, New York: $10,000 for a juvenile diabetic project

— National Peye's Syndrome Foundation, Benzonia, Mich.: $7,500 to continue its national education project

— Delinquency Control Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles: $10,000 for police officers to attend juvenile delinquency training program

— National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Rockville, Md.: $25,000 to produce an educational film

— Horizons for Youth, Sharon, Mass.: $9,000 for police-youth relations literature

— Leukemia Society of America, Orlando, Fla. educational film

$20,000 to produce an

— Parents Campaign for Handicapped Children and Youth, Washington, D.C.: $12,000 for promotional material

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Grants - 2

— Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, Mi.: $15,000 to produce a computer instruction unit

— Arthritis Foundation, Atlanta: $24,500 to produce an educational film

— National Child Nutrition Project, New Brunswick, N.J.: $7,500 to develop prevention-oriented literature and broadcast announcements

— National Hemophilia Foundation, New York: $19,480 to produce educational^ material

— U.S. Association for Blind Athletes, Beach Haven Park, N.J.: $15,500 for financial aid program for recreational services

The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation was founded in 1954 to provide

financial aid to organizations and individuals in education and research projects

dealing with problems of youth. Funds administered by the foundation are derived

from gifts, bequests and other donations from Legionnaires and others concerned

with the welfare of children and youth.

(alns)

0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION


P. O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317)635-8411

/If

Origin Date: 5-7-82

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ALNS) — The Alterican Legion has urged Congress to earmark

local veterans employment and outreach personnel funds to prevent state employment

offices from spending it on other programs.

Paul Egan, National Legislative Commission deputy director, told a Senate

appropriations subcommittee that many employment outreach specialists have been

laid off or fired because of cuts in the Federal Unemployment Trust Account.

Egan recommended specific line items be added to the Labor Department budget

to maintain federally mandated personnel strengths. He suggested with the ex-

piration of CETA grants, the money could come from the general account to spare

other programs.

"In the past, these funds were (taken in) under the Employment Training

Administration's budget and identified as Veterans Service, Egan said. "Conse-

quently, there was little control or accountability by the states as to how the

funds were spent. Indeed, it has not been unusual to find states utilizing

veterans funds for non-veteran programs and personnel."

Egan indicated the Legion was generally satisfied with the Labor Department's

proposed funding for the nationwide network of regional, state, assistant state

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Funds - 2

directors and national support staff of the Veterans Employment Service, which

will mark its 50th anniversary next year.

"... it has been some time since the VES has been fully staffed and pro-

vided with adequate travel funds," he said. "In our estiiration, the fiscal

year 1983 budget request of $8.5 million would adequately support 225 positions

with $586,000 in travel funds."

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P. O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317) 635-8411

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HI

Origin Date: 5-7-82

INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) — American Legion National Commander Jack W. Flynt

launched the National Executive Conmittee's spring meeting May 5 with a challenge

to continue a tradition of leadership excellence.

"The quality of leadership," he said, "is what sets the Legion apart from

other groups in America today."

The Commanders remarks preceded a conference which resulted in the adoption

of several resolutions. The NEC endorsed U.S. support of British action in

the Falkland Islands dispute with Argentina, outlined support of a nuclear freeze

which does not diminish U.S. deterence capabilities, and opposed reduction of

benefits to veterans with service-connected disabilities.

The NEC also heard William C. Plowden, assistant secretary of labor for

veterans affairs, describe plans to consolidate veterans labor concerns under

his direction.

"When I came on board, (the Veterans Employment Service) was in rather a

confused state. We had been reduced to something like 174 positions. Our

budget had been cut to $7 million, which was inadequate. But the administration

has seen fit to restore it to the level of 225 positions... and is giving me

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NEC - 2

an additional $1.7 million in supplemental appropriations to bring it up

to adequate levels," he said.

Americanism Commission Chairman Daniel J. O'Connor cited U.S. District

Court Judge Mark A. Constantino for outstanding ceremonies in the naturali-

zation of new citizens. He mentioned Judge Constantino's recent naturalization

ceremony at the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York City.

Constantino reminded Legionnaires of the importance of educating new

citizens, and commended the Legion for its support of Americanism concepts..

More than 300 Legion leaders attended the spring session.

(alns)

QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

HEADQUARTERS Michael E. Alexander, Director William M. Detweiler, Chairman


A2/

Origin Date: 5-14-82

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ALNS) — Small Business Administrator James Sanders approved

29 recommendations to make his federal agency more responsive to veterans and give

meaning to "special consideration" mandated for them by Congress.

The recommendations, drawn up by a veterans task force proposed 14 months

earlier by The American Legion, include processing veterans ahead of non-veterans

seeking Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and business advice, and organ-

izing special demonstrations, pilot projects and workshops for veterans. A per-

manent office of veterans in business also will be created under the SBA's chief

counsel for advocacy, Frank Swain, who chaired the task force.

"I think it's going to be a worthwhile program for veterans," said James

Bourie, Legion national director for economics and a member of the task force.

Bourie proposed creation of the task force to Congress in March 1981 after com-

plaining that SBA's "special consideration for veterans" trying to start their

own businesses or keep them going had accomplished little in six years.

"This is only a step, but I'm really optimistic this thing is going to take

hold," Bourie said.

The SBA was created during the Eisenhower administration to help, advise and

protect the interests of small entrepreneurs. It counsels small business owners (more)

A£4

SBA - 2

on investment, procurement and management, and monitors government regu-

latory agencies to assure flexibility and equal access to federal contracts

by small firms. It formerly provided direct loans as well as loan guarantees

to small enterprises unable to borrow elsewhere, especially after disasters.

But the Reagan administration has not asked for SBA direct loan funds in next

year's budget.

Bourie said the recoimendations approved by Sanders are not only to help

veterans get into business, but also to help those already in business stay

there.

(alns)

ST. PAUL, MINN. (ALNS) — National Commander Jack W. Flynt honored Minne-

sota Legion Commander Milo T. Cecka during a testimonial dinner recently.

Commander Flynt also commended the 125,862 Legionnaires for their support

of veterans programs.

Commander Flynt spoke on Veterans Administration programs and their impact

on veterans. He discussed renovation of the VA Medical Center at Fort Snelling.

(alns)

QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE

CO NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION

HEADQUARTERS William M. Detweiler, Chairman

P. O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317) 635-8411

Michael E. Alexander, Director

'&3


WASHINGTON, D.C. (ALNS) — The American Cancer Society unit on Guam will

plant a coconut tree at a military ceremony May 26 on Gaan invasion beach to

start a living memorial to the Americans, Japanese and islanders who died there

38 years ago.

For each $100 donation to the American Cancer Society, U.S. Navy and Air

Force units on Guam will provide a tree to the war in the Pacific National

Historical Park, to be planted, marked and tended by the National Park Service.

Each donor will receive a certificate and be recorded as the sponsor of a

particular tree in a permanent list to be kept at the park.

Dr. J. Henry Hoffmann, president of the American Cancer Society's Guam

unit, said the project is to memorialize the sacrifice and bravery of partici-

pants in the Pacific theater during World War II, to restore the original trees

and grass of the National Historical Park, and to help save lives threatened

by cancer.

Guam's Red Beach 1 and Asan, Adaca and Gaan points were completely denuded

by strafing, shelling, bombing and combat in 1944, Hoffmann said. They have

not returned to their original condition. The project is intended to restore

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Ceremony - 2

the areas by planting grass and mature trees from other island groves now part

of U.S. military bases.

The United States acquired Guam, largest of the Mariana Islands, from

Spain in 1898. It was seized by Imperial Japanese forces on Dec. 11, 1941,

and retaken by American forces on July 21, 1944.

For further information about donation to the project, contact the American

Cancer Society (Gram Unit), P.O. Box 6562, Tamuning, Guam 96911.

(alns)

QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

HEADQUARTERS

ID William M. Detweiler, Chairman Michael E. Alexander, Director P. 0. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317)635-8411

t&5


WASHINGTON, D.C. (AIHS)— A House Armed Services Catmittee recently passed

a peacetime GI Bill to provide service personnel with education benefits of

$200 per month for a maximum of 36 months in return for three years of active

duty.

The new bill would also provide an additional $100 per month after five more

years of service.

Moreover, the Defense Department could add $400 per month to the three-year

basic benefit to recruit and retain personnel with critical skills, and another

$300 per month after five more years of service.

The basic $200 per month benefit would be paid by the Veterans Administration,

with the Pentagon responsible for the discretionary supplemental of up to $800

per month. After serving eight years, a military man or woman with a critical

skill could be entitled to a maximum $1,000 per month for 36 months in earned

educational benefits.

After 10 years' service, personnel with skills deemed critical by the

Defense Department would be eligible to transfer their GI education benefits to

a spouse or child. In an amandment to the House bill, the Armed Services Com-

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Bill - 2

mittee also approved a two-year test of a cash-out provision allowing military

personnel to take up to 25% of accrued education benefits as cash upon re-

enlistment. This would also be at Pentagon discretion and would offset any

other re-enlistment bonus.

The Armed Services Committee version differs in seme details frcm the same

bill as passed by the House Veterans Affairs Committee, whose chairman, U.S.

Rep. Sonny Montgomery (D-Miss.) introduced the legislation.

The American Legion testified four times last year at House and Senate

hearings on this and other peacetime GI Bills. It strongly objected having the

government pay for a military recruiting and retention benefit out of the VA

budget, and also to transfering the benefit from the serviceperson to a spouse

or offspring. Legion spokesmen said the latter provision would greatly increase

the cost of the legislation and could discourage enlistment for children of

military personnel.

Legion officials said they don't expect enactment of a peacetime GI Bill

during this session of Congress. Parallel legislation has stalled in the Senate,

and the administration opposes changing the present contributory education plan

for military personnel.

Because the present economic recession has caused enlistments of high-

quality recruits to soar, education incentives are not considered a pressing issue.

(alns)

0 MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION


P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317)635-8411

''c£7


WASHINGTON, D.C. (ALNS) — The Senate has approved a bill granting funds to

states which enact tough laws against drunk driving.

The bill also would provide for the establishment of a national electronic

register of drivers with revoked licenses.

The Senate bill, sponsored by Sen. John C. Danforth (R-Mo.) requires states

to suspend a driver's license for at least 90 days after a first arrest for

driving with a blood alcohol level of at least 0.1% and for at least one year

after a second offense.

The House bill written by Reps. James Howard (D-N.J.) and Michael Barnes (D-Md)

allows states to work out details under criteria established by the Secretary of

Transportation. Both define drunk drivers according to the same blood-alcohol

level.

Under the Senate bill, the Department of Coirmerce would set up an electronic

register of drivers whose licenses have been revoked. The information would be

available to state authorities to prevent suspended drivers from obtaining a

license in another state. The legislation provides strict penalties for abuse

of the confidentiality of such information. Drivers names would be removed

from the list after seven years. (alns)



P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317)635-8411

/£<f


WASHINGTON, D.C. (ALNS) — The Pennsylvania American region wants 1 cent

of the state cigarette tax earmarked for the state's two veterans homes.

The proposal, in a resolution adopted at the recent department executive

committee meeting, noted that a 1 cent cigarette tax to pay a Korean War vet-

erans bonus reverted to the general fund after the obligation was met. The

proposal would specify the revenue be used for maintenance of the Soldiers and

Sailors home in Erie and the Hollidaysburg State Veterans Homes.

There are 48 veterans homes in 33 states and the District of Columbia.

Seven provide hospitalization, 37 offer nursing home care, and 41 include domi-

ciliaries for aged and destitute veterans. The state veterans homes include

17,000 beds. In fiscal year 1981 they provided more than 4 million days of

patient care to veterans.

The federal government has shared the cost of care in state homes since

1888, when Congress authorized a $100 annual subsidy for each veteran. Hos-

pitalization and per diem for nursing home care allowances were later added.

The American Legion supports extending VA's authority to make grants

to states for constructing, modernizing or repairing state veterans homes, and

increasing federal per diem payments. (more)

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Tax - 2

Pending legislation would authorize VA to reimburse state homes at a rate

of one-third the per diem cost of the same treatment in VA facilities, but no

more than 50% of the average actual cost at state facilities. The cost of

care in state veterans homes is below the cost of direct VA care because of

lower salaries and other factors. Under flat per diem reimbursement, the

federal government shared only 22% of the state cost of treating veterans —

a 10-year low — in 1981.

Federal law allows VA to reimburse private nursing homes for 45% of the

average cost of caring for veterans in VA hospitals. Last year, the VA paid

community nursing homes $40.77 per patient day, and paid state veterans homes

only $12.10 per patient day.

(alns)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ALNS) — James Bourie, economics director for The American

Legion, has been elected vice chairman of the Council for Disabled Veterans, of

the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped.

(alns)




•o$


INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) — Entries in The American Legion "Comiunity Service

in Action" photography contest are being accepted through Aug. 31.

Prizes include $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for

third place. The winning photo, determined to best represent the "Community

Service in Action" theme, will be published in The American Legion Magazine.

Entries are limited to one 8x10 black-and-white photo per entrant. Each

photo submitted becomes the property of the national public relations division.

An entry must be the original work of the entrant, and must be postanarked not

later than Aug. 31, 1982. Judging will be by a panel of professional photo-

graphers .

The contest is open to all active Legionnaires.

Submit photographs, along with entrant's name, address, phone number and

brief description of the photo subject to:

The American Legion Photo Contest Public Relations Division P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Ind. 46206

(alns)

>3f 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE

NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION HEADQUARTERS

William M. Detweiler, Chairman Michael E. Alexander, Director P. O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317)635-3411


INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) — U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Jeane J.

Kirkpatrick's assessment of the UN will appear in the June issue of The American

Legion Magazine.

In an interview, entitled "Battling back at the UN," Kirkpartick discusses

frustrating experiences in her first year at the UN. She points out that "while

in the outside world the U.S. has friends who are allies, in the UN, we have

friends, but no reliable allies."

Kirkpatrick goes on to say: "What we really have in the UN is a kind of

'silent majority.' The radicals in the various blocs tend to throw their weight

around more than the moderates. The moderates don't speak up, so the redicals

dominate on the side of the Soviet Union. As a consequence, the Soviets emerge

the winners."

'An overwhelming majority of Americans are fed up with shelling out $1

billion or more a year to support an organization that seems to spend a majority

of its time spitting on Uncle Sam's face," she said.

America's contribution is nearly double that of the Soviet Union and Japan

combined, and more than three times West Germany's support.

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t3£>


INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) — National Commander Jack W. Flynt arrived in London

Monday, May 17, to begin a two-week tour of Europe.

He will meet with Legionnaires, U.S. and foreign government officials and

U.S. military personnel. He will make official visits to Paris, Normandy,

Frankfort, West Berlin and East Berlin, before returning to the United States

Wednesday, June 2.

Flynt is scheduled to address Legion and foreign audiences in London, Paris,

Bayeaux (France) and Frankfort. On Memorial Day, he will address an audience

of U.S. and foreign dignitaries and lay a wreathe at Suresnes American Military

Cemetery near Paris.

The commander is expected to underscore Legion support for NATO, the

Legion position on a nuclear arms agreement, and the special relationships

necessary between U.S. and NATO nations.

The commander's European tour, a fact-finding mission on behalf of The

American Legion, includes military briefings at SHAPE headquarters outside Paris

and a number of other military briefings in West Germany.

The commander will resume a heavy schedule of official department visits

immediately upon return from Europe. (alns)

El ■MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION


P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317) 635-8411


WASHINGTON, D.C. (AIMS) — Unemployment among Vietnam-era veterans 30-39

eased for the first tine in five months during April, while rates for those 25-29

and over-40 reached record levels.

The rates for veterans 30-39 were 9.3% for those 30-34 and 6% for those

35-39. unemployment for veterans 25-29 reached 17.4%, compared with 9.9% for non-

veteran males the same age. For veterans 40-and-over, unemployment inched to 5%

from March's 4.9% level.

National Economics Commission Director James G. Bourie said the disparity

between the employment of Vietnam-era veterans and non-veterans is alarming.

"It seems that Vietnam-era veterans are the last hired and first fired," he

said. ,

The Legion economic division is preparing a pamphlet listing all available

job programs for veterans. Available in June, it can be obtained by writing

National Economics Division, The American legion, 1608 K St., N.W., Washington,

D.C. 20006.

Thirty-eight thousand fewer Vietnam-era veterans were looking for work in

April than in March. In addition to the 709,000 seeking jobs, the Labor Depart-

ment classified 494,000 non-institutionalized Vietnam-era veterans as neither

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Unemployment - 2

employed nor looking for work — up 12,000 from March.

The unemployment rate for Vietnam-era veterans 40-and-over is significant

in that they are at the peak earning period. Older Vietnam-era veterans outside

the labor market totalled 184,000, up 9,000 over March, according to unadjusted

Labor Department figures.

For the third straight month, Vietnam-era veterans under 35 had higher

unemployment than non-veterans of the same age. Rates for veterans and non-

veterans 35-39 alike were 6%. Historically, veterans have enjoyed better job

security than non-veterans, but this year that is no longer the case.

Meanwhile, higher unemployment among younger Vietnam-era veterans compared

to non-veterans appears to be spreading to older Vietnam-era veterans.

The following figures were provided by the government, which limits its

comparisons of non-veteran males to those 25-39, accounting for more than 80%

of Vietnam-era veteran population.

April *82 March '82 April '81

VEV Non-Vet VEV Non-Vet VEV Non-Vet

Age 25-29 17.4% 9.9% 17.0% 10.5% 9.2% 7.3% 30-34 9.3% 7.6% 9.4% 7.6% 5.6% 4.8%

35-39 6.0% 6.0% 7.3% 6.6% 4.8% 4.9%

All 25-39 9.4% 8.3% 9.9% 8.7% 6.1% 5.9%

Over 40 5.0% 4.9% 3.0%

(alns)

0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE a NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION HEADQUARTERS

William M. Detweiler, Chairman Michael E. Alexander, Director P. U. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 '317)635-8411

tjs


INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) — Trinity (Tex.) American Legion Post No. 314 claims

a distinction, if not a record, of most family members in a single post.

Nine members of the Waller family — six brothers and the three sons of

one — have a combined total of 215 years' membership in the Legion.

From World War II, with 34 years' membership, are Coye, Don, Travis, Jim

and Dan; from Korea, with 24 years' membership, is G.C.; from Vietnam are

Dwight, 5 years, Dennis, 10 years, and Larry, 6.

(alns)

HEADQUARTERS

0MER1CAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE TW NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION

William M. Detweiler, Chairman Michael E. Alexander, Director P. 0. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317)635-8411

13b


WASHINGTON, D.C. (ALNS) ~ The American Legion strongly defended veterans

benefits May 24, calling them a national priority "second only to national defense."

When National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Director Robert E. Lyngh

concluded his statement before the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on HUD and

independent agencies, Sen. William Proxmire, D-Wis., — a World War II veteran

and Legionnaire himself ~ praised his "forceful testimony."

"We are very much aware that the federal government today funds a plethora

of programs, each of which has its advocates, who present to Congress what they

believe to be compelling reasons why those programs should be fully funded,"

Lyngh told the subcommittee.

"We submit, however, that none of the special interest advocates can put

forward reasons as compelling as those of the veteran. America's war veterans

today represent more than 25 million men and women who have served the national

interest in its armed forces, in four wars in the 20th century.

"When a nation goes to war it commits the ultimate act of sovereignty. To

advance its cause, it then turns to its citizens whose duty it is to advance

the national cause by force of arms. - —«.

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Lyngh - 2

"The four American wars of the 20th century have been fought by conscript

citizen armies. Hundreds of thousands have died, leaving their widows and child-

ren behind them. Hundreds of thousands more have been wounded or otherwise

disabled as a result of service rendered. Many of those who returned have had

to endure difficult readjustment periods. Many of them did not successfully

tolerate the military experience. They continue to have problems in their per-

sonal lives.

"The programs to assist these returned veterans and the survivors of those

who did not return are an identifiable cost of war. And the government of the

United States must be prepared to accept the consequences of its own actions —

whatever the cost.

"...We challenge any other interest group to present a case as compelling

as ours. And we must point out to the subcommittee, in all honesty, that if

this government expects an enthusiastic response from the American people the

next time it finds it necessary to commit the armed forces to action, it had

better not turn its back on those who have already served. We hope the sub-

committee will pardon our bluntness," Lyngh said, "But we believe the case must

be stated as it is."

Lyngh said The American Legion opposed the Senate budget committee's

proposal to freeze veterans disability payments while granting cost-of-living

increases in other government support programs such as Social Security.

(alns)

SMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE a NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION HEADQUARTERS

William M. Detweiler, Chairman Michael E. Alexander, Director P. O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317)635-8411

3?


WASHINGTON, D.C. (AIMS) — The U.S. Labor Department and the Snail Business

Administration are launching a project to put job-seeking veterans in touch with

veterans who own their businesses.

"It's an outgrowth of one of the recommendations of the SBA task force on

veterans and I'm glad to see them moving so fast," said Jim Bourie, national

economics director, American Legion.

Bourie proposed the creation of the task force in congressional testimony

last year. He was a member of the panel that drew up 29 recommendations adopted

by the SBA in May to help veterans.

"Just as we helped each other on the battlefield, so we assist our fellow

veterans who are fighting to become gainfully employed," said William Plowden,

assistant secretary of labor for veterans employment. Plowden is a Legionnaire

long active in veterans activities in South Carolina and at the national level.

Under the program, computer printouts of veteran-owned businesses having SBA

loans are provided to the field staff of the Labor Department's Veterans Employ-

ment Service in each state. VES staffers will contact these potential employers

to ask if they have jobs to offer fellow veterans looking for work.

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SBA - 2

Besides placement of unemployed veterans, VES staffers in state job service

offices will inform veterans who are in business about federal programs that

encourage the hiring of veterans in the private sector, such as the Targeted Jobs

Tax Credit and the Veterans Administrations on-the-job training program.

The tax credit program offers employers an incentive to hire members of

certain groups, including economically disadvantaged Vietnam-era vets under 35.

In the VA' s on-the-job training program, the government pays up to half the

starting wages of an eligible veteran and a decreasing share for up to two years

as the new worker learns a skill.

(alns)

EJMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION



K0


INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) — Five department commanders will be eating steak

dinners on four national holidays under the National Commander's Special New

Member Recruitment Contest.

The department commanders in each of the five Big Ten categories (member-

ship size) whose departments exceed the new-member goal by the highest percentage

will win steak dinners on Independence Day, Labor Day, Christmas and Easter.

Other dinners will go to second, third, fourth and fifth place winners.

A Certificate of Recognition has been designed for the post member who

recruits the most members.

The two-month membership incentive program has brought in more than 3,500

members, said Jim Adcox, national membership director. It was conducted Feb. 15.

(alns)

□ MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE a NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION


P. 0. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317) 635-8411

4)


WASHINGTON, D.C. (ALNS) — Memphis Post No. 1 of The American legion Depart-

ment of Tennessee has seen the light.

After nearly 63 years of monthly post meetings at night, the officers have

decided to meet at noon on the second Monday of every month. Friday night bingo

will continue at 7 p.m.

Commander Lloyd Sowell said nighttime meetings are decreasing among many

organizations in downtown Memphis. To encourage attendance, a buffet lunch and

cocktails will be served at 11 a.m. before regular meetings.

Jim Adcox, national Membership and Post Activities director, Legion head-

quarters, Indianapolis, said downtown posts across the country have gained

attendance at meetings by switching from evening to noon sessions. Many had

suffered from population shifts to the suburbs and found that members didn't

care to return downtown at night for a Legion meeting.

Of course, some posts made up of business and professional people have been

holding luncheon meetings all along for convenience, Adcox said.

Though not one of Tennessee's three "kingsize" posts of 2,000 or more,

Memphis Post No. 1 boasts a membership of 1,600 -- making it bigger than some

overseas Legion departments.

(alns)

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