SGI ESMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE

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

HEADQUARTERS William M. Detweiler, Chairman

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

SGI

CDC Origin Date: Dec. 3, 1982

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ALNS) — The federal Center for Disease Control

(CDC) in Atlanta appears willing to take over from the Veterans Admini-

stration responsibility for a major study of the possible health effects

of Agent Orange on Vietnam veterans.

"They're still ironing out details about funding and staffing the

study, and it looks like a decision may be made soon," said Dr. Thomas

J. FitzGerald, a medical consultant with The American Legion's national

office in Washington. FitzGerald told ALNS the development was reported

by Dr. Donald Custis, chief medical director of the Veterans Administration,

at a Nov. 30 meeting of VA's Advisory Committee on Health-Related Effects

of Herbicides. Dr. FitzGerald represents the Legion on the committee.

Prodded by The American Legion and key congressmen, VA asked the

CDC in October to take over responsibility for conducting an epidemio-

logical study of veterans exposed to the defoliant Agent Orange. The

study was mandated by Congress in 1979. Resolution 410 of the Legion's

national convention in August in Chicago urged transfer of the study to

an independent agency such as CDC.

The advisory panel also heard a report on preliminary findings of

the Air Force's "Ranch Hand" study, indicating that servicemen who sprayed

(more)

3t&

CDC - 2

Agent Orange from airplanes to kill jungle cover and Viet Cong crops in

Vietnam are not dying at a higher rate than servicemen not exposed. In

fact, they have a lower mortality rate than people the same age in the

general population — probably because they were in better health to

begin with— doctors conducting the study said.

VA announced at the session that it is hiring five experts, including

an epidemiologist and biostatistician, for other studies it is conducting

on the effects of Agent Orange exposure. Some veterans blame such exposure

for a broad range of serious ailments they suffer from, though scientific

proof of a connection has not been established except for the skin

disorder chloracne.

Dr. A. Betty Fischmann, who chairs the VA's Chloracne Task Force,

told the advisory committee that researchers once through chloracne dis-

appeared in a few years, but now know it can persist for 30 years. She

said only 13 cases of chloracne have been found in 3,200 Vietnam vets who

filed for disability benefits but greater efforts must be made to locate

victims. Chloracne is caused by dioxin, a chemical contaminant of Agent

Orange which Dr. Fischmann called "the most toxic chemical ever synthe-

sized by man."

Dr. FitzGerald told ALNS the committee did not act on a recommenda-

tion from representatives of state Agent Orange commissions urging Congress

to enact a presumption of service-connection that would authorize the

payment of disability compensation to AO-exposed veterans who develop

soft-tissue sarcomas.

(more)

3G3

CDC

A 1982 law gives veterans exposed to Agent Orange priority for VA

medical treatment of problems that might have been caused by exposure,

even though no link has been established. The priority is equivalent

to that for service-connected disabilities rated up to 40 percent, but

does not affect the rules governing disability compensation, which is

a monthly benefit paid to veterans based on the severity of health

impairment known to be related to their military service.

The American Legion favors establishing a mechanism for pre-

sumption of service-connection so compensation can be paid as soon as

scientific research by the government shows Agent Orange exposure causes

specific disabilities. However, John Sommer, Jr., Deputy Director, VA&R,

said veterans he has spoken with during the past five years around the

country are not so much interested in compensation payments as they are

concerned with finding out what delayed effects Agent Orange might have

on their health or the health of their children.

The Legion is pressing the government to come up with prompt,

scientific answers, and then take full responsibility for the consequences

of war on its former defenders, no matter what the cost.

(alns)

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

HEADQUARTERS m William M. Detweiler, Chairman

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

3Z4

Keller Origin Date: Dec. 3, 1982

INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) ~ National Commander Al Keller, Jr. is currently

in Tokyo, Japan, the first stop on his official Far East tour. He will

also make visits to: Seoul, Korea; Taipei, Taiwan; Hong Kong, China;

Manila, Philippines and the Hawaiian Islands.

The purpose of the tour is three-fold. Along with visits to American

Legion posts at each stop, National Commander Keller will make courtesy

calls to the United States Ambassador in each area. He will also receive

briefings from diplomatic and military officials concerning the United

States relationship with that particular part of the world.

Other highlights of the visit will include tours of military instal-

lations and medical centers, wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials

and a visit to the de-militarized zone (DMZ) in Korea. The Far East visit

will conclude on Dec. 23.

(alns)

n

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

William M. Detuveiler, Chairman HEADQUARTERS

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

35

Walters Origin Date: Dec. 3, 1982

INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) — National Commander Al Keller, Jr. sent the

following telegram to Harry N. Walters following his nomination by

President Reagan to become the 12th Administrator of Veterans Affairs.

"On behalf of the 2.6 million members of The American Legion, we

congratulate you on your nomination by the President to serve as Ad-

ministrator of Veterans Affairs. My staff and I look forward to working

with you on behalf of the nation's veterans and their dependents and

survivors.

"While The American Legion, as a matter of long-standing policy does

not endorse candidates for governmental office, we will appear at your

confirmation hearing, to express our concerns about matters we perceive

to be most currently important to veterans.

"You have our best wishes for success in your new assignment."

Walters, 46, is a native of Fostoria, Ohio. A graduate of West

Point in 1959, he served with the 25th Infantry Division before leaving

active duty in 1962. At the time of his nomination, Walters served as

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

(alns)

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


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

3(o(j>

Membership Origin Date: Dec. 3, 1982

INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) — James L. Adcox, National Membership Director,

has announced the results of the Veterans Day membership competition.

The Veterans Day target is the second of six national target dates estab-

lished for the 1982-83 membership year.

The Alvin M. Owsley National Trophy was awarded to the department

of Ohio. This trophy is awarded to the department whose membership, at

the close of the Veterans Day competition, attains the greatest percentage

when computed against the final department membership for the previous

four years.

Twenty-five departments, compared with 43 last year, qualified for

the National Veterans Day award. This award is given to those departments

whose 1983 membership is at least 65 percent of their 1983 assigned goal.

The 25 departments are: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California,

Connecticut, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota,

Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio,

Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

The final competition for the Veterans Day period is the "Goose Egg"

competition. Departments are grouped into six categories according to their

assigned 1983 membership goals. The department in each category with the

(more)

Membership - 2

highest percentage of posts reporting 1983 membership (ties broken by

earliest postmark date) is declared the winner. The six winners are:

Minnesota, Florida, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Delaware and France.

36 7

(alns)

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

William M. Detweiler, Chairman HEADQUARTERS


3G!

Bill Origin Date: Dec. 3, 1982

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ALNS) — The lame-duck session of the House passed

an amendment to the FY1983 Treasury-Postal appropriation bill Nov. 30

that would prevent the contracting out of 10-13,000 veterans preference

government jobs to private contractors in January.

"This is a significant victory, considering that the issue has been

hanging over our heads for years and we have heard from hundreds and

hundreds of veterans in danger of losing their jobs," said Jim Bourie,

national economic director of The American Legion.

Paul Egan, deputy director of the Legion's national legislative

division, said he was "optimistic the Senate will not strike the Edgar

amendment from whatever version of the bill it finally passes." The

amendment against contracting out the protected jobs — guards, elevator

operators, messengers and custodians supplied to various federal

agencies through the General Services Administration — was introduced by

Rep. Bob Edgar of Pennsylvania, chairman of the veterans education,

training and employment subcommittee.

Bourie pointed out that many of the veterans whose jobs will be

saved if the amendment passes into law are Vietnam-era veterans given

preference for lower-grade positions under the Veterans Readjustment

(more)

3V)

Bill - 2

Authority. "Older vets nearing retirement whose future was in jeopardy

will also get peace of mind," he said.

Egan said the transfer of these positions to the private sector,

which the Edgar amendment would prevent during the current fiscal year,

would mean lower pay and benefits for veterans at the lower end of the

economic scale if they followed their jobs and worked for private con-

tractors. Under the veterans preference laws, they could theoretically

transfer to similar positions elsewhere in the government, Egan said.

But in fact the positions themselves are to be eliminated so there would

be no place in the government for them to go.

The transfer of government jobs to the private sector is an admini-

stration policy spelled out in the Office of Management and Budget's

circular A-76. The Legion, while not opposing the concept, has fought

vigorously to prevent its application to jobs relating to patient care

in the Veterans Administration and to other federal positions earmarked

for veterans preference eligibles.

"If the amendment is adopted by the Senate — and I'm confident it

will be -- it only provides protection for Fiscal Year 1983," said Egan.

"Next year we must go to the Post Office and Civil Service Committee to

have the protection extended through more than one fiscal year."

Congressman Edgar's amendment satisfied Resolution 419 of the Legion's

64th annual national convention last August In Chicago. Egan noted that

The American Legion alerted other veterans organizations to support the

amendment.

(alns)

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

William M. Oetweiler, Chairman HEADQUARTERS

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

Special Origin Date: Dec. 3, 1982

INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) — Bob Higgins, press representative for CBS

Entertainment, has announced that early in 1983, the CBS Television Network

will broadcast a drama special entitled "The Scarlet and the Black,"

starring Gregory Peck.

The program chronicles the exploits of Monsignor Hugh 0' Flaherty,

then of the Vatican Holy Office, who, prior to the liberation of Rome

during World War II, harbored more than 2,000 escaped Allied POW's. Of

these, 185 were known to be Americans.

Higgins asks any Legionnaire aware of one of these individuals to

contact: James E. Witek, Deputy Director of Public Relations, The Ameri-

can Legion, 1608 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20006.

(alns)

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


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

Campbell Origin Date: Dec. 3, 1982

INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) — Clarence S. "Larry" Campbell, Department of

Vermont, died Nov. 17 at the age of 75. Mr. Campbell previously served

as Chairman of the Legion's National Economic Commission from 1967-1974,

and was Chairman Emeritus for the Commission from 1974 until his death.

He is survived by his wife Eda.

(alns)

m 313

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


P.O.Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 (317)635-3411

Hearing Assessment Origin Date: Dec. 10, 1982

INDIANAPOLIS (MNS) ~ Preparations are underway for organizing and

implementing the first American Legion/American Legion Auxiliary operated

Infant Hearing Assessment Program.

The program will be conducted at Washington Adventist Hospital in

Takoma Park, Maryland. Volunteers from the Legion and Auxiliary will be

trained in the operation of the test equipment and instructed in the pro-

cedure for screening and detecting hearing impairments in newborns.

The program is designed so that volunteers do the bulk of the work,

under the direction of a trained audiologist. They perform background

health investigations of the family and compile a risk register of each

birth. Those newborns determined to be "at risk" of a hearing impair-

ment are tested, then the results of the test are evaluated by medical

professionals. From a siitple computer tape printout, doctors are able .

to determine any degree of hearing impairment in an infant.

Dr. Herbert Shiroma, Hospital Administrator at Washington Adventist,

said, "Policies and procedures which govern the operation of the program

have just been drafted. Both the administrative and medical staff are

ready to go."

(more)

373

Hearing Assessment - 2

Marty Justis, Assistant Director for the National Americanism and

Children & Youth Division, stated, "About 120,000 hearing handicapped

babies are born each year. Many of these children, without the program

of the Infant Hearing Assessment Foundation, could be confined to a

world of silence, limited in their comprehension and frustrated by an

inability to communicate."

The formal agreement beta^een the hospital, The American Legion and

American Legion Auxiliary and the Infant Hearing Assessment Foundation

is to be signed shortly, and the official dedication of the program is

tentatively scheduled for March, 1983.

(alns)

(EDITORS NOTE) — Enclosed are promotional slides for the 1983

American Legion Baseball World Series which will be held in Fargo, North

Dakota, September 1-5, 1983. Promotions for next year's event are

already taking place. One sheet consists of 65 and 85-line halftones

for newspapers while the other sheet has 133 halftone for magazines.

Additional sheets can be obtained from the National Public Relations

office in Indianapolis.

El MER1CAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION



Vietnam Veterans Origin Date: Dec. 10, 1982

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ALNS) — The estimated population of noninstitution-

alized Vietnam-era veterans (VEVs) dropped by 455,000 - more than 5.5

percent - from October to November 1982. A statistician at the Veterans

Administration told ALNS this happened because the November Labor

Department figures used a new estimate of the VEV population based on the

1980 census. Prior estimates were based on numbers compiled during the

1970s.

The jobless percentages, however, are not affected and still can be

compared to month and.year-faefore rates, -

According to the new estimate, there are nearly 8.3 million Vietnam-

era veterans in civilian life. Of the 25.6 million American males age

25 to 39, 7 million served in the military during the 1964-1975 period

defined by Congress as the Vietnam era -- better than one in four.

Among VEVs, 12.3 percent fall in the 25-29 age bracket, according

to the estimate; 31.9 percent are now aged 30 to 34; 36.3 percent are

35-39, the largest single group, and 19.6 percent are 40 and older.

(alns)

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



J75

Education Origin Date: Dec. 10, 1982

INDIANAPOLIS (SINS) — The National Americanism and Children &

Youth Division has announced that the second National Conference on

Career Education will be held June 13-16, 1983, in Louisville, Ky.

Assistant Director Lee A. Hardy, recently returned from St. Louis,

Mo., where members of the American Association of Career Education met

to discuss plans for this conference.

The American Legion has been involved in the area of career education

for several years and again will participate in the national conference.

Legion participation may include an exhibit, presentations by Legion and

Auxiliary members in the area of career education and distribution of

educational material.

Further information will be forthcoming as plans for the conference

are developed.

tains)

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



J'?&

Fraud Origin Date: Dec. 10, 1982

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AIMS) ~ It had to happen sooner or later:

Someone is fraudulently soliciting money for "the National Vietnam

Veterans Memorial Park," which doesn't exist.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington is on federal land

and its upkeep will be the responsibility of the U.S. Parks Service.

Sandie Fauriol of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund says the

scam is being operated out of a telephone and mail drop in Washington.

The perpetrators send invoices, mainly to companies, soliciting money

for ads that were never ordered. These ads are supposedly for a

"Vietnam Veterans Album" created as a fund-raising project for the

purported memorial park.

The billings for the ads to the non-existent album are for $57.50

or $67.50 and carry a photo of Roger Donlon,.first Medal of Honor

recipient in the Vietnam war (and recipient of The American Legion's

Distinguished Service Medal in 1966).

Legitimate efforts are under way in several states and localities

to erect memorials honoring Americans who served and those who died in

Vietnam. It is possible that locally-based fraud schemes will turn up

(more)

311

Fraud - 2

as well. Before contributing, Legionnaires should ask their post,

district, or department to investigate. Billings for advertisements

that were never ordered are a favorite scheme, often targeted at past

donors to veterans causes and businesses that advertise in veterans'

publications.

(alns)

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



Walters

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AINS) — Noting its longstanding policy of not

endorsing candidates for public office, Ihe American legion says it takes

no position on President Reagan's nomination of Harry N. Walters to be

chief of the Veterans Administration but will work with him on behalf

of veterans if Walters is confirmed by the Senate.

"The first appointment of the president to this important post of

Administrator of Veterans Affairs did not turn out so well," said Robert

E. Lyngh, director of the Legion's National Veterans Affairs and

Rehabilitation Commission. Lyngh was referring to Robert P. Niimo who

resigned as head of the VA in October.

Testifying before a confirmation hearing of the Senate Veterans

Affairs Committee Dec. 8, Lyngh said: "The outgoing administrator, by

his public statements, made clear that he either did no understand the

fundamental basis on which veterans programs rest, or that he did not

believe in them. Either one of those possibilities is unacceptable to '

The American Legion."

Lyngh made the following points concerning what the nation's largest

veterans organization expects from a VA administrator:

mssm

Walters - 2

-"In the first place, the administrator must be a manager of

high ability," Lyngh said. "It is important to veterans, as it is to

all Americans, that VA be managed efficiently." He reminded the senators

that the Legion has already indicated it would support a manpower and

efficiency study of the $25 billion-a-year agency to make sure it is

run cost-effectively.

-Second, veterans "expect the administrator to articulate our

thoughts and feelings, our just needs and our problems, in the highest

councils of the government. Because if he does not, then who will?"

-Third, said Lyngh, the administrator must have a compassionate

understanding of the needs and problems of war veterans and their

families, widows and orphans. The VA chief embodies the idea that the

government has a soul: "In all that he says and does, he must give

evidence that he does indeed understand and that he cares."

Lyngh told the committee "the Veterans Administration is an agency

replete with problems" and "a vast agency that manifests both the best

and the worst of bureaucracy."

Noting that Legion field representatives and volunteers work in

veterans hospitals every day, he said: "We of the Legion like to believe

that the VA is perhaps the most sensitive of the federal agencies to

the needs and problems of those it serves. Many would not agree with that."

He pointed to three problems as among the first to which the new

administrator must give attention:

(more)

Walters - 3

—The unmet needs of Vietnam veterans, especially the urgent

questions about the possible health effects of Agent Orange;

—The aging World War II portion of the veteran population ~

numbering 12 million, average age 63 - whose health-care needs will

strain the VA system;

-The growing number of women in military service. "Within the

next 10 years, women will comprise as much as 12 percent of the total

military manpower of this nation. This means that more and more of them

will have claims on the government through the VA," Lyngh told the committee.

"Is VA, an agency that has served mostly a male clientele, ready

to deal with a more balanced population, with a greater variety of

needs?" he asked. "The American Legion has had women members since it

was founded following World War I, and it will insist that the federal

government deal compassionately and effectively with the problems of

women veterans."

Lyngh said the Legion reserved the right to speak out and debate

with the next VA chief concerning any of his policies with which it

might disagree.

(alns)

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

m a William M. Detweiler, Chairman

HEADQUARTERS

P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 017)635-8411

0MB Origin Date: Dec. 17, 1982

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AIMS) ~ American legion National Conmander Al

Keller Jr. sent a letter to Office of Managment and Budget Director

David Stockman Dec. 7 strongly objecting to OMB's plan to slash 200

acute-care beds from the replacement hospital planned for the Veterans

Administration Medical Center in Minneapolis.

"The replacement hospital at VAMC Minneapolis is probably the most

studied, researched, debated and considered hospital in the VA system,"

Keller wrote, "It is inconceivable... that this project could have come

this far... and be at the point where appropriation of funds is iimdnent...

and then have it stalled again by seme arbitrary action by your office.

Let me say unequivocally, this is no way for the government of the

United States to conduct its business."

Replacement of the Minneapolis veterans hospital, whose key buildings

have been in use since 1927, was listed in June 1981 as the VA's No. 1

national construction priority. The hospital was to have been built

during the current fiscal year, but was put on hold for restudy last

February by VA chief Robert Niinmo, who has since resigned.

(more)

CMB - 2

"Does it make sense to spend $280 million for a replacement V7A

hospital in Minneapolis where we've got 2,000 empty beds already there

and you've got a declining veteran population?" Niitmo asked an interviewer.

Later he conceded that the 2,000-bed figure came from outdated 1979

arguments used by the private-sector health industry in arguments for

contracting out veteran health care. Niamo also admitted that the

population of elderly and sick veterans served by the Minneapolis VAMC

was projected to increase.

The Minneapolis facility has had an average daily patient census

of 601 veterans in its 738 acute-care beds for the fiscal year to date.

CMB proposes to reduce the number of acute-care beds from the planned

725 to 525, while the number of veterans 65 and older in the Minneapolis

area is expected to increase 142 percent by 1990.

Money to build the replacement hospital is expected to be sought in

the FY 1984 budget to be unveiled next month.

(alns)

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


P.O.Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 <317)635-S411

OMB Origin Date: Dec. 17, 1982

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ALNS) — The American Legion accused the

office of Management and Budget (OMB) of taking advantage of a

leadership vacuum at the Veterans Administration to mount an

attack on veterans programs.

OMB's proposal, made after the resignation of Robert P. Nimmo

as VA chief and before the confirmation of Harry N. Walters as his

successor, to reduce the size of the VA replacement hospital in

Minneapolis by 200 acute-care beds is "untenable and preposterous,"

John Sommer, deputy director of the Legion's National Veterans

Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, told the House Veterans

Affairs subcommittee on hospitals and health care Dec. 14.

"Following OMB's plan to its illogical conclusion, the

replacement hospital would have an acute-care bed capacity of 525 —

not even enough beds to accommodate the current patient load, much

less the larger number of veterans that are expected to seek treat-

ment at the Minneapolis facility by 1990," Sommer testified. Some

$250 million to replace the Minneapolis hospital, whose key build-

ings have been in use for 55 years, is expected to be sought in the

FY19 84 budget to be unveiled in January.

(more)

OMB - 2

Sommer suggested that the subcommittee ask Budget Director

David Stockman to explain the proposed reduction of the Min-

neapolis facility. The project, previously identified as VA's

No. 1 national construction priority, was re-examined in 1982

as part of Nimmo's campaign to "revalidate" the agency's major

construction projects to eliminate those deemed unnecessary or

politically motivated.

"It is most unfortunate that the Legion, as a consumer

advocate for veterans, is unable to address the major construc-

tion projects for fiscal years 1984-1987, as former Administrator

Nimmo saw fit to undertake a revalidation of these projects-which

he first announced amid a flurry of fanfare and misleading informa-

tion on Feb. 19," Sommer told the congressmen.

"The study and revalidation process was completed by the

(VA's) Facility Planning and Construction Committee, and their

report was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget with-

out offering any opportunity for external review or comment. OMB

has embargoed the report pending FY84 budget negotiations, and

therefore we are without a scintilla of information on the specific

results of the study," Sommer testified.

He cited inquiries from the Legion's own Field Service

evaluation visits to veterans hospitals and follow-up interviews

with VA officials: "Our information indicates clearly to us that

in almost every instance, the projects developed by the VAMC

directors were reflective of the actual needs within the system."

(more)

OMB - 3

Turning to a General Accounting Office report under con-

sideration by the subcommittee, Sommer said the specific examples

of costly VA design changes to architect/engineering and con-

struction contracts lead "the Legion to believe that VA needs to

be more precise in its planning of construction projects."

"...It would appear to us that excessive and expensive

changes are being caused by improper planning, and we await with

interest an explanation by VA," he added.

The GAO report said amending the law concerning VA's con-

struction authority to allow the agency to contract for pre-

liminary design work before submitting projects to Congress could

save time and money. On the other hand, if Congress didn't

approve or fund the project, the design cost would be wasted.

Sommer said The American Legion would support such a change

in the law given evidence it would be cost-effective.

(alns)

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

William M. Detweiler, Chairman

HEADQUARTERS


SEA Origin Date: Dec 17, 1982

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AIMS) ~ The Small Business Administration (SEA)

held the first of five veterans demonstration projects Dec. 11-12 in

San Francisco. The purpose of the demonstration was to encourage veterans

thinking of going into business for themselves to do so.

"I was very encouraged, not only by the turnout but by the enthusiasm,"

said Jim Bourie, national economic director for The American legion.

Speakers at the two-day seminar included bankers, lawyers, import-

export specialists "but the feature attraction was the guest speakers ~

Vietnam veterans who have gone into business during these difficult

economic times and made a go of it," said Bourie. "I'm not talking about

doctors and lawyers but 'regular Joes' like yOu and me who've been

successful in construction, transportation, manufacturing... real entre-. ,

preneurs."

mre than a hundred Vietnam-era veterans attended both days of the

demonstration project. "These are the guys at the age of starting their

own business, and they're the ones we want to reach. It makes my work

a lot easier when the government does something positive like this for

the economic benefit of veterans," Bourie said.

(more)

SBA - 2

SBA plans other veterans demonstration projects in the Dallas-

Ft. Worth area, Denver, Minneapolis and New York City over the next

six months.

Summing up the San Francisco seminar, the legion economic director

called it an intense, in-depth session on what it takes to succeed in

business. "The successful Vietnam vets who spoke were very candid.

Let's face it. In these hard times eight out of 10 people going into

business on their own will fail in three years. Tney talked about what

the veteran should do to increase the odds," Bourie said.

(alns)

a E3

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



Allowances Origin Date: Dec. 17, 1982

INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) — Burial allowances, not to exceed $300, can

now be paid to states or local governments by the Veterans Administration

for interment of unclaimed bodies of certain indigent veterans.

Recent legislation allows payment of the allowance for the burial

and funeral expenses of a veteran who had wartime service, or who was

discharged for service-connected disability, and whose remains are held

unclaimed by a state or local government agency. Only expenses incurred

after September 30, 1982, qualify for reimbursement.

These deaths also trigger eligibility for payment of an amount,

not exceeding $150, as a plot or interment allowance when the veteran

is not buried in a national cemetery.

Eligibility for the burial and plot allowances also exists with

respect to more than 3 million veterans currently on VA compensation and

pension rolls, or who would be on those rolls but for the receipt of

military retired pay. Eligibility may also be established if the veteran's

death occurs in a VA medical facility. Deaths that are actually service

related give rise to eligibility for reimbursement of up to $1,100 in

burial and funeral expenses.

(more)

Allowances - 2

Burial in a national cemetery is available to any deceased veteran

of wartime or peacetime service who was discharged under conditions

other than dishonorable. The VA will furnish a headstone or grave

marker to memorialize a veteran or mark the grave of a veteran.

The VA may also pay an amount equal to the cost of the government

headstone — currently $67 — toward partial reimbursement of a private

headstone for placement in a cemetery other than a national cemetery.

The VA will furnish an American flag to drape the casket of a

veteran. The funeral director obtains these from a VA regional office

or post office. The flag is then given to the next of kin.

For more information on VA burial benefits, contact your post or

department service officer.

(alns)

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



VEVs Origin Date: Dec. 17, 1982

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ALNS) — Some 718,000 Vietnam-era veterans (VEVs)

were unemployed in November, up 12,000 from a month earlier as reported

by the U.S. Labor Department. However, because of a downward adjustment

in the estimated civilian noninstitutional Vietnam-era veteran population

from October to November, the increase in jobless VEVs was more like

49,000 frcm the month before.

Another 489,000 noninstitutionalized VEVs were neither employed nor

seeking jobs, a recalculated increase of 14,000 discouraged workers from

October.

The overall unemployment rate for Vietnam-era vets was 9.2 percent

in November, up 0.6 percentage point from the month before and 2.7

points higher than a year before. Another 5.9 percent were outside the

labor market.

The November jobless rate was highest among the youngest VEVs,

those aged 25-29, at 15.7 percent, up 0.9 percentage point from

October and more than 4 points higher than in November 1981. This com-

pared to a November jobless rate of 11.8 percent among men the same

age who never served in uniform.

(more)

VEVs - 2

VEVs 30 to 34 years old also showed higher unemployment in November

than men the same age who never served -- 9.1 percent compared to 8.5

percent. Vietnam-era veterans in the 35-39 age bracket fared about the

same as non-veterans with a jobless rate of 8.5 percent compared to

8.6 percent.

The growing number of Vietnam-era veterans 40 and older experienced

6.7 percent unemployment in November, a high rate for men considered to

be at the peak of their careers. The percentage of VEVs in this age

group that were neither employed nor actively seeking work stood at 12

percent, the highest dropout rate of any VEV age group. Retirement of

older military careerists who served during the Vietnam era does not

appear to be a factor because the Veterans Administration estimates VEVs

65 and older, including those who served during the Korean war, make up

less than one percent of all VEVs.

The Labor Department does not provide comparison figures for males

40 and older who did not serve during the Vietnam era (between Aug. 5,

1964, and May 7, 1975).

The Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics provided the

following data:

Total 25+ Total 25-39 Age 25-29 Age 30-34 Age 35-39 Age 40+

November 1982 VEV non-vet

9.2% * 9.8% 10.0% 15.7% 11.8% 9.1% 8.5% 8.5% 8.6% 6.7% *

IVbnth Before VEV non-vet

Year Before VEV non-vet

8.6% 9.1% 14.8% 9.0% 7.1% 6.4%

*

9.2% 11.1% 7.9% 7.4% *

6.5% 6.8%

11.4% 6.2-s 5.2% 4.4%

*

6.8% 8.2% 5.8% 5.4% *

*No comparison figures for non-VEV males 40 and older

(alns)

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

E3 William M. Detweiler, Chairman HEADQUARTERS


Employer of the Year Origin Date: Dec. 17, 1982

INDIANAPOLIS (MNS) — Just a reminder — January 15, 1983 is the

deadline for nominations in the Employer of the Year for Hiring Veterans

Award categories. Nominations received after that date cannot be

considered for the two national awards that will be presented at the

National Convention in Seattle next year.

Complete information and the official nomination forms have been

mailed to all departments.

(alns)

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

William M. Detweiler. Chairman HEADQUARTERS


Insurance Origin Date: Dec. 17, 1982

INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) - The Veterans Administration has announced that

beginning January 1, 1983, United States Government Life Insurance

(TJSGLI) policyholders will no longer be required to pay premiums for

their coverage.

USGLI policies were issued generally to World War I veterans and

are prefixed by the letter "K."

VA has determined that the current reserves held in the USGLI fund

are adequate to meet the future liabilities of the program. Mortality

rates for policyholders and interest earnings dictated that premiums are

no longer necessary for the safety of the program. In fact, the amount

paid annually in dividends has reached a level where it is nearly seven

times the annual premium income.

Almost 58,000 USGLI policies have been paid-up, but there still ,

remain 27,000 policies on a premium paying basis. These policyholders

will benefit considerably by eliminating the possibility that their

insurance coverage will cease because of nonpayment of premiums.

This change does not affect National Service Life Insurance

policyholders. NSLI policy numbers are prefixed with "V," "H," PS,"

"W " "J," JR," "JS" and "PH". These policyholders will continue to

pay premiums when due.

(alns)

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


HEADQUARTERS


Dagley Origin Date: Dec. 17, 1982

INDIANAPOLIS (MSB) ~ Hubert R. Dagley, II has been appointed Public

Relations Director for The American Legion by National Adjutant Robert W.

Spanogle. As director, Dagley will supervise and coordinate public re-

lations activities for the Legion's national headquarters in Indianapolis

and Washington, D.C.

A Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army, Dagley served as a Chinese

interpreter from 1969 to 71 and as a combat intelligence officer from

1974 to 76. He is a member of American Legion Post 252, Greenwood, Ind.

Dagley joined the Legion's national staff in June 1980 as a public

relations representative. He was appointed Assistant Public Relations

Director in July 1982. Prior to joining the Legion staff he served as

News Editor for the Bloomington (Ind.) Herald-Telephone.

A graduate of Indiana University, with an A.B. in journalism, he and

his wife Kathleen are the parents of four children and reside at 6530

Yellow Stone Parkway, Indianapolis.

(alns)

QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE ™ NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION-THE AMERICAN LEGION

m William M. Detweiler, Chairman

a HEADQUARTERS


Kroeker Origin Date: Dec. 17, 1982

INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) -Bill D. Kroeker has been appointed Director

of Purchasing for The American Legion National Headquarters by National

Adjutant Robert W. Spanogle. The appointment will become effective Jan.

1, 1983. He previously held the position of Production Manager for The

American Legion Magazine.

Kroeker's duties will include the securing of bids and quotes from

suppliers to national headquarters, inventory control, supervision of the

shipping and receiving department and coordination of all mail received

and sent by national headquarters.

A Korean veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a

communication specialist, he is a member of Dwight Cowles Post 370 in

Overland Parks, Ks.

A graduate of Kansas State University, with a degree in mechanical

arts, Kroeker was employed at Intertec Publishing Corp., in Overland

Park, Ks. prior to joining the Legion staff in 1978.

He and his wife Joan are the parents of two children and reside at

606 Coventry Way, Noblesville, Ind.

(alns)

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


HEADQUARTERS


Bede Origin Date: Dec. 17, 1982

INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) - Lori L. Bede has been appointed Director

of Printing and Corananications for The American legion by National

Adjutant Robert W. Spanogle, effective Jan 1, 1983. As director she

will be responsible for the conrnunications center, phototypesetting,

addressing, graphic arts and printing at the National Headquarters

in Indianapolis.

Mrs. Bede joined the headquarters staff in 1969 and has been

supervisor of the conrnunications center since 1972. Prior to joining

the Legion staff she worked in the areas of personnel, advertising and

administration.

She received college training in business administration at St.

Mary's College (Ind.) and appears as a guest speaker at schools and

professional functions relative to her field of expertise.

(alns)

MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION-THE AMERICAN LEGION


HEADQUARTERS


Message Origin Date: Dec. 17, 1982

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ALNS) - President and Mrs. Reagan have

sent the following message for Christmas 1983 to.all the men

and women Veterans of the Armed Forces:

"Nancy and I take great pleasure in sending our warmest

Christmas greetings to the men and women Veterans of our Armed

Forces. In this special time of giving, it is important to re-

member the vital role of our veterans in insuring the gift of

liberty for each new generation of Americans.

"From Washington's crossing of the Delaware to the present,

the heritage of sacrifice, valor, and service by our veterans has

inspired in each of us a great appreciation for the rich bounty

of this joyous season. Your countrymen salute your part in

securing this land of freedom in which our traditions can be

freely enjoyed by all.

••in this yuletide season of sharing, great merriment, feast-

ing, and prayer, all Amerioans are especially thankful for the

proven dedioation and love of country of the nation's veterans

in preserving our way of life.

(more]

a mm

Message - 2

"You have our best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and

a wonderful year of progress for you and your families in 1983."

(alns)

a

MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION-THE AMERICAN LEGION


HEADQUARTERS


EDITORS NOTE: At the deadline for this issue of OS, National Adjutant

Robert W. Spanogle made the following announcement: "Effective January 3,

1983, Raymond C. Patterson, Director of Americanism and Children S Youth,

will assume duties as director of the Internal Affairs Division of She

American Legion."

mre information will be provided in the January 7 issue of the ALNS.

* * * *

EDITORS NOTE: Due to the holidays, this will be the last ADNS until January

7, 1983. The national public relations staff in Indianapolis and Washington,

D.C. wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.

m MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE HATIOHAL PUBLIC BCLATIOHS 0/HSIOK-THE AMCRICAH LEBIOH

HEADQUARTERS

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

Haynes Origin Date: Dec. 20, 1982

XNDIANAPOLIS (MM) ~ National Adjutant Hobert W. Spanogle has

announced the resignation of Thc.as J. Haynes, National Internal Affairs

Director for The African Legion. Haynes has resigned for the purpose

of entering into private tasiness. The resignation is effective Jan. 3,

1983, and as reported in the previous issue of MM. Bay^nd C. Patterson

vri.ll assume the duties of Internal Affairs Director.

(alns)

Documents

SGI ESMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE