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Leg ion News D E PA R T M E N T O F FR A N C E
BELGI UM- CHINA 01 -D ENMAR K-E NG LA ND-F RA NCE -GREE CE- GE RMA NY-IR ELA ND-ITA LY- NE THE RLA NDS -S PAIN -TH AILA ND
February 2021 Vol. 19, No. 2
… DEPARTMENT COMMANDER…SANTOS ALVARADO
We have entered into 2021. What lies ahead of us,
only time will tell. Remember that Covid-19 is still
around. We must remain safe and protect ourselves,
practice social distance and wear a mask when and
where required. There is also another variant of
Covid-19 going around, more cases have been
reported here in Germany. A Vaccine is being given
in a slow rate due to limited supplies.
In January, the Department held the Mid-Winter
Conference. The Training went very well. I would
like to thank all the Facilitators that offered the time
to conduct it. Let us hope that in 2021 we will be
able to conduct In-Person Training and Meetings. I
suggest all Post refrain from having any closed
meetings and follow the local laws.
Membership has been going strong thanks to all
those Members that have renewed. We must
continue to push to reach our 100% goal for 2021.
As of 30 January 2021, we stand at 85 %. We are still
number 1 at National. Some Posts have already
reach or exceeded this level. Make sure that you
reach out to all your Post Members to renew and
instruct your Members on how to renew online if
they need help.
Most of all let us not forget the Buddy Check.
Remember that some Post members might not have
a smartphone or computer. Pay them a Visit to see
how they are doing. Let us not forgot those that
cannot be home due to mission requirements and
those that have no one or nowhere to celebrate.
https://www.members.legion.org/CGI-BIN/lansaweb?webapp=MYLRENEW+webrtn=wr_memberdata+ml=LANSA:XHTML+part=TAL+lang=ENGhttps://www.legion.org/https://www.youtube.com/user/americanlegionHQhttps://www.facebook.com/americanlegionhqhttps://twitter.com/AmericanLegion
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DEPARTMENT OFFICERS 2021MY
COMMANDER Santos Alvarado
GR05 [email protected]
ADJUTANT John Fleming
CH01 [email protected]
NECMAN James Settle
GR42 [email protected]
ALT NECMAN Hans Stockenberger
CH01 [email protected]
VCAL Dennis Owens
(CP01-DK01-GC01-TH01-TH02)
NL01 [email protected]
VICE COMMANDER John Woodhouse
(GR05-GR09-GR13-GR30-GR45-GR79-GR1982)
GR06 [email protected]
VICE COMMANDER Quincy Foster
(GR01-GR02-GR03-GR06-GR07-GR14-GR42)
GR05 [email protected]
VICE COMMANDER Frank Ekstrom
(IR01-IR02-IR03-EG02-EG303-NL01-SP292)
IR63 [email protected]
VICE COMMANDER Joshua Steinlicht
(BE02-FR01-FR05-GR20-IR63-IT01-IT02)
NL01 [email protected]
CHAPLAIN John Jones
GR05 [email protected]
HISTORIAN Joseph Schram
BE02 [email protected]
FINANCE OFFICER Gary Miller
GR06 [email protected]
SERVICE OFFICER Frank Phillips
GR1982 [email protected]
JUDGE ADVOCATE James Settle
GR42 [email protected]
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS Victor Brown
GR14 [email protected]
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT Robert Fuelling
FR01 [email protected]
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT James Settle
GR42 [email protected]
DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT…JOHN FLEMING
Greetings Comrades,
The Departments first ever Mid-Winter Conference is in the books,
and from the feedback that I am receiving, it was well received. The participates gained knowledge and the question-and-answer sessions
were informative for all. Working together like this will make our
Department stronger. There were 42 people in attendance each day. Some stayed all day, even though they might not have planned to,
and some joined in for a specific topic or three. And that is good.
With everyone’s help, next year can only be better.
Links to the slides and videos will be posted soon. Please give me a
little time to cut up the video and slice the slides. Thanks.
As we start February, I will continue to stress a few items:
1. myLegion.org:
a. Most of our active Posts are using this tool very effectively. One of our active Post has not accessed their
account since 3 January 2020 (if you are having problems accessing your account, contact me). The good
news is, that of the 28 Posts with myLegion.org
accounts, 21 Posts have accessed their account in January.
b. myLegion2021: As we all should know by now, myLegion.org is changing in the future. The switchover
date has been pushed back but is still coming. he video
at this link provides more information: myLegion 2021
2. Consolidated Post Report (CPR): The 2021 Membership
year CPR is available on myLegion.org. Three more Posts have now
started their 2021 CPR for a total of 14 out of 32 Posts. Great Job! It is recommended that you access the CPR as least once a month and
enter everything your Post has done for the last month. Here is a
suggestion: When you are in myLegion.org updating Membership, stop by the CPR and get it started. It’ll only take a few minutes, and
then your Post will be GREEN on the Department Adjutants report.
Thanks.
3. Certification of Officers: Reminder, after Post elections or a
change in Post Officers, it is required to send two forms to the
Department Adjutant. Immediately after Post elections, the Notification of Post/Squadron Commanders & Adjutants form must
be sent to the Department Adjutant. As soon as possible after Post
elections, the Certification of Post Officials report needs to be
forwarded to the Department Adjutant.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://vimeo.com/showcase/4552712/video/472753331
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Tax Tip 2021-08: Tax resources for military members, veterans and their families.
Tax resources for military members, veterans and their families
The IRS has a variety of resources to help members of the military, veterans and their families navigate the unique and sometimes complex circumstances that
come with filing taxes while in the military. Here’s a list of some of the resources these taxpayers may find helpful.
• Tax Information for Members of the Military is the main page on IRS.gov
where people can go to find links to helpful info, resources and services. • It’s very important that members of the military know the rules for
service. This can be done by email. • A taxpayer's military status affects whether they are eligible for certain
benefits. Taxpayers can check their eligibility for military tax benefits by
visiting IRS.gov. Qualifying employers include the Armed Forces,
uniformed services and support organizations. • There are rules specific to those who serve in combat zones. These
taxpayers and their families can find out more on the Tax Exclusion for
Combat Service page of IRS.gov. They should also review special EITC
rules. If these apply to their tax situation, it could lead to a larger refund. • The Armed Forces' Tax Guide is a comprehensive publication with info
for military members. This includes: o Special rules for military personnel serving abroad including
deadline extensions o Unreimbursed moving expenses o Reserve component travel expenses
• Members of the military and qualifying veterans can prepare and e-file
their taxes for free through MilTax. Taxpayers who do not qualify for
MilTax have other options to prepare and e-file their federal taxes for
free. Those who earned less than $72,000 in 2020 can use IRS Free
File software. Any taxpayer, regardless of income, who is comfortable
completing their tax forms digitally can use Free File Fillable Forms. • Most military posts offer free income tax assistance through the military
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Military service members
can contact their installation’s legal office for details. Veterans may also
qualify for free tax help at locations nationwide. They just have to meet
income or age requirements.
Share this tip on social media -- #IRSTaxTip:Tax resources for military members, veterans and their families. https://go.usa.gov/xAGpq
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DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICER…FRANK PHILLIPS
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Joseph Schram
Department Historian, Americanism Chairperson, Oratorical Director & Boys State Director
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Buddy Check: Wellness check-ins with veterans
As American Legion members, our most sacred responsibility is to look out for each other and our fellow veterans. As a way to reach
out to members and former members who may need help, the National Executive Committee passed Resolution 18 during Spring Meetings in May 2019. The resolution calls for Buddy Checks to be conducted Legion-wide on the weeks of The American Legion’s
birthday, March 15, and Veterans Day. However, American Legion posts are encouraged to perform this vital function whenever it
makes the most sense in their communities.
The idea is to reconnect with veterans who may need assistance but don't know where to go or who to ask. These contacts may be
made by a personal visit, phone or email, or a combination. The important part is to reach out to veterans in your community to let
them know you care and can provide whatever assistance they may need. It's what we do for our battle buddies.
How do I organize a Buddy Check?
1. Gather up a team if possible to call or personally visit members and former members of The American Legion. If each member in a
team of 10 contacts just 10 Legionnaires or former Legionnaires, 100 veterans can be reached in one sitting.
2. If you don’t have a list of members and former members at your fingertips, visit myLegion.org and download the names of current
members and those who have let their memberships expire.
3. Save the file of members and those whose memberships have expired onto a spreadsheet or copy and paste into a Word file to
distribute among your team members. Print several copies of the lists.
4. Divide up the call list among your team members. Some may have personal connections with the member or the former member
and should make that particular buddy check.
5. Start making connections – either from a quiet place inside the post or from your home – to see how the members and former
members are doing, ask if they need anything and invite them to any event or activity planned to help celebrate the Legion’s birthday or Veterans Day.
6. Make sure you thank the member or former member in the beginning and at the end of your call.
7. If the member or former member wishes to renew, be sure to have your post’s payment procedure at your fingertips, the address to
send a check or offer to stop by in person to pick it up (another opportunity to connect).
8. Leave contact information in case the member or former member can’t take the call or needs anything in the future.
For more information…https://www.legion.org/membership/buddycheck
T h e D e p a r t m e n t o f F r a n c e
https://www.legion.org/membership/buddycheckhttp://www.amerlegiondeptfrance.org/http://www.amerlegiondeptfrance.org/https://www.facebook.com/fodpal/?ref=py_chttps://www.legion.org/fodpal
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J O HN WAY N E POST GR79 H E I L B R O N N , G E R M A N Y
The memorial was held at Red Leg for the 4 soldiers who lost their lives. The Burgermeister is still supporting this event after 36 years. His thanks go out to others that wanted to attend but was not able to due to the
restrictions that are in place. GR79 Commander Brown.
DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER EDITOR…DAVID N. GREAUX
REMINDER…all newsletter articles should be turned in PRIOR to months end!
I was able to attend last months Mid Winter Video Conference. I was very impressed by the professionalism and the organization
of the conference. Well done. As a Post Adjutant of more than twenty years, even I learned something new. The point I want to
make is that, these conferences are important and informative for everyone. [email protected]
AMERICANISM MONTH (February)
The Americanism Division represents one of the four pillars of The American Legion. The division oversees a wide
variety of programs built on community service, citizenship, patriotic values and mentoring young people.
mailto:[email protected]
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The month of February is a federally recognized commemoration for the contributions and achievements of African American
figures in U.S. History. Every year, we remember trailblazers in science, math, arts and culture, politics, religion, and the military—encouraging us to celebrate the influence of African American key figures while overcoming adversity.
Black History Month officially began almost a century ago and was originally only celebrated in the second week of February. Then named, “Negro History Week,” the events and promotions quickly expanded into the communities and became what we know of
Black History Month today.
Read more: https://militarybenefits.info/black-history-month/#ixzz6kdxx1dxK
14 February
USO Birthday…February 4th is the official birthday of the organization known as United Service
Organizations or USO. The USO has been a fixture in
military life for more than seven decades. Founded in 1941,
the agency is a private, not-for-profit organization working in
cooperation with the Department of Defense.
Single web sign-on is here The American Legion
JAN 11, 2021
https://militarybenefits.info/black-history-month/#ixzz6kdxx1dxKhttps://militarybenefits.info/united-service-organizations/https://militarybenefits.info/united-service-organizations/https://www.legion.org/dispatch/251537/single-web-sign-herehttps://www.legion.org/dispatch/251537/single-web-sign-here
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Four Chaplains Day…The Story
Early on Feb. 3, 1943, an enemy torpedo struck the Army transport Dorchester as itcarried 902 officers and enlisted men, Navy armed guard, merchant seamen and civilian workers in the North Atlantic. The Coast Guard cutter escorts Comanche
and Escanaba rescued 230 men.
As Dorchester took on water, four Army chaplains – Lt. George L. Fox (Methodist), Lt. Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Lt. John P. Washington (Roman Catholic), and Lt. Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed) – calmed frightened soldiers, aided the
wounded and guided the disoriented toward safety.
On deck, they opened a storage locker and began distributing life jackets. When there were no more available, the chaplains removed their life jackets and gave them to four young men. “It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of
heaven,” said John Ladd, a survivor.
As the ship went down, men in rafts saw the four chaplains, arms linked and braced against the slanting deck, singing hymns and praying.
Congress attempted to confer the Medal of Honor on the chaplains but was prevented by strict requirements of heroism under fire. It authorized a one-time posthumous Special Medal for Heroism, awarded by President Eisenhower in 1961; it was
intended to have the same weight and importance as the Medal of Honor.
National Salute To Veteran Patients
The week of February 14 is notable for Valentine’s Day, but there is another observation during this week that has special significance for anyone with a veteran family member receiving medical care.
The National Salute To Veteran Patients happens the week of February 14th and pays tribute to just under 100,000 patients a day
that receive medical treatment in VA medical facilities as well as the nine million U.S. veterans who get care every year.
National Salute To Veteran Patients will be observed Sunday, February 14 to Saturday, February 20, 2021.
Read more: https://militarybenefits.info/salute-veteran-patients/#ixzz6kdjpY53g
https://militarybenefits.info/valentines-day-gift-ideas-with-a-military-discount/https://militarybenefits.info/salute-veteran-patients/#ixzz6kdjpY53g
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Lee Preston Department of France / Legion Riders Director / Chairperson
+49 176 70599666
Hello All Department of France Legion Riders, I want to remind everyone that your Chapter SOP based on the Department SOP Template for Chapters is due no later than 23 April 2021. As I stated in the Mid-Winter Conference; I have extended the deadline by one month due to the template coming out late. Here is the reminder of what the Department SOP says: “Chapters created prior to the approval of this SOP by the DEC must acknowledge their compliance with this SOP and adopt chapter SOPs that adhere to the template disseminated from the Department ALR within 180 days in order to receive their charter”. Once you have completed the SOP for your Chapter; be sure that your Post PEC has accepted and adopted it for your Chapter with Post Commander and Adjutant signature as well as Chapter Director and Adjutant should you have one and send a copy to me at the e-mail address located in my signature block below. You are also required to send me the Name, contact information, Legion Membership Number, and a statement signed by your Commander or Adjutant and signed by the Chapter Director that your members are in compliance with proper registration and insurance. Thank you all for doing the things necessary to come in compliance with the Department ALR SOP. On another note, I have positions in the Department Committee that need to be filled and would kindly ask for volunteers to fill positions within the Department Legion Rider Committee. Those wishing to volunteer please send me an E-mail with phone contact information so that I can contact you and discuss the positions and which one you would like to do. Thank you in advance for stepping up to make our Department Legion Riders program better.
Lee (Papa Smurf) Preston Department Director/Committee Chairperson
The St. Mihiel American Cemetery in Thiaucourt, France. (Photo by Warrick Page/ABMC)
2021 Overseas Graves Decoration fund open
The American Legion
DEC 16, 2020
“FOR THE CAUSE, NOT THE APPLAUSE”
Donate your used car, truck or motorcycle and support The American Legion.
mailto:[email protected]://www.legion.org/fodpal/251060/2021-overseas-graves-decoration-fund-openhttps://www.legion.org/ridershttp://em.legion.org/c/11v8zHs9Dx2cB0F8ZNA9chAhttp://em.legion.org/c/11v8zHs9Dx2cB0F8ZNA9chA
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Detachment Commander Joe D. Brown [email protected]
DATES TO REMEMBER!!!
Third SAL DEC…06 March 2021 hosted by Squadron GR05
SAL Convention…05 June 2021 hosted by GR79
Grande Chef de Gare 2021MY…Lee Preston
La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (The Society of Forty Men and Eight Horses) is an independent, by invitation, honor society of American veterans, more commonly known as “The Forty & Eight”.
The Forty & Eight is committed to charitable and patriotic aims. Our purpose is to uphold and defend the United States Constitution of the United States, to promote the well-being of veterans, their widows, widowers, and orphans, and to actively
participate in selected charitable endeavors, which include among others, programs that promote child welfare and nurses training.
Membership is by invitation, and open only to honorably discharged veterans and honorably serving members of the United States Armed Forces.
DUE TO THE CURRENT COVID-19 CIRCUMSTANCES, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE FROM THE DEPARTMENT COMMANDER, ALL FUTURE PICTURES TURNED IN FOR THE DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER PICTURING GROUPS OF LEGION FAMILY MEMBERS (2 or more – Legion, SAL, Auxiliary, Riders), FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN BY LEGION FAMILY MEMBERS, OUT IN THE OPEN AND INSIDE BUILDINGS. THIS IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRESENT GERMAN AND MILITARY POLICIES.
United States Coast Guard Reserve Birthday February 19 is the official birthday of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Officially set-up in the late 1930s as a “civilian
reserve” operation, it was non-military in nature. The Coast Guard Reserve Act of 1939 was the earliest incarnation. The Reserve
soon evolved into something much greater than the original authors of the law had envisioned.
The Coast Guard Reserve birthday will be on Friday, February 19th, 2021.
The “regular” Coast Guard was formed in 1790. It wasn’t until much later that Auxiliary and Reserve operations would be added
to this branch of military service. But when the need arose, there were thousands of people ready to answer the call.
Read more: https://militarybenefits.info/coast-guard-reserve-birthday/#ixzz6kduRhamD
mailto:[email protected]://militarybenefits.info/coast-guard-reserve-birthday/#ixzz6kduRhamD