March, 2012 - The American Legion Department of North Dakota

North Dakota
Legion News
Department of North Dakota
For God and Country
VOL. 66 405 W. MAIN AVE. SUITE 4-A, WEST FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, March 2012 NO. 3
Oran Keith
Legionnaire
of the Year
Oran Keith
is this year’s
recipient of the
Legionnaire of
the Year Award.
Oran will be
r e c o g n i z e d
during the De-
The Message (American Legion Auxiliary) Inserted In Middle Section
Oran Keith
partment Convention
June
22-24, 2012,
in Jamestown,
ND. Oran has
been a member
of Bothun-
Peterson Post #213 in Sherwood, ND, for 59
continuous years and has been very active
in the Sherwood post activities. He has
held nearly every office in the organization
and is currently serving as the Post Finance
Officer, which he has held for several
years. In addition, he serves on the Gaming
Committee, and provides his leadership and
guidance to promote other programs in the
SEE LEGIONNAIRE
Cont. on Page 12, Col. 1
Kelly Janke Named “RAY ATOL” Law
Enforcement Officer of the Year
Nominated by W.L. COWPER Post
#238 of Michigan, ND, Kelly Janke,
has been selected for the Ray Atol
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Award, by the North Dakota American
Legion. Janke has served the law
enforcement industry for over 14 years
and is currently serving as the Sheriff of
Nelson County. During his tenure with
the law enforcement, Kelly has attended
several education programs sponsored by
leading crime organization throughout
the country. Several of which have
been offered by the Federal Bureau of
Investigations (FBI), Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and
Midwest Counter Drug Training Center.
During the past year, “Calls
for Service” in Nelson County have
experienced a dramatic increase.
Imagine an unexpected thirty-three
percent increase to your work load.Calls
increased from 1200 up to 1600 actions
per year. The Sheriff responded to some
unusual, non-typical enforcement calls;
an armed stand-off with a local farm
family, apprehending a double murder
fugitive, enforcing a waterway project
protest, and a child abduction.
S h e r i ff
Janke is the
leader of his
department,
he teaches
his team to
“believe” in
themselves,
your teammates.
He
s u p p o r t s
his officer’s
ideas, their
future, and
Kelly Janke
encourages
them to know and understand that they can
make a difference. They can accomplish
issues quicker by working together and
he inspires them to make a difference in
the lives of the people of Nelson County.
Sheriff Janke was appointed to the ND
Criminal Justice Information Sharing
Board; He currently serves as the Vice
President of the ND Sheriff’s & Deputies
Association. Previously he has served
three years as its President.
Sheriff Janke and his wife Karla,
SEE OFFICER
Cont. on Page 12, Col. 1
Spring District
Meetings
March 26-31 (Monday – Saturday)
April 10-13 (Tuesday – Friday)
The 2012 North Dakota American
Legion Spring District Meetings will
be held Monday, March 26 - Saturday,
March 31 and Tuesday, April 10 - Friday,
April 13. These dates were approved by
the Department Executive Committee and
locations set by the District Commanders.
Each District will have the opportunity
to confirm the appointment of their Vice
Commander to represent them as District
Commander for the upcoming Legion year.
Each District will also select an individual
to fill the District Vice Commander position.
This individual will serve one year as the
Vice Commander and with hopes of being
confirmed as District Commander the
following year.
In addition to election of new officers,
reports will be given on the recently
concluded Oratorical Contest and the
upcoming Boys State Session and American
Legion Baseball season.
The first week of meetings will begin
Monday, March 26, in the Fifth District
at Washburn hosted by Victor B. Wallin
Post 12. Then on to Carson where Walter
J. Thome Post 45 will host the Seventh
District Meeting on Tuesday evening.
MEETINGS
Cont. on Page 12, Col. 1
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Fargo, ND
Permit No. 891
2012 SPRING DISTRICT
MEETINGS
Mon., March 26 - 5th Dist . . . Washburn
Tues., March 27 - 7th Dist . . . . . Carson
Wed., March 28 - 8th Dist . . . . . Reeder
Thur., March 29 - 9th Dist . . . . . Stanley
Fri., March 30 - 6th Dist . . . Bottineau
Sat., March 31 - 3rd Dist . . . . Langdon
Tues., April 10 - 2nd Dist . . . .Larimore
Wed., April 11 - 1st Dist . . . . . . Fargo
Thur., April 12 - 4th Dist . . Carrington
Fri., April 13 - 10th Dist . . Hankinson

NORTH DAKOTA LEGION NEWS
Official Publication of The American Legion
Department of North Dakota
Published at 402 Hill Avenue, Grafton, N.D.
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY
Dave Johnson
Teri J. Bryant
Publisher and Editor
Assistant Editor
PO Box 5057, West Fargo, ND 58078
Email adjutant@ndlegion.org
Subscription Rates, 60 Cents Per Year
www.ndlegion.org
To Members of The American Legion
Phone 701-293-3120
Department of North Dakota, Included
Fax 701-293-9951
as part of the Department dues.
Department Commander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robert Krause,205-0064, bobkrause@cableone.net
Department Commander-Elect . . . . . . . Dave Rice, 866-9085, commander@trisstateveterans.com
Department Vice Commanders
Eastern Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Antal, 284-6886, aflc@polarcomm.com
Central Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bob O’Shea, 448-2866, n/a
Western Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth Hasby, 627-4294, kaje91@hotmail.com
Department Adjutant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Johnson
Department Finance Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .George Zeller, 622-3004, gazcpa@westriv.com
Department Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Al Gaines, 928-0735, foreveryoungranch@hotmail.com
Dept Executive Committeemen
Eastern Region . . . . . . . . . . Kenny Weiderholt, 678-2366, Kenneth_weiderholt@hotmail.com
Central Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Ludwig, 947-5445, robertrl@gondtc.com
Western Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dale Roth, 824-2635, airo@pop.ctctel.com
Past Department Commander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry Vetter, 343-6397, lavetter@polarcomm.com
Dept Sergeant-At-Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Leon Hiltner, 256-2188, lhiltnerwales@yahoo.com
NEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Curtis Twete, 322-5622, cotwete@stellarnet.com
Alt NEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carroll Quam, 899-2011, cquam@wah.midco.net
Department Judge Advocate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patricia Hodny, 247-3301, hodnylaw@yahoo.com
Department Historian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Karen Meier, 463-7344, bgkjmeier@restel.net
Department Service Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Deremo, 451-4646, serviceofficer@ndlegion.org
Department Membership Chair. Eugene Kachena, 284-6913, Eugene.kachena@sendit.nodak.edu
District Commanders
First District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Matthews, Matthews@702com.net
Second District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rodney Kadlec, 284-6981, n/a
Third District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dan Agnes, 256-3055, agnesfam@utma.com
Fourth District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florence Glatt, 307-0358, fglatt@daktel.com
Fifth District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ronald Dykema, 782-4486, hayguy@bektel.com
Sixth District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arnold Havelka, 340-2965, ajhavelka@yahoo.com
Seventh District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delbert Weishaar, 584-3818, delweis@westriv.com
Eighth District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . George Petermann, 483-5176, bmann@ndsupernet.com
Ninth District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roman Fettig, 965-6948, roman.fettig@sendit.nodak.edu.com
Tenth District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dwight Boucher, 242-7154, dfboucher@rrt.net
District Vice Commanders
First District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gregory Kraiter, 282-6809, gkraiter@q.com
Second District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roger Sateren, 247-2333, rogersateren@hotmail.com
Third District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anna Spivey, 256-2867, dakotarebel144@yahoo.com
Fourth District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Albert Gray, 252-3278, bmgrav66@live.com
Fifth District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lenae Schneider, 254-4137, lenae@dakotacustomquilts.com
Sixth District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Lindblom, 465-0238
Seventh District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D. J. Meberg, 878-4164, djmeberg1@gmail.com
Eighth District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pat Mischel, 974-3121, pmischel@ndsupernet.com
Ninth District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron Broderson, 842-2005, rdbroderson@yahoo.com
Tenth District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Randall Cale, 678-2294, randall.cale@sendit.nodak.edu
Commander Comments
Greetings All,
I trust everyone had a great
Thanksgiving holiday in November. I
had a brief lull in activity, so I enjoyed the
weekend and relaxed as much as possible
with family and friends.
On December 3rd, there was a
retirement ceremony for our own, Mr. Dave
Rice. After 42 years in the Navy and Navy
Reserve, he decided it was enough. The
program was very interesting and all had a
good time at the party after.
On the 7th, the Auxiliary held their
annual Gift shop at the VA hospital in Fargo.
I had the opportunity to help this year by
visiting with the patients as they picked
out gifts for their family members and
themselves. What a rewarding experience.
The Auxiliary did the same thing the next
day at the North Dakota Veteran’s Home in
Lisbon. It was great to visit with some very
familiar people from that area that are now
residents.
On the 14th and 15th the annual
financial audit was held by the Legion
Audit Committee at Legion Headquarters.
The audit went very well with all finances
audited and being in good order.
An outstanding highlight of December
was the return of the last North Dakota
Guard Soldier from Iraq. Staff Sgt. Teresa
Pavljuk arrived at Hector Airport on the 21st
and was greeted by Governor Dalrymple,
Senator Hoeven, General Sprynczynatyk
and representatives from most of the
Veteran’s Organizations including the
American Legion.
I took a few days after Christmas and
went fishing at Lake of the Woods. Fishing
was great, but catching was so-so. We did
have plenty to eat and even managed to
bring a few fish home.
January started off fairly slow with a
few meetings during the first two weeks. I
traveled to Carrington on the 14th of January
to attend the East Region Oratorical contest.
There are no losers in these competitions,
only winners. The two finalists from the
east competed with the two finalists from
the west at the Winter Conference.
On the 28th, Gail and I traveled
to Belfield, ND, to attend their Annual
Robert Krause
Department Commander
Membership Dinner. The turnout for this
dinner amazed me in that most of their
membership was there. The food was great
and the fellowship even better.
On the 30th, I attended the Fargo Post
2 Baseball Hall of Fame banquet in Fargo at
the Holiday Inn. Ferguson Jenkins was the
featured speaker. Paul Honl, Mike Wieser
and Greg Stephens were inducted into the
Fargo Post 2 Hall of Fame.
The annual North Dakota American
Legion Winter Conference was held in
Bismarck on February 3-5. The conference
was well attended and was enjoyed by all.
Our National Commander Fang Wong
attended and was the featured speaker at
the Saturday evening banquet. He also
attended many of the regular meetings and
handed out plaques to the families of the
fallen officers, Bryan Sleeper and Steven
Kenner at the Sunday Memorial Service.
The American Legion extends its deepest
sympathies to these families.
Mr. Wong presented the winning
trophies to the finalists of the High School
Oratorical contest. First place went to
Anjali Lall, Second place to David Shelton,
Third place to Hannah Marie Wegner and
Fourth place to Tara Jo Loomer. All of
these contestants did an excellent job and I
congratulate them all.
Mr. Wong also presented the Samsung
Scholarship award to Marie Goerger from
Wyndmere. She was one of only nine
students in the country to receive this
prestigious award. Thank you, Commander
Wong, for your visit and participation.
We are at that time of the year when we
need to clean up our membership drives. We
are still over 1500 short of our membership
goal for the year. This may seem like a lot
however, I am confident that we can achieve
this with some good hard work. Remember
- just ask!!!
I hope everyone is making plans for the
upcoming district meetings and I hope to
see you all there!
God bless our troops and God bless you
all.
402 Hill Avenue, Grafton, ND 58237
701-352-0640
910 Central Ave. NE, Suite F, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
218-773-2577
Have You Paid
Your 2012
Membership
Dues?

North Dakota Legion News March 2012 Page 3
Service Officer’s Column
VA Health Care and Who’s Eligible
Several years ago Congress passed
what is commonly known as the Means Test.
The Means Test essentially categorized
veterans into groups. Depending on what
“priority group” you fall into will dictate
whether you are entitled to health care from
the VA. Once you apply for enrollment,
your eligibility will be verified. Based on
your specific eligibility status, you will be
assigned a Priority Group. Your priority
group may depend on your family income
and assets. Depending on what priority
group you’re in, you may have to make copays
to the VA for medication, outpatient
and inpatient visits, etc. If you have private
health insurance coverage the VA may also
bill your insurance carrier. The following
clarifies who falls into what category.
Priority Group 1
• Veterans with VA Service-connected
disabilities rated 50% or more.
• Veterans assigned a total disability
rating for compensation based on
unemployability.
Priority Group 2
• Veterans with VA Service-connected
disabilities rated 30% or 40%.
Priority Group 3
• Veterans who are former POWs.
• Veterans awarded the Purple Heart
Medal.
• Veterans awarded the Medal of
Honor.
• Veterans whose discharge was for a
disability incurred or aggravated in
the line of duty.
• Veterans with VA Service-connected
disabilities rated 10% or 20%.
• Veterans awarded special eligibility
classification under Title 38, U.S.C.,
§ 1151, “benefits for individuals
disabled by treatment or vocational
rehabilitation.”
Priority Group 4
• Veterans receiving increased
compensation or pension based
on their need for regular Aid and
Attendance or by reason of being
permanently Housebound.
• Veterans determined by VA to be
catastrophically disabled.
Priority Group 5
• Nonservice-connected Veterans
and noncompensable Serviceconnected
Veterans rated 0%, whose
annual income and/or net worth are
not greater than the VA financial
thresholds.
• Veterans receiving VA Pension
benefits.
• Veterans eligible for Medicaid
benefits.
Jim Deremo
Department Service Officer
Priority Group 6
• Compensable 0% Service-connected
Veterans.
• Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation
during atmospheric testing or during
the occupation of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki.
• Project 112/SHAD participants.
• Veterans who served in the Republic
of Vietnam between January 9, 1962
and May 7, 1975.
• Veterans who served in the Southwest
Asia theater of operations from
August 2, 1990, through November
11, 1998.
• Veterans who served in a theater of
combat operations after November
11, 1998, as follows:
• Veterans discharged from active duty
on or after January 28, 2003, for five
years post discharge
Priority Group 7
• Veterans with incomes below the
geographic means test (GMT) income
thresholds and who agree to pay the
applicable copayment.
Priority Group 8
• Veterans with gross household
incomes above the VA national income
threshold and the geographicallyadjusted
income threshold for their
resident location and who agrees to
pay copays
Veterans eligibility for enrollment:
Noncompensable 0% service-connected
and:
• Subpriority a: Enrolled as of
January 16, 2003, and who have
remained enrolled since that date
and/ or placed in this subpriority
due to changed eligibility status.
• Subpriority b: Enrolled on or after
June 15, 2009 whose income
exceeds the current VA National
Income Thresholds or VA National
Geographic Income Thresholds by
10% or less
Veterans eligible for enrollment:
Nonservice-connected and
• Subpriority c: Enrolled as January
16, 2003, and who remained
enrolled since that date and/ or
placed in this subpriority due to
changed eligibility status
• Subpriority d: Enrolled on or after
June 15, 2009 whose income
exceeds the current VA National
Income Thresholds or VA National
Geographic Income Thresholds by
10% or less
Veterans not eligibility for enrollment:
Veterans not meeting the criteria above:
• Subpriority e: Noncompensable 0%
service-connected
Subpriority f: Nonservice-connected
Once enrolled, the VA will provide
a full spectrum of medically necessary
services, based on the judgment of your VA
primary care provider and in accordance
with generally accepted standards of
clinical practice. Examples of these health
benefits include Preventative, Inpatient
and Specialty Care Services, Ancillary
Services, and Mental Health Care. VA
strives to ensure that you have access to
all of your needed services wherever you
receive your VA health care. This may be
on-site during inpatient hospitalization, at
one of our primary or specialty care clinics,
at a Community Based Outpatient Clinic
(CBOC), in a Community Living Center
(formerly known as a VA nursing home),
or in a residential care facility. However,
all services may not be available at every
location. Sometimes, you may need to travel
to another VA facility or a community care
facility to receive the necessary treatment.
If that is the case, your VA provider will
work with you to find the place best suited
for you to obtain the required services.
To learn more about your VA health care
benefits please go to http://www.va.gov/
healthbenefits/ and follow the links there.
Lester W. Peterson Post #191
of Gwinner is proud to endorse
Robert (Bob) Krause
to seek the position of
Alternate National Executive Committeeman
Bob Krause
Bob is a 40 year (PUFL) member of the American Legion and has served
as Post #191 Commander, 10th District Vice Commander, 10 th District
Commander, East Region Vice Commander, Department Commander
Elect and is currently serving as Department Commander.
Bob served as a Medic in the US Army from 1970 to 1972.
Bob is an active Legion member involved with Color Guard activities
as well as fundraising, Veterans Day dinners, Memorial Day activities and
many other duties with Post #191.
Bob has been a member of several community organizations that
include, Church Council and the North Sargent School Board where he
served as Board President. Bob is retired from Bobcat where he worked
in various capacities for 32 years.
Bob and his wife Gail recently moved to Fargo from Gwinner. They
have 4 grown children and four grandchildren.

Page 4 March 2012 North Dakota Legion News
2012 North Dakota Boys State June 10-15 in Wahpeton
By Neil Litton, Boys State Director
As it has since 1938, the 70th session
of North Dakota Boys State Program will
educate and inspire young future leaders
from around the state in June 2012. This
year, the program runs from June 10-15,
and will once again be held on the campus
of North Dakota State College of Science in
Wahpeton.
Each year, Legion members across the
state work carefully to select high school
juniors from their community to participate
the program. This year we encouraged the
Posts to make contact with their local high
school earlier to talk with the boys about
attending North Dakota Boys State. They
will not know about the program unless a
member of the Post takes the time to arrange
for a meeting.
This year, boys wishing to register for
Boys State can do so on-line by visiting www.
ndboysstate.org. Here you can register online
for Boys State. The registration goes to
the Department Headquarters and is fed back
to the local Post. If you haven’t visited it yet,
we encourage you to do so. Brochures and
other registration materials were mailed out
to all posts, high school counselors and high
school principals the first part of January.
Once selected, the delegates enter a
weeklong program that teaches them the
form, function and responsibilities of state
government. This is done by having the boys
run their own simulated state government.
The delegates form political parties,
campaign for elected office, and write
and publish a newspaper of each day’s
events. On Tuesday, they elect a governor
who presides over the session. They also
elect other state and local governmental
positions. This “learn by doing” method is
the backbone of all Boys State programs.
Among the highlights of the week is the
emergency management exercise that places
delegates in the role of leaders facing to a
string of simulated disasters that they must
respond to. With the cooperation of college
staff, the disaster management exercise is
conducted in real time, using telephones and a
computer network to deliver news and updates
to the delegate-run command centers.
Outstanding delegates, cities and
counties are recognized at an awards
ceremony at the end of the week. The
delegates compete for the following awards
during the week:
ArveDahlen-Milt Rue Award
Harold Piper Award
A.D. Mckinnon Award
Harry Edblom Award
Boys Nation
The Leroy Pease Memorial Award
The M.B. Zimmerman Award
John K. Kennelly Memorial Award
The Jack Williams Trophy
The Pancratz-Morris Award
The Marcus L. McDonald Award
Kirk Smith Award
Emergency Management Awarded (Pod
Award)
The David Wolf Memorial Award
Director’s Award for Excellence
More than 29,000 young men have
graduated from North Dakota Boys State
and many have gone to become leaders
and role models. These include North
Dakota Senator John Hoeven, Judge
Kirk Smith, retired North Dakota Justice
Ralph Erickstad, basketball coach Phil
Jackson, and Past National American
Legion Commander H.F. “Sparky” Gierke.
Nationally, the program boasts numerous
impressive alumni, including former
Presidents Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton.
At the end of the week, Boys State staff
members select two outstanding individuals
from each state to participate in Boys
Nation, a national program that parallels
Boys State.Boys Nation takes place in July.
Know someone that should go? If you
have a potential delegate you would like
to nominate, please contact Josh Jeffers,
Deputy Director in charge of Recruiting,
at 701-202-9302 or joshua.jeffers@
ndboysstate.org (student must currently be
in their junior year of high school).
SAMSUNG SCHOLARSHIP
Worldwide electronics leader Samsung
endowed a scholarship fund of $5 million to
be administered by The American Legion in
1996. Meant to show appreciation for U.S.
veterans who came to Korea’s aid during
its struggle against communist forces in the
Korean War, the Samsung American Legion
Scholarship Program established a series of
scholarships derived from interest and other
income from the principal amount. In 2010,
ten $20,000 scholarships and 88 $1,000
scholarships were awarded.
Scholarships are restricted to high
school juniors who complete either a Boys
State or Girls State program and are a direct
descendant - i.e. child, grandchild, great
grandchild, etc. - or a legally adopted child
of a wartime veteran who served on active
duty during at least one of the periods of war
officially designated as eligibility dates for
American Legion membership.
Winners are selected according to
academic record, involvement in school and
community activities, community service
and financial need. Applicants who are
direct descendants of Korean War veterans
receive special consideration. One winner
is chosen during the week of Boys State and
awarded a $500 scholarship and entered as a
finalist in the national pool. A few years ago
North Dakota had a finalist that received a
$20,000 scholarship.
ND Boys State Looks For Support
North Dakota Boys State, a non-profit
organization of the North Dakota American
Legion, is facing ever-increasing costs to
sponsor boys for the week they spend at
the North Dakota State College of Science
during the program.
Boys State is unquestionably the finest
youth program sponsored by the North
Dakota Legion and one that we can be
very proud of.We, of the Legion, realize
how important the program is in the state
of North Dakota and that every effort must
be made to maintain the high standards that
Name:
Address:
Carl. E. Rogen Post #29
of Watford City Endorses
Jerry Samuelson
For Alternate National Executive
Committeeman
National Positions Held:
VA & R
Distinguished Guest
Americanism Council
Rehabilitation Advisory Board
Post Offices Held:
Post Adjutant
Post Service Officer
Post Boys State Chr
Post Drill Team
have always been upheld in the program.
It seems that each year expenses and
charges from the college and for supplies
necessitates an increase in costs for the
program.The Boys State Committee and the
Department Executive Committee has set
the registration fee at $200 per delegate.
To help hold down yearly sponsorship
fees in the coming years, donations are
requested to help defray housing, food,
supplies and other necessities of the
program.
We urge Posts and individuals to
consider a donation to North Dakota Boys
State to help with maintaining costs for the
nearly 150 boys from across the state who
participate in North Dakota Boys State
each year. With your help, we will be able
to maintain the high quality of the program
from year to year.
Use the below form to send your
donation to North Dakota Boys State, PO
Box 5057, West Fargo, ND 58078.Thank
you for your support.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions or comments regarding
ND Boys State can be addressed to: Neil
Litton, ND Boys State Director, PO Box
5057, West Fargo, ND 58078 or by calling
the Department Headquarters at 701-293-
3120.For specific inquiries contact Teri at
Department Headquarters at programs@
ndlegion.org
North Dakota Boys State Donation Form
Town:
Amount of
Donation: ($10.00) ($25.00) ($50.00) (Other)
Send To:
North Dakota Boys State
PO Box 5057, West Fargo, ND 58078
Jerry Samuelson
USN Ret.
Department Positions Held:
Chairman DEC
Department Commander
West Region Vice Cmdr.
West Region Oratorical Chr.
9th District Cmdr.
9th District Vice Cmdr.
Professional Positions:
Past President ND Assoc.
Of County Veteran Service
Officers
Past President Arnegard
Lions Club
Mckenzie County School
District #1 Board Member
Veterans Organizations:
American Legion
40 et 8
VFW

North Dakota Legion News March 2012 Page 5
Chaplain’s Message
Why Not Give Praying A Try
Greetings fellow Veterans,
After living most of my life in the Great
State of Minnesota right next door to Ole
and Lena,I need to admit that the older I get
the more I look forward to spring! Not that
I’m complaining about this winter! Not one
little bit! I sold my snowmobile years ago
and my cross country skis are doing just fine
where they are in the garage!
I still really enjoy the change of season
from winter to spring and for me the month
of March is the beginning of spring. When
March comes, I know that the weather will
be warmer and the warm sun will change
the landscape. All the ducks and geese will
be coming back soon, the trees will start
budding out soon and we will be celebrating
what Jesus did on the cross for us at Easter!
All these changes represent new life and
that always gets me excited! I love seeing
the Lord’s handiwork keeping life fresh and
new.
This morning I read one of my
favorite bible verses that always reminds
me of keeping my life “Fresh and New”!
This verse is found in Paul’s first letter to
the Thessalonians! It is 1 Thessalonians
5:17. Actually, this verse is about one
of the only bible verses that I have been
able to memorize! The verse is “PRAY
CONTINUALLY”!That’s it! Just two
words! I like short verses! This short verse
says a lot without a lot of words. This short
verse is easy to memorize, easy to figure out
and this short verse should be very easy to
do! Or is it?
So why does the Apostle Paul remind us
that we should “PRAY CONTINUALLY”
you ask?Well, since you asked; I would
say because Jesus set the standard for us
by being in communication with His Father
all the way up to His crucifixion. Not only
did Jesus pray for Himself, but Jesus also
prayed for His Disciples and Jesus even
prayed for all of us that believe in Him. You
can find all these prayers in the seventeenth
chapter of the Gospel of John!
Well you say, my life is okay, I’m
getting by! When I’m really, really, really
in a real tough bind I’ll pray for some help
from Jesus! Or when Great Uncle Ole fell
and broke his other bad hip I asked Jesus
to heal Him. I even pray once in a while at
church. I don’t want to overdo this praying
thing, besides; Jesus is just too busy to listen
to me! And besides He doesn’t answer all
my prayers anyway!
Well I believe Jesus does want to hear
from us a little more than two or three times
Al Gaines
Department Chaplain
a year! The Good Word tells us that Jesus
does hear our prayers and Jesus does answer
our prayers. The answer to our prayer may
not be in our own timing as fast as we
want the answer! Our prayer may not be
answered how we would like it answered!
But your prayer will be answered! When
Paul says “PRAY CONTINUALLY” that is
for our benefit more than Jesus’ benefit.
I truly believe that Jesus just loves to
hear from us. Just like when I call old Lars
on the phone back in Minnesota we just talk
and talk and talk! This is the same way we
can be talking to Jesus! When I strike up the
conversation with Jesus we just talk, I find
out that I have a lot to tell Him and a whole
lot to thank Him for! Sometimes I do all
the talking and sometimes I just do all the
listening!
An Old Veteran, Walter Kallis, down in
Mott, North Dakota, showed me that prayer
is one of the greatest blessings that the Lord
has blessed us with. Prayer is so powerful it
brings us together with Jesus and remarkable
amazing things happen when we pray.
All throughout history nothing great ever
happened without prayer! Prayer is a direct
link to the Creator of the Universe! Sorry
to break this news to you if you believe in
evolution! Can you imagine what could
happen if all of God’s Children got together
and prayed! Look what happened to the
very first church when all of God’s people
were together in Acts 2! WOW!!!!
I truly believe that Jesus would just
love to hear from you today and answer all
your prayers because every answered prayer
brings 100% glory to the Father in Heaven.
So my encouragement to you today is to
give this praying thing a try! Get into a good
habit of “PRAYING CONTINUOUSLY”!
Take the time to thank the Lord for all your
blessings! Thank the Lord for meeting your
needs! Ask the Lordto meet the needs of
others! Especially the poor, the widows and
the orphans! Pray for those that don’t know
Jesus and are headed the wrong way!
And thank The Lord for bringing
spring like weather to North Dakota! If you
don’t know where to start praying, just start
by thanking Jesus for dying on the cross for
us! Enjoy the Easter season with a prayer
on your lips.
If I can serve you in any way, my
e-mail address is foreveryoungranch@
hotmail .com.
God Bless.
Traumatic Brian Injury and Veterans
By Dr. Alan Fehr
Every day is an opportunity to learn new
things. For example, I have learned that if
I want to know what
percent of Veterans
have suffered a
traumatic brain injury
(TBI), the answer
depends on how I ask
the question.
I have recently
had the experience of
standing in front of
a group of National
Guard Service
Members, most of
Dr. Alan Fehr
whom had combat
experience, and learning that nearly all of
them have had a TBI at some time in their
life – if I ask a broad enough question. If I
ask the audience if they have ever had a head
injury or TBI, I would get few responses. If
I ask if they ever had a concussion, I would
get more affirmative responses.
I get nearly 100% affirmative response
when I ask if at any point in their life they
have ever had a concussion or blow to the
head from accident or injury that resulted
in being either unconscious or at least
resulted in being dazed for a few seconds.
Being dazed, consistent with the statement
“had my bell rung,” is the threshold of
a mild TBI. Mild TBIs or concussions
are common life experiences from many
situations, including battlefield blasts, motor
vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries.
There are many symptoms common to
TBI. Loss of consciousness or alterations
of consciousness (e.g. being dazed) are
common. Other symptoms may include
headaches, dizziness, sleep problems,
disorientation, nausea, and problems with
attention, memory, and balance.
And the symptoms can be subtle – it
just takes longer and is more effort to
do the things a person used to do with
ease. Most TBIs are mild with symptoms
being temporary. Complete recovery is
expected within hours or days.
More severe TBIs are less common
and involve neurological problems that may
take up to two years to achieve maximum
recovery. Moderate to severe TBI involves
more severe problems that interfere with
ability to function in daily life.
With severe TBI recovery may be
incomplete but the good news is that we
are learning that the brain is more flexible
to recover than we had previously thought
possible. People can learn ways to retrain
themselves, compensate for lost skills, and
overcome many of their deficits. We used
to think that there wasn’t much that could be
done to overcome a TBI but now we know
that isn’t true.
Although TBI rehabilitation takes hard
work and the involvement of family and many
professionals, this field is rapidly changing
and developing as new treatments and
strategies continue to challenge what we had
thought were limits to recovery. People don’t
recover by themselves; they need support and
encouragement from their families. They
need the skilled treatment of many providers,
including medical professionals, occupational
therapists, physical therapists, and speech and
cognitive therapists. And they may need the
wisdom of professional counselors to help
them to stay focused and on track.
I expect that in five years the field of
rehabilitation for TBI will be dramatically
improved as treatments and therapies
continue to evolve and change our knowledge
of the field. Veterans having problems should
keep knocking on their professional’s door as
new answers will continue to emerge.
For more information, go to the
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center
wesite: http://www.dvbic.org/
Dr Alan Fehr is a clinical psychologist
and the Director of Psychological Health
for the ND National Guard. He can be
contacted at: alan.fehr@us.army.mil or
701-225-1050.
David Rolfson
for Western Region Vice Commander
Carl E. Rogen Post #29 of Watford City is proud to endorse David Rolfson
to seek the position of Western Region Vice Commander. David is a member
of the Watford City Post #29 and has served as Post Commander, 9th District
Vice-Commander and 9th District Commander and is currently the Post
Chaplain and a life-time member of the VFW.
David and his wife Jan, farm and ranch in McKenzie
County. David has served in various farm and community
organizations including the western ND District Council
(ELCA), Area Council on Drug Abuse and Alcoholism
(United Way), County Chairman-Thrivent Financial for
Lutherans and is currently President of the Lutheran Church
he attends.

Page 6 March 2012 North Dakota Legion News
Adjutant’s Perspective
Greetings, to my fellow Legionnaires,
Auxiliary Members and the Sons of The
American Legion. I thank you all for
making my first Winter Conference a
memorable experience. It is always difficult
to put a name with a voice until you’ve had
the opportunity to add the face to the voice
and name. The Winter Conference provided
me the time and place to put these vital
aspects together and helped to close this
loop of Who’s-Who in the ND American
Legion.
With Winter Conference behind
us, our focus has quickly shifted to the
Spring Meetings, March DEC meeting,
legislative activities, and planning for the
Dept. Convention this coming June 22-
24 in Jamestown. With all these events
happening, it would be easy to overlook
several very important items that are basic
to our everyday needs as an organization.
You’ve heard this before, but I’ll mention it
again, and hopefully add some new facts to
the issue, Membership. We all know it takes
work to meet our retention rates, and to sort
through the veterans of our communities,
seeking those whom have yet to join the ND
Legion. Let me give you a few facts that I
found in my research on our ND Veterans
and ND American Legion Membership.
The following information is very
interesting, and was obtained from the
data base of the Veterans Administration.
The time period reviewed is the 10 years
spanning 2001-2010. Total veterans in ND
in 2001 equaled 60,838, ten years later the
count was 55,471 representing a nine percent
reduction of living vets. This compared to
our membership over the same period quite
different. In May of 2001, the end of our
membership year, our members counted
at 22,732, ten years later our membership
had dropped to 17,680. This represents a
reduction of twenty-seven percent in our
membership. This fact is significant, just
by itself. If we take one more step and
compare our membership as a percentage of
the states veteran population, it shows us we
have also lost in the percentage of veterans
available to be members. In 2001, we had
thirty-seven percent of the states’ veterans
signed up as members, while in 2010, our
membership penetration also followed the
decline, and it fell to a thirty-one percent
of the state’s veterans. Of course, it’s easy
to say or justify the loss to several reasons;
the first usually would the loss via the death
rates of our World War II veterans. During
this ten year period, the death rate varied
very little from the statistical average of
1560 deaths per year. Comparing deaths
David Johnson
Department Adjutant
to the number of veterans, (770 per year)
separating from active service, the net
difference in death’s and separations doesn’t
provide a singular reason for our declining
membership by itself. During my review
of the Age Group demographics, another
interesting fact presented itself. Our
largest membership group during this ten
year period, the 50-54 year old veteran, is
shifting as it ages. The 55-60 age groups
numbered 7,022, ten years later has dropped
to 5,544. ND experienced a net loss of 1500
veterans just in that age group. We’ve lost
members for a variety of reasons, and I’d
bet some post have lost members simply
due to the shifting of the state’s population
from the rural communities to the larger
metro communities.
I know this is a very sterile topic and
fairly boring number crunching. What it
does do is to remind us that our member
group is aging, and that our membership
data base is not a fixed amount. The veteran
group in the state is shifting, during this
period of time, our Guard and Reserve
forces have been reduced, and the total
military force structure is being redesigned.
Our youth, ages 30-45 have different needs
than what we had in our day. Methods of
communication are different, how they see
the world and how they integrate into our
communities is vastly different.
At the Winter Conference, our National
Commander Fang Wong, asked us a simple
question. “Why did we join the American
Legion?” Our answers were very different
and still very personal. The key to this
question is still very simple. The standard
business evaluation of a product is to define
the “benefit-value” a product provides a
customer. The veteran is our potential
customer, so what is the benefit and value
we provide to them? What value does
your post provide to a new member? It is
important for us all to be able to answer this
question. It will be difficult to ask the next
generation to join if we are unable to answer
this question. The next generation is willing
to step forward and answer the call, if; 1)
they see a purpose in the donation of their
time, 2) they will feel a part of the process,
3) if there is something in it for them. Our
job, our responsibility to the future of our
organization, is to be able to meet those
needs. Answer their questions honestly, and
get them into leadership positions early.
Our job is not limited to simply “asking
them” to join. It also includes teaching and
mentoring the new member, helping them
to understand the value of the American
Legion, that it is a resource for their family,
friends, fellow vets, and their community. It
is important for all of us to dig deep, and
get a solid understanding of the value of our
membership and then ask those whom have
not made their decision to join us in our need
to provide services to those disabled while
in service to our country. Membership is
not limited to the renewal contests, or the
“last push”. It needs to be in your everyday
thought process. Ask yourself, “Who in
my everyday activities, is a Vet? Are they
a member?”
Please do not hesitate to contact
myself, or one of our staff, Jim Deremo;
Department Service Officer located at the
ND VA Administrative offices, Teri Bryant;
Programs Coordinator, or Sarah Kim;
Administrative Assistant. We are here to
help you with your needs. Best regards,
and please step up and introduce yourself to
me when I am visiting your Post or District
meetings.
94th American
Legion Department Convention
June 22-24, 2012
Jamestown, ND
S.B. Aasen Post 210 is proud to endorse
Wayne D. Satrom
for National Vice
Commander
We are asking for your support
as Wayne seeks the
endorsement of the Department
of North Dakota
• Paid up for Life member of the
American Legion
• Member of Post 210 for 41
years
• Past Post Commander
• Post Boys State Chairman
• Post Oratorical Chairman
• In charge of the Post Honor
Guard
• First District Vice Commander
• First District Commander
• East Region Vice Commander
• Commander Elect
• Department Commander
Wayne D. Satrom
• Alternate NEC
• Appointed to the National
Convention Commission for
the last few years
• American Legion Foundation
Board from East Region
• North Dakota Veterans
Foundation Board
• National Guard and Reserve
Liaison
We are very proud of Wayne and would appreciate your support as he seeks
the Department’s endorsement for the position of National Vice Commander at
the State Convention in Jamestown.
Wayne has been married to his wife Virginia for 46 years. Virginia is a Paid-
Up for Life member of the American Legion Auxiliary. They have two children,
a daughter, Shawn and a son, Chad. Chad farms with his dad near Galesburg.
They have five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

North Dakota Legion News March 2012 Page 7
Executive Committee Report
Department of North Dakota
American Legion
Executive Committee Meeting
Seven Seas, Mandan, ND
1100 hrs, October 15, 2011
Chairman Larry Vetter called the
meeting to order at 11:00 am with a salute
to the colors and the pledge of allegiance.
Dale Roth offered the prayer.
On a MOTION by Kenny Wiederholt
and SECONDED by George Zeller to
approve the agenda with the addition of
the copier, Fallen Officers and Curt Twete
had information to present at the end of the
meeting was unanimously approved.
Minutes from 9/23/11 Conference Call
On a MOTION by Dave Rice and
SECONDED by Dale Roth the minutes
were unanimously approved.
Minutes from 9/29/11 Conference Call
On page 2, Line 6 the name George
Zeller was incorrectly spelled George Zeller.
On a MOTION by Bob Krause and
SECONDED by George Zeller the minutes
were unanimously approved with the
accepted revision.
Minutes from 6/23/11 Dickinson
On page 1 the financials for the General
Fund should be 1 year is subject to audit and
2 years are approved.
On a MOTION by George Zeller and
SECONDED by Kenny Wiederholt the
minutes were unanimously approved with
the accepted revision.
Minutes from 6/26/11 Dickinson
Carroll Quam has not received any
updates or changes for the Conference or
Convention Handbook.
Past Department Chaplain J. David
Jones had a heart attack and passed away.
Dave Rice recommended spelling out
Courage Carries On in the minutes instead
of using CCO.
On a MOTION by Bob Krause and
SECONDED by Dave Rice the minutes
were unanimously approved.
Financial Report by
Finance Officer George Zeller
The financials were sent out 2 weeks
prior to be reviewed and for questions to be
asked prior to the meeting.
General Fund
There is a large difference in PUFL
payments between 2010 and 2011. This
s the
tEndorsement
Larry Vetter
Committee Chairman
Some of the CD’s are coming due.
Each member of the board is asked to do
some rate shopping with a maximum of 2
years and a recommended one time bump.
Programs Account
A discussion was held regarding the
Auxiliary being charged $3000 an issue.
Curt Twete is concerned the percentage
is incorrect and the wrong formulas have
been used. George will take a look at the
breakdown of charges and get back to the
board.
Courage Carries On (CCO) is now a
program and is being pulled out of VA &
R. The expenses were coming out of one
account and donations were going into
another account.
On a MOTION by George Zeller and
SECONDED by Dave Rice, the financial
report was unanimously approved and
subject to audit.
George Zeller discussed the 990’s for
Boys State were not completed the last 3
years and will ask Patricia Hodny to write
a letter to the IRS to remove the penalties.
On a MOTION by Dale Roth and
SECONDED by George Zeller to approve
to purchase software or PC Anywhere under
$250 as long as there is a secure internet
connection was unanimously approved.
Old Business
The new Adjutant’s counter offer was
discussed in length along with the issues
with the handbook.
On a MOTION by Dave Rice and
SECONDED by Dale Roth to pay David
Johnson $37,500 ($35,000 salary and $2500
instead of health insurance) a year with the
understanding Dave Johnson will not ever
be able to receive health insurance was
approved.
Roll Call
Bob Krause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes
David Rice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes
Kenny Wiederholt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes
George Zeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes
Dale Roth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No
Robert Ludwig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No
Larry Vetter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Abstained
al vice Commander
issue will be looked into.
Bob Krause will present the offer to
Normandin needs to be moved to other David Johnson while putting emphasis on
income.
declining the insurance.
Payroll is down $8000.
No update on the Past Adjutant.
Misc. is mostly security.
New Business
The payroll liabilities have been paid, On a MOTION by George Zeller
but not taken off of the books as paid. and SECONDED by Robert Ludwig and
unanimously approved to accept CVB bids
for 3 and 4 years out this winter conference
and accept CVB bids for 4 years out at
future winter conferences.
On a MOTION by George Zeller
and SECONDED by Dale Roth and
unanimously approved to accept the bid for
the new copier to replace the current copier,
color printer and risograph.
Bob Krause discussed designing a new
ND Legion pin. Bud Goldsmith presented
4 different pin designs. Cost and quantity of
pins discussed with the possibility of having
a centennial pin in seven years. Send out pin
design requirements to ND High Schools
for a contest. Discussion was tabled until
Winter Conference.
The employee manual needs to be
reviewed.
A discussion was held regarding
changing the Legion Preamble from Great
War to All Wars.
A discussion was held regarding the
Bismarck fallen officers and the 1983
Resolution resolving they will be recognized
upon recommendation of the Americanism
Committee. A special Americanism
Committee meeting is to be held to discuss
and vote on recognizing the two Bismarck
officers and have the presentation at the
Winter Conference.
Commander Appointments
6th District Vide Commander – Bob
Lindblom of Butte.
Western Region Oratorical – Jerry
Samuelson of Watford City.
Boys State – Josh Jeffers.
On a MOTION by Dale Roth and
SECONDED by George Zeller and
unanimously approved to accept the listed
appointments.
Curt Twete discussed the Samsung
Scholarship recipient from Wyndmere and
recognizing her.
Curt Twete discussed the possibility of
appointing Cathy Keogh as the Women’s
Veterans Outreach Coordinator.
Curt Twete discussed at the closing
of the NEC meeting Commander Wong
appointing committee to look into starting an
organization for spouses of female veterans.
Curt Twete discussed National’s
Resolution No. 1 regarding National
Defense Funding.
Curt Twete discussed penalty clause
for authorization for Legion baseball which
was originated in Connecticut.
On a MOTION by Dale Roth and
SECONDED by Kenny Wiederholt and
was unanimously approved to adjourn the
meeting.
Meeting adjourned 2:29 pm.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
TED VALERIUS POST 97, LARIMORE NORTH DAKOTA
is proud
to present their endorsement of
Larry Vetter
as he seeks the department endorsement for
National Vice Commander
Larry Vetter
nt of the Larimore Ted Valerus Post 97, Larry Vetter announces he is seeking
r National vice Commander. Vetter is currently the Department Executive
Larry is a 23 year continuous American Legion Member
and has held the positions of Post Commander, District vice
Commander, District Commander, Regional vice Commander,
MPA Chairman, Commander Elect and Department
Commander. Larry also was instrumental in starting the
American Legion Riders for the Department of North Dakota.
Larry has held the national appointment to the Trophies,
Awards and Ceremonials committee for 5 years and currently
holds an appointment to the National Foreign Relations
Council.
Larry is a Vietnam era veteran. He served 2 tours in
Vietnam as a combat helicopter pilot accumulating over
1200 hours of combat flight time. He was awarded several
air medals, the Army Commodation medal, the Bronze Star
and the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism. He also
achieved the rating of Master Aviator.
Your support for Larry as he seeks the department endorsement for National vice Commander
in Jamestown this June would be greatly appreciated.

Page 8 March 2012 North Dakota Legion News
Fargo, ND, Junior Wins 2012 Oratorical Contest
Davies High School Anjali Lall,
sponsored by Fargo Post #2, was named
the North Dakota American Legion
Oratorical Champion following the 2012
State Contest, February 4 at The American
Legion’s Winter Conference in Bismarck.
Anjali was the 1st Place winner in the East
Division Contest. Anjali is the daughter of
Vinod Lall, of Fargo.
The purpose of The American Legion’s
High School Oratorical Contest is to develop
a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the
Constitution of the United States on the
part of high school students. Objectives
of the contest include the development of
leadership qualities, the ability to think
and speak clearly and intelligently, and the
preparation for acceptance of the duties and
responsibilities, the rights and privileges of
American citizenship.
State Champion, Lall received a $250
cash scholarship provided by the ND
American Legion, a $175 Cash Scholarship
Award from the Sam Tolchinsky Endowment
Fund, administered by the ND Community
Foundation, and the C.W. Leifur Traveling
Trophy, which will remain on display at her
school until next year’s contest. She had
previously won a $300 Cash Award from the
ND American Legion and a desk set as the
1st Place Eastern Division Champion along
with a $300 Cash Award from the Chuck
Schroeder Memorial Oratorical Fund for
winning the 1st District Contest.
Anjali began her run for the title by
winning the District 1 Contest and she then
finished First at the Eastern Division Contest.
She moves on to the National Contest,
which will be held in Indianapolis, IN, April
13-15, 2012. Top winners from all states
will come together at one site for 3 rounds
of competition. The first round will have 9
contests each with 6 contestants. Winners of
these 9 contests will advance to the second
round of 3 contests with 3 contestants each.
The final round will consist of the 3 finalists
to determine the 2012 National Oratorical
Contest Champion. Lall will also receive a
$1,500 Scholarship for competing in the first
round of the National Contest. If she wins
the first round, she will advance and she will
receive an additional $1,500 scholarship if
eliminated or if she advances to the National
Finals, she will win either $14,000 - $16,000
or $18,000 in scholarships.
Second Place went to David Shelton,
son of Joseph and Debrorah Shelton, who
won the 2nd District Contest and finished
Second in the East Division. David is a
sophomore and home schooled and will
receive $200 from the ND American
Legion and $125 from the Sam Tolchinsky
Endowment Fund to go along with the $300
Cash Award for the District and $200 Cash
Award and a desk pen set for Second Place
in the East Division.
Hannah Marie Wegner, a Senior at
Beach High School, will receive a $150
cash scholarship from the North Dakota
American Legion and $50 from the
Kennelly Scholarship Award for finishing
Third at State. As the Eighth District winner
she received a $300 Cash Award. Wegner
finished First in the Western Division
Contest and earned a $300 Cash Award
from the ND American Legion and a desk
pen set. Hannah Marie is the daughter of
David and Tammy Wegner.
Tara Jo Loomer, a Junior from Watford
City High School, finished in Fourth Place at
State after winning the 9th District Contest
and finished Second in the Western Division
Contest and earned a $200 Cash Award from
the American Legion and a desk pen set.
Tara Jo will take home a $100 Cash Award
from the North Dakota American Legion for
the state contest and $300 Cash Award for
the District. Tara Jo is the daughter of Olaf
and Elizabeth Loomer.
The North Dakota American Legion
provides for the Cash Awards earned at
the Divisional Contests. Cash won at
the District level contests come from the
Chuck Schroeder Memorial Oratorical
Contest Fund now administered by the
ND American Legion. District winners
receive Cash Awards of $300 for First, $200
for Second and $100 for Third. This year
$6,250 in Cash Awards was earned by the
winners of The American Legion High
School Oratorical Contest in North Dakota
1st District - First Place - Anjali Lall,
Fargo, Davies High School - Junior. 2nd
Place - Holly Johnson, Galesburg, Hope-
Page Public School - Freshman.
2nd District - First Place - David
Shelton, Arvilla, Home Schooled -
Sophomore. 2nd Place - Brady Gudgel,
Park River, Park River High School -
Senior. 3rd Place - Gaelen Mibeck, Grand
Forks, Home Schooled - Junior.
3rd District - First Place - Kirsten Stave,
Rolette, Rolette High School - Junior.
4th District - First Place - Eric
Allmaras, Carrington, Carrington High
School - Senior. 2nd Place - Caleb Reich,
Medina, Home Schooled - Senior.
5th District - First Place - Teddi Lyn
Bergquist, Wing, Wing Public High School
- Senior.
6th District - First Place - Thomas
Burke, Minot, Bishop Ryan High School
Minot - Junior.
8th District - First Place - Hannah Marie
Wegner, Beach, Beach High School - Senior.
2nd Place - Kayla Olson, New England,
Scranton High School - Sophomore. 3rd
Place - Kara Stegner, Amidon, New
England High School - Junior.
9th District - First Place - Tara Jo
Loomer, Watford City, Watford City High
School - Junior. 2nd Place - Samantha
LEFT TO RIGHT: DEPARTMENT ORATORICAL Chairman Ron Broderson, National
Commander Fang Wong, 1st Place Anjali Lall, 2nd Place David Shelton, 3rd Place Hannah
Marie Wegner, 4th Place Winner Tara Jo Loomer and Department Commander Robert
Krause.
Jorgenson, Watford City, Watford City
High School - Junior. 3rd Place - Tori
Williams, Keene, Watford City High
School - Sophomore.
10th District - First Place - Samantha
Goerger, Wyndmere, Wyndmere High
School - Freshman. 2nd Place - Luke
Anderson, Wahpeton, Wahpeton High
School - Senior.
Novotny Kachena Post #208
is proud to endorse
Eugene F. Kachena
for Department
Commander Elect
Eugene is a 39 year member of Pisek
Post #208. He has served as Post vice
Commander, Post Commander, District 2 vice
Commander, district 2 Commander, Eastern
Region vice Commander and is currently the
Department Membership Chairman. He also
serves on the National Americanism Council.
Eugene and his wife of 44 years, Barbara
Ann, reside in Pisek. They are the parents
of five children and have to date seven (soon
to be eight) grandchildren. All five children
have education degrees, with four currently
teaching and one full time in the 188th ND
Eugene F. Kachena Guard in Grand Forks. Having taught for 30
years and farmed for 39 years, Eugene is
now retired from both of those occupations. Eugene continues to be active in
officiating VB, BB and Baseball. He also serves as part-time play by play broad
casters for KXPO radio in Grafton. He currently is serving as president of the
financial council of St. Mary’s Church in Park River. He is Clerk-Treasurer of
Rushford Township and is a member of the Weed Board in Walsh County. As
time permits, he operates a small contracting business.
Pisek Post #208 would appreciate your support as Eugene seeks the
position of Department Commander Elect.

North Dakota Legion News March 2012 Page 9
Last Vietnam Vet Retires From Navy Reserve
Your NEC Report
THE LAST SALUTE. Being Piped Ashore for Senior Chief Quarter Master David Rice.
(Photo by MM2 Philip Kander)
By: Wendy Reuer,
Reporter, Fargo Forum
When Senior Chief Quarter Master
David Rice reached the top of his pay grade
as a member of the U.S. Navy Reserves, he
could’ve retired at any time.
But even after about 30 years, Rice
wasn’t ready to retire. He stayed on and
continued regular drills and practices with
fellow shipmates for another 13 years –
without pay.
“I didn’t really care because I just enjoyed
doing it,” Rice said. “When the Navy quit
paying me, they could afford to pay two
younger men or women. So I said, ‘Yeah, they
deserve a shot just like I did.’ ”
As he approached age 60 in 2011, he
was forced to retire at the Navy’s mandatory
retirement age.
After 42 years of serving his country, Rice
quietly and honorably retired in December. He
is the last Vietnam combat veteran to serve in
the North Dakota Navy Reserves, and possibly
the last Navy reservist retiree in the nation that
served in Vietnam, according to fellow Navy
reservist Jerry Rostad.
On April 19, 1972, Rice was on a Navy
ship, fire raining down on all sides – from
Vietnamese air fighters, approaching gun
boats and offshore.
“One of the ships took a direct hit,” Rice
said. “Thank God nobody was killed.”
It was one of the defining moments in
Rice’s life. It was also an ironic moment.
In June 1969, the 17-year-old’s mother
signed a waiver allowing him to join the
Navy. Rice wanted to join the military, but
his two older brothers, who were already
involved with the Vietnam War as Army
soldiers, did not want their little brother to
see combat.
“They didn’t want me in Vietnam,” Rice
said. “She signed the waiver hoping to keep
me out of Vietnam. Six months later, guess
where I was: Vietnam.”
More than 40 years later, Rice describes
that harrowing instance of combat in his home
near Harwood with remarkable clarity and
calm – likely how the veteran reacted then.
While in the Navy, Rice said he loved
the service, the traveling and his shipmates.
He worked as a navigational specialist and
was usually stationed on the bridge, which
gave him a worldview from the ship.
“I always knew where we were and
where we were going,” Rice said.
After serving four years, Rice was
discharged and returned home to North
Dakota to attend North Dakota State
University. He later worked for the NDSU
Extension Service until retiring in 2008.
While attending NDSU, Rice learned
of the Navy Reserve office in Fargo and
eventually signed on, serving 38 years.
SEE VIETNAM
Cont. on Page 12, Col. 1
Thursday, June 21, 2012
1:00p Golf Tournament
6:00p Foundation Meeting
Friday, June 22, 2012
10:00a Department Executive Committee Meeting
10:00a-6:00p Registration – Civic Center
1:00p Resolutions Committee Meeting
1:30p Organization/Membership & Post Activities Meeting
2:30p Credentials Convention Committee Meeting
2:30p Finance/Budget & Audit Convention Committee Meeting
3:30p Constitution/By Laws & Rules Convention Committee Meeting
3:30p VA&R Committee Meeting
3:30p Dist Cmdrs & Pres Rehearsal
4:30p Past Department Commanders Social/Dinner
4:30p 40 et 8 Buffet & Grand Cheminot
7:30p Joint Opening Session
6:30p Parade
9:00p Foundation Raffle Appreciation Reception
Saturday, June 23, 2012
7:30a 40 et 8 Breakfast and Grand Promenade
National Commander Wong, true to his
word, paid a visit to our Winter Conference
in Bismarck in early February. The
Commander’s message held the audience’s
attention during the opening session and
again as our key note speaker for the
banquet. Now that the President’s budget
is out, I’m sure, again true to his word, you
can count on he and his staff to lobby hard
for the DOD and VA budgets.
The end of February thirteen Legion
and Auxiliary folks from North Dakota will
be in Washington, DC to assist Commander
Wong with our legislative priorities. They,
along with folks from the other Departments,
will call on their congressional delegations
to make the case for a strong national defense
and veterans care. Following Senator
Hoeven’s remarks at the Winter Conference
in Bismarck, he personally assured me he
would be a sponsor on Senate Resolution 19
(SR 19), the Flag Amendment Resolution,
so when in DC I intend to follow up on
that commitment. I plan to thank him for
signing on as a sponsor.
The end of March an endorsing
convention will be held in Bismarck and
remember vets we have some unfinished
business to take care of there! I’m counting
on you to be there in force, thanks in
94th American Legion Convention
Gladstone Inn and Civic Center, Jamestown, ND
Agenda
8:00a-Noon Registration
DRAFT
Hosted by
POST AND UNIT #14 - Jamestown, nd
Curtis Twete
National Executive Committeeman
advance. It is our duty to be involved and
not take anything for granted when the
stakes are so high.
To each of you working membership, a
big thank you goes out to you. I truly believe
Commander Krause and Membership
Chairman Eugene Kachena, with your hard
work and help, will make the goal for North
Dakota for the first time in years. It’s been
awhile since we had a 100% Commander,
but this one is in reach if each of us will
go the extra mile in membership. A real
honor for our Department and appropriate
when we hope to put one of our own up for
National Vice Commander.
With Spring District meetings just
around the corner, talk them up at your
Post Meetings and gather several car loads
to attend in your District. The information
shared during these meetings keeps us
abreast of the most current issues requiring
our efforts. Thank you for what you do to
keep your Post relevant. Remember it’s not
the price you paid to belong, but rather, the
price you paid to be eligible.
8:30a Boys State Meeting
9:00a Sons of the American Legion Meeting
9:00a Membership Issues/Training
9:30a District Commanders/Finish Consolidated Post Reports
11:30a Go-Getter Picnic
12:30p Meet/Greet Incoming District Commanders and Presidents
1:00p-600p Registration
1:30p Legion General Session
3:00p Legion Riders Meeting
3:00p National Convention Meeting
3:30p Regional Caucuses
5:30p Distinguished Guest Reception
6:00/ 7:00p Social Hour/Banquet
9:00p Dance
Sunday, June 24, 2012
7:00a Press Association Breakfast
8:00a-11:00a Registration
8:00a Joint Memorial Service
9:00a-10:30a Joint Session
11:00a General Session

Page 10 March 2012 North Dakota Legion News
Local Posts in the News
Your local Post can be featured on this page in future issues by sending photographs and short stories to: North
Dakota Legion News, P.O. Box 5057, West Fargo, ND 58078. All photos must be originals and cannot be clipped from local
newspapers. Stories from local newspapers can only be reprinted with the written permission of the editor.
An American Flag For Every First Grader
SEVERAL LEGIONNAIRES of the Gunnerud-Dietrich American Legion Post 86 of
Minnewaukan received the Post’s Citation for Meritorious Service for their volunteer efforts
on behalf of the Post. Six are pictured here at the Post’s breakfast for the public on November
27, 2011. The Post serves a breakfast for the public the fourth Sunday of each month. Left to
right are Adjutant Richard Peterson, Vice Commander Jerome Dahlen, Chaplain Mark Motis,
Sergeant-at-Arms Ward Christensen, Commander Steve Rohrer and Service Officer David
Daeley. Also receiving the award, but not pictured were Milson Ball, Curtis Yri and Floyd
Dressen.
MILSON BALL, CENTER,
was presented the Gunnerud-
Dietrich American Legion Post
86 of Minnewaukan’s Citation for
Meritorious Service for his many
years of service to the Legion Post.
Ball participated in nearly every
Memorial Day ceremony from
shortly after World War II to just
a few years ago. He was also a
regular volunteer at the Legion’s
breakfast for the public the fourth
Sunday of each month. On the left
is Post Commander Steve Rohrer
and on the right is Mark Motis, Post Historian and Chaplain. Ball, 95, and his wife, Grace,
recently moved to Grand Forks after making a flood insurance settlement on their home.
American Legion Presents Flags
Article by the New Rockford Transcript
The American Legion Raymond B.
Thorn Post 30 in New Rockford made a very
generous presentation to New Rockford-
Sheyenne School. The local Legion Post
donated 16 new flags for classrooms in the
school, as well as donating a new large flag
to be flown on the main flagpole outside
the front doors of the school building.
Post Commander Theodore Dauenhauer
presented the flags to the two principals
Shirley Lindstrom in the elementary and
Al Benz in the high school. They both
accepted the flags on behalf of the school.
In the course of cleaning classrooms
during last summer, it was noticed that
many of the rooms either no longer had
flags or the flags were worn and tattered.
When the school contacted Legion member
Bob Ludwig about getting new flags, Bob
came back with the news that The American
Legion would donate the new flags. The
Legion also took care of the proper disposal
of the old flags which is a service they
provide to anyone who needs to dispose of a
flag that is worn, ripped, faded and tattered
or no longer being used. If you have flags
that you need to dispose of, you can drop
them off at City Hall in New Rockford or at
The American Legion Club.
If anyone would like more information
about the proper disposal of flags or
the proper handling of flags, you can
contact American Legion members Ted
Dauenhauer, Bob Ludwig, Jerry Valdivia or
Alfred Ritzke.
40 & 8 240 VoyAGERS (left to right) Dave Rice, Bob Lechner, Jim Schlenker, Larry Lein
and Bob Krause group photo with first graders from the West Fargo Eastwood Elementary
School.
By Dave Rice,
Flags for 1st Graders Coordinator
The Cass County 40 & 8 Voiture 240
is once again conducting their Flags for 1 st
Graders program. Voyagers are visiting 27
elementary schools and handing out flags
to 1,700 1 st Graders this winter. Veterans
spend about 10-15 minutes telling the first
graders about how our flag came about and
how it progressed to the current symbol
of our country. 40 & 8’ers explain what
the colors represent, discuss the many
freedoms we enjoy and those we should
thank for establishing and maintaining those
freedoms. A special thank you is given to
the teachers for mentoring and educating
our nation’s youth. The presentation
is concluded by reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance and presenting each first grader
with a flag and 40 & 8 brochure about the
flag and its care.
The “Promoting Patriotism & Honor”
pillar of the American Legion includes the
objective of “Encouraging an appreciation
for the nation and for the Flag of the United
States.” We believe the 40 & 8 Flags for
First Graders program helps accomplish
this objective and would be a rewarding
joint 40 & 8/American Legion project in
your community.
1953 Dodge 3/4
Ton Truck
Good body and motor
Needs some minor
restoration
Asking $1,200
Call Glenn For More Information
Hillsboro American Legion
701-636-5074

North Dakota Legion News March 2012 Page 11
Memorial Service Held At ND Legion Winter Conference
MRS. DEBORAH KENNER AND FAMILy during the Memorial Service.
MRS. LANA SLEEPER AND FAMILy during the Memorial Service.
The Memorial Service held during
this past North Dakota American Legion
Winter Conference, has brought to light the
importance of our families in support of the
servicemen, Peace Officers and others that
dedicate their lives to their communities
and country. The NDAL recognized two
ND Peace Officers who made the ultimate
sacrifice during the line of duty, Sergeant
Steve Kenner, Bismarck Police Department.
and Deputy Bryan Sleeper, Burleigh County
Sheriff’s Department. Their families
were invited to be recognized during our
Memorial Service. Department Chaplain Al
Gaines presided over a very moving program
of prayer, recognition of responsibility, and
other various facets of our lives.
Pastor Al organized a very enjoyable
mix of music, Gwen Damlo, provided
beautiful vocal leadership in guiding the
congregation through the hymns. A small
group of musician from the North Dakota
American Legion State Band played the
prelude to the service and following the
presentations to the families a very moving
trumpet trio of “Alleluia.”
Our National Commander Fang Wong,
presented the families with the North Dakota
Department American Legion Distinguished
Service Awards for the service and sacrifice
of the fallen officers Sleeper and Kenner.
The plaques were similar in format and read
the following;
It is a distinct privilege and honor
of the ND Department of The American
Legion to recognize Sergeant Steve Kenner
posthumously for his service and duty as
a peace officer with the Bismarck Police
Department. The Legion Family extends
its gratitude and respect for the ultimate
sacrifice for which Sergeant Kenner gave
in line of duty. His personal sacrifice
was for the benefit of his community and
the protection of his family, friends and
neighbors. Therefore, be it resolved: That it
is our extreme pleasure to present Sergeant
Kenner, posthumously this Distinguished
Service Award for his personal dedication,
service and sacrifice.
Department Commander Robert Krause
read Letters of Recognition presented to
Lana Sleeper and Deborah Kenner,wives of
the fallen officers. The letters were similar
in format and read the following;
It is our privilege and honor to
recognize Lana Sleeper for her dedicated
service in the support of her husband, the
late Deputy Sheriff Bryan Sleeper. Deputy
Sleeper served as a
peace officer with
the Burleigh County
Sheriff’s Department.
The ND Department
of The American
Legion extends its
gratitude for your
selfless service to your
husband and family,
allowing Officer
Sleeper to perform his
duties professionally
every day. The duties
of a spouse, whose
partner has served
the common good, are
never more evident
than during these most
personal of times, you
as an individual also needs to be recognized
by our leaders and citizens. Therefore, it
is our extreme pleasure to present to you
this Letter of Recognition, for your personal
dedication, service and the sacrifices you
have made with the loss of your husband.
Take comfort knowing your husband is with
his Band of Brothers and has reported with
honor to his “Final Roll Call.”
MEMBERS OF THE North Dakota State Band
during the Memorial Service.
Following the service, several local
media programs interviewed both National
Commander Fang Wong, and Department
Commander Robert Krause regarding the
importance and appreciation of the North
Dakota Legion for including these Officers
in the Memorial Service Program.
Remember your Fallen Commrades with a generous Memorial Donation to the
North Dakota American Legion Foundation Department Headquarters,
The American Legion
Box 5057,
West Fargo, ND 58078

Page 12 March 2012 North Dakota Legion News
LEGIONNAIRE — Cont. from Page 1
post. Oran has not restricted his activities
to the local post; he has served as the 6 th
District Vice-Commander for two years and
as the West Region Vice-Commander for
one year. Mr. Keith is a solid supporter of
all Legion activities; he attends conferences
and conventions around the state and has
served as Post Membership Chairman for
the Bothun-Peterson Post striving to meet
the membership goals set by the Post.
Oran Keith has been involved with
his community in other outreach activities.
Oran was a major supporter in developing
and creating the Renville County Historical
Society. He has volunteered countless
hours in gathering and displaying numerous
have two children. One son, Justin lives in
Minot, and daughter, Jordyne, is a junior
in high school at Dakota Prairie HS in
Petersburg, ND. Kelly and Karla have been
married nineteen years, and their home is in
Michigan, ND. Kelly spends a significant
amount of his off duty time during the
year being the Dakota Prairie HS Girl’s JV
Eighth District will be Wednesday
night at Reeder’s Carl Hendrickson Post
51. Moving on to Thursday night Stanley’s
Charles L. Hartman Post 134 will host the
Ninth District Meeting. The traveling team
moves to Bottineau where members of the
Bottineau Post 42 will host Legionnaires
from the Sixth District. And don’t forget
on Saturday, March 31 in Langdon the
Langdon Post 98 will host the 3rd District
meeting.
District meetings will resume on
Tuesday, April 10 (taking Easter Monday
off) when the 2nd District will gather in
Larimore, the home of Ted Valerius Post
97. Wednesday finds the traveling group in
“I just really enjoyed working with the
men and women of the Navy. It just felt good
being back, being part of that team.”
Although Rice trained in Fargo, he
regularly traveled for training as a reservist.
Although Rice was not recalled for active
duty overseas, there was always a chance he
could be.
“It was always tough to watch (the
shipmen) go,” Rice said. “They’re a bunch
of fine, fine, people.”
As director of the North Dakota Navy
artifacts from the region, ensuring the future
generations will have a better understanding
of the paths driven by the settlers of their
region. Oran served several years as the
Society’s President and was instrumental in
developing their fundraising programs.
Oran is married to Audrey Anderson
Keith, and they have two children. Oran
attended Mohall High School. Attends
and is a member of the Nazarene Church.
He is very busy with activities outside of
the Legion. He currently is serving two
organizations as their President, both the
Renville County Historical Society and the
Art Club in Bottineau, ND.
OFFICIER — Cont. from Page 1
Basketball Coach.
Congratulations to Sheriff Janke for
being recognized as a leader within the Law
Enforcement family. He will be recognized
during the Department of North Dakota
American Legion’s Annual Convention
which is being held this June 22-24, 2012,
in Jamestown, ND.
MEETINGS — Cont. from Page 1
Fargo where the Gilbert C. Grafton Post 2
will host members of the 1st District before
moving on to Carrington on Thursday night
where John Raymond O’Hara Post 25 will
host the 4th District meeting. The final
night of meetings will take place in the
10th District at Hankinson’s Eberhard Post
88. The meetings will open at 7:00 pm
CST the Seventh District Meeting starts
at 7:00 pm (MST) and 8:00 pm (CST).
Department Commander Robert Krause
would like all posts to be represented at
their respective District Meeting and take
an active part in the selection of the District
Commander and Vice Commander.
VIETNAM — Cont. from Page 9
League, Rice will continue to be connected
to the Navy. The Navy League is a nonprofit,
civilian advocate of sea services. It supports
plans for the U.S.S. North Dakota, which is
set to be commissioned in early 2014.
“We’re very proud there is a submarine
named after our great state of North Dakota,”
Rice said.
Although his retirement may not have
been fully his choice, Rice plans to fully
enjoy time with his wife, Donna, and his son,
daughter and grandchildren.
Eloise Ogden Awarded ND American
Legion Press Association Award
The ND Department of the American
Legion is proud to present our Press
Association Award to Eloise Ogden. Eloise
currently serves the Minot Daily News as the
Regional Editor. It is our distinct privilege
and honor to recognize Eloise Ogden for her
dedicated service to the men and women of
the military service, and to The American
Legion membership and their activities
in Minot, ND. Eloise was born in Minot,
raised near Ryder, ND.
Eloise has been a main stay in the
community during her 40 years as a Regional
Editor for the Minot Daily News. Her
personal contacts with the U.S. Air Force
Command structure has allowed for her to
obtain exclusive, first-hand information,
relevant to the Minot community of family
and friends. In addition, she has obtained
several “Honorary” memberships with
various military commands. Of particular
interest, she has been made a crew member
of the USS Carl Vinson, CVN 70, her “crew
member status was granted, for having
logged an “Arrested Landing and Catapult
Launch” aboard the carrier during “at sea”
flight operations. She also has obtained
Larry Callahan, Firefighter of the Year
Nominated by Matthew Brew Post
#3 in Dickinson, ND, Larry Callahan was
named North Dakota American Legion
Firefighter of the Year at the February
Winter Conference in Bismarck, ND.
Larry is the Assistant Fire Chief for
the Dickinson Fire Department. He joined
the Dickinson Department in March of
1982, having served thirty years, achieving
multiple certifications and promotions
throughout his career. Obtaining his
Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification
through the North Dakota Firefighter’s
Association, as well as being CPR/First
Aid certified as an instructor. Early in his
career Larry distinguished himself as being
a capable leader. He was promoted to his
current position as the Assistant Fire Chief,
21 years ago.
Mr. Callahan is an important player
of the Departments Training Committee
serving as the principal trainer for several
courses. Larry served on the Departments
Safety Committee, being an “On-Site”
safety observer.
Mr. Callahan has worked for Montana
Dakota Utilities as a construction supervisor
and Safety Coordinator for the MDU
organization. Larry joined the Dickinson
Volunteer while being an MDU employee.
the level of
“ S q u a d r o n
Mate” for
having flown
with the
72nd Bomb
Squadron, a
former Minot
AFB squadron;
she flew with a
crew aboard the
squadrons B-52
Stratofortress
Bomber. Ms.
Ogden is a
Eloise Ogden
member of the Minot Area Chamber of
Commerce Military Affairs Committee.
Eloise has been recognized several times for
her fair and impartial reporting of military
issues affecting the region.
Eloise is married to Bernie
Pellenwessel, a Real Estate Broker and coowner
of Signal Realtors, Inc. in Minot.
Bernie is a U.S. Air Force veteran, having
flown with the ”Spitten Kittens” of the 5th
Fighter Intercept Squadron based out of
Minot AFB.
Larry and
his wife Nancy
are members
of the First
Congressional
Church and
reside in
D i c k i n s o n .
They have
two daughters
and one son,
all whom are
grown and have
families of their
Larry Callahan
own.
Congratulations to Larry Callahan on
earning this most prestigious award. The
citizens of Dickinson and surrounding
community, as well as the entire state of
North Dakota, are indeed fortunate to have
someone as professional and dedicated.
Assistant Chief Callahan epitomizes the
firefighters’ motto; “Duty, Honor, Courage,
Integrity” while he strives to protect
Dickinson’s family, friends and neighbors.
The North Dakota American Legion is
extremely proud to have the opportunity to
recognize his dedication and commitment
to his fellow citizen.
Have You paid Your 2012 Membership Dues?