March, 2012 - The American Legion Department of North Dakota

More documents

Recommendations

Info

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 1 and 2: North Dakota Legion News Department
Page 3 and 4: North Dakota Legion News March 2012
Page 5: North Dakota Legion News March 2012

March, 2012 - The American Legion Department of North Dakota

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?