DEPARTMENT MESSAGES
September 2022
POW-MIA RECOGNITION DAY
In 1979 POW-MIA Recognition Day was first observed and established in 1979 to be the 3rd Friday of September. This year that falls on September 16. We take that time to remember the over 80,000 service men and women that have been captured (Prisoners Of War) or are still Missing In Action – POW-MIA. Within the American Legion Family, we take time at the beginning of each meeting to “Never Forget” our POW-MIA’s. At our Posts, we set aside a special table for those POW-MIA’S who won’t be joining us. At our Conferences and Conventions, we consecrate that same Table recognizing each item on that Table and its meaning, vowing to Never Forget the sacrifices they made and are still in far-off shores, or in our Supreme Commanders Realm of Post Everlasting in the world’s oceans known only to Him.
“THEY WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!”
But is that where it stops? Are we remembering ALL POW-MIA’S? We have in our midst many others that fit that same designation. Those I am referring to are those that have returned to us physically but are STILL Prisoners of their memories of the wars they came home from but have not really left behind. Memories of battles they were engaged in against enemies of democracy and freedom. Memories of seeing their comrades dying for our freedoms. Memories of those they tried to save from the oceans fury but didn’t make it in time. Memories of “Why NOT ME!,” “Why DIDN’T I get there in TIME!,” “My buddy once standing beside me, but is no… longer… there!,” and on and on! WHERE ARE THOSE POW-MIA’s NOW? Are they standing beside us while we recite the Pledge of Allegiance at our meetings? Are they next to us as we are flying off to a vacation spot, family gathering, Legion Convention, or??? They are with us every day, in our Legion Family, in our “Blood” Family, our next-door-neighbor, our spouses – son’s & daughters, aunts and uncles. They are on nameless street corners holding a sign asking for $$ with a footnote of “God Bless.” They are laughing and joking with us, sitting next to us at the Post bar, next to us in church, or may be sitting right next to us at a Legion Meeting. Laughing and smiling on the outside – but crying on the inside. Sound sleep is a never-ending mystery that is all too often filled with dreams of battles, lost victims of battle or those lost to the raging seas. They are part of the 1% of Americans that have served our country in Military Service. Some may not have been in a battle because it wasn’t their turn to go that day – on that mission, or even never being ON a “Field of Battle” but still there to protect our lives and freedoms. That ARE all around us, in their own personal fight to forget – to survive – to find inner peace.
“BE THE ONE”
What do THESE POW-MIAs look like? They may look like you or me – again, happy, and maybe joyful- looking on the outside, but crying for help on the inside. So, what can we do, what do we say, how can we help? First, don’t assume that all those are all “OK.” We can reach into ourselves and find that hidden sense of EMPATHY, for CARING, and for sure to treat others how we would like to be treated. “Love Thy Neighbor AS OUSELVES”! Just ONE WORD can literally make the difference between life and death. A thoughtless comment about how they look in a stained shirt or messed up hair can be a tipping point you’re not aware of. On the other side, just saying “Hi, how are you?” or “That shirt, or dress, looks good on you!,” or “I’m really glad to see you!.” If you haven’t seen someone for a week or two, or in YEARS – CALL THEM just to say “Hi, how’s it going?” (Buddy Checks!). That “CALL” may be just that moment when they were looking a gun sitting on a table in front of them, or a bottle of Pills they are thinking about taking. Have a chat, invite them for a cup of coffee or a beer. The main thing in any case, anywhere, let them – anyone – know that they are important to you, that they are needed, that you are happy to see them, talk to them, or be with them. If they seem to be troubled, let them know there is hope, there is help, they ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. If you and they are comfortable with it – Pray with them, otherwise in your own time – silently Pray FOR them. If they are talking about doing harm to themselves, or someone else, DON’T leave them alone. Call for HELP – call 988 - and wait for help to arrive. BE THAT ONE who cares, at that moment, for them. If they want to talk- GREAT, let them talk, then just listen. If they don’t want to talk, let there be silence. Don’t tell them that “they’ll be OK – it just takes time.” They may NOT have time! If they want to cry, let them and cry WITH them. Whatever it takes, we already have over 80,000 - JUST DON’T LET THEM TO BE A “POW-MIA”!! …………truly “BE THE ONE”! If YOU need that “ONE” to talk to – pick up the phone NOW, YOU just might be “THE ONE” for someone else! In any case, don’t forget “THE ONE” that has given us all our freedoms and blessings – GOD. He’s a good listener too, and the lines are ALWAYS OPEN! But, be prepared, HE’s sneaky and may answer your Prayers in ways you never imagined.
Finally, make that call NOW! And remember as we start our Preamble – “For God and Country…,” there is no comma after “God.” We are not just for God, or just for Country, but we ARE for “God AND Country.”
“For God and Country”
Larry Haas, Chaplain
(360) 921-6844
The Dept. of Washington
The American Legion
April 2022
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DEPARTMENT NEWS There is a lot going on here at Department these days! Now that Spring Conferences are done, we're gearing up for Department Convention. We have just mailed out the 2023 Post Officer Certification forms. Thank you to all of the Posts who have already sent them in. If you haven't done so, please be sure to complete them as soon as your Post elections are over.If you did not receive your forms, please contact Department to verify that we have your correct mailing address. There is a copy of the form and instructions at the end of this Bulletin. They are also available on the Department website here. DEPARTMENT CONVENTION We are preparing for our 103rd Department Convention to be held at the Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center in Pasco July 20-24th, 2022. Forms and information can be found on the Department website here. Our Adjutant must certify Post Delegates to the upcoming Department Convention. Delegate Certification forms can be found on the Department Website here. EVERGREEN BOYS AND GIRLS STATE The Evergreen Boys State and Evergreen Girls State programs are looking for young people to attend these events. Below are the flyers for both events, and both have websites where you can find more information: evergreenboysstate.org and evergreengirlsstate.com. Keith Hughes, Commander Post 160, received West Seattle Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year Award for all his work in that community. Congratulations Keith. Keep up the good work you do!
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MEMBERSHIP TARGET DATE The 100% Target Date is May 13th. MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Well, the 2022 year is almost over and it’s time to begin 2023. We have had a lot of changes over the course of the past year, and it’s been bumpy more than a few times, but I see the road leveling off and good things are within reach. In preparation for next year, which starts 1 Jul, I need each and every Post to do a total scrub from 1 Jul 2020 to now. During the integration of membership data from the OLD My Legion to the NEW My Legion did you lose anyone? That’s why I’m asking you to go back to 2020. If you have, send Dept an email with whatever info you have, the more the better, full name, membership number, etc. I would like the Dept to start the 2023 year with correct numbers of members, in other words, we took a census. I do hope that you are still pushing to get those last 2021 renewals in and maybe a few of those expired members to. In Mid-Sep you will get your new goals. Now is the time to review your numbers based on your goal. Because in early Sep, Natl will be giving the Dept their goal, and then comes the division amongst everyone. If I had to put a mark on the wall, I would put this year goal as bare minimum, plus 1-2 members as doable, and 3-5 as exceptional. Don’t forget National Training Tuesday. The last Tuesday of each month American Legion National Headquarters staff will present 60 to 90-minute sessions on topics aimed at post commanders and adjutants. Each session will be recorded and made available for later viewing. Just go to The American Legion website and search for Training Tuesdays and follow the links. Here are some questions that I get ask a lot, so here is the National verbiage. If I join online or submit a membership application to National Headquarters, will I belong to a local Post? When you first join The American Legion, through National Headquarters, your membership will be assigned to the department (state) Headquarters (HQ) post in your state of residence. (For the state of Washington that is Post 110). The HQ posts are basically administrative posts only and there are no meetings or activities, although you're entitled to the same membership benefits, and can visit the local posts as a guest. You can choose to remain in the HQ Post, but it is recommended that you visit posts in your area and if you find one you like, you're free to transfer. It's a great way to get involved with your local community. I belong to a local post and renewed my membership online. When will I get my membership card? National Headquarters usually updates the records within 24 to 48 hours to reflect the dues payment. Your Department Headquarters is also notified, and your post Adjutant receives notification through the post officer's version of the myLegion.org website. Your pre-printed annual membership card is at your post, and it should be forwarded to you after they review the notification of your renewal. If you don't receive it in a timely manner, contact your post Adjutant for assistance. I received a membership invitation in the mail, and it says I can also join online at a special website shown on the application. If I join online, will I still get my membership card and the free gift mentioned in the letter? Yes, you'll get your membership card and any free gifts mentioned in the letter, as long as you apply from that special website. You should receive your new member packet, including your membership card and free gift, approximately 4-6 weeks after you submit your application online. However, if you decide to mail your application, it will take about 4-6 weeks after we receive your application at National Headquarters. (Applies only to new members who join through National.) (Joining online causes you to go to Post 110, join at a Post.) When does my membership expire? Your membership actually expires on Dec. 31 of the paid year shown on your card. It can be a little confusing because your annual dues are supposed to be paid by Jan. 1 each year so National starts accepting dues for the upcoming year on July 1. The goal is to have everyone renewed for the New Year by Jan. 1 when it begins. If dues are not paid by Jan. 1 of each calendar year, the member becomes delinquent. Feb. 1, the member is suspended, June 30, the member is dropped from the membership rolls. (This is in Dept Bylaws) I paid my dues a while ago so why did I get another renewal notice? Renewal notices are mailed from National Headquarters based on the information in our records at the time the notices are printed. Although you may have paid your dues, the National portion of your dues may not have reached our offices yet. When you pay your dues to the Post, they process your payment and keep a portion for the Post; the balance is sent to your Department Headquarters with your membership card; and finally, the Department deducts its portion of your dues and then forwards the remaining balance and your membership card to National. Once National receives your dues and card they are usually processed within 48 hours. On the renewal notice, you'll see there is an "AS OF" date which is when the notice was printed. If you paid your dues sometime around that date, your dues and the renewal probably just crossed in the mail, and you shouldn't receive another one for that membership year. However, if you paid well in advance of that "as of" date, then you should contact your post adjutant to verify the status of your renewal payment. |
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April 2022
On April 7, 2022 the Department of Washington's Past Department Commander Robert W Schwartz passed at the age of 74 due to cancer. A retired Vietnam War Navy Veteran with 30 years of continuous membership.
Sunday May 1, 2022, at noon
Mountain View Funeral Home, Aspen Chapel
4100 Steilacoom Blvd S.W.
Lakewood WA98499
Continuing Celebration of Life in Willow Room, next to Chapel.
Monday May 2, 2022, at 2:30 pm
Tahoma National Cemetery
Need to line up by 2:00PM
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Legion go to mylegion.org click on donate, Veterans and Children’s Foundation (click donate now, you can dedicate in Bob’s name) or PanCAN.org–Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network – Research, Patient Support, Resources (pancan.org) in memory of Bob Schwartz.
November 2021
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DEPARTMENT NEWS VA VOLUNTEER AWARD The American Legion VA Volunteer Award program is designed to recognize those Legionnaires providing exceptional VA Volunteer Service. The Department will present an award to the most outstanding candidate from each District based upon the information submitted. The entry forms can be found on the Department Website and it must be postmarked by December 31st. MEMBERSHIP TARGET DATE OFFICE CLOSURE MID-WINTER CONFERENCE |
MISSION BLUE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM It’s been a year since The American Legion’s Mission Blue Post Assistance Program went into effect following the adoption of Resolution No. 36 by the National Executive Committee during the 2020 Fall Meetings. The program provides eligible American Legion posts financially affected by COVID-19 government restrictions with $1,000 grants. These funds are to pay current or past due rent, mortgage, utilities and insurance premiums. More information is available on the National website: https://www.legion.org/membership/253851/legion-posts-financial-assistance-here-you |
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Department Legion College
Please see the attached Department of Washington Legion College Information Letter, Hotel Registration form and Application. Legion College will be held Saturday and Sunday- 5&6 FEB 2022 at Hotel Windrow in Ellensburg, WA (following the Legion's Mid-Winter Conference). All Legion, SAL and Auxiliary members are welcome to attend. The Department College will pay for a one-night hotel stay and lunch for Saturday. There is a $25 Registration fee, however.
It is also recommended that all participants take The American Legion Basic Training course prior to their attendance to the Department Legion College. Follow the link: https://www.legion.org/alei
All DEC Members need to be in attendance and is highly recommended that all District Vice-Commanders also attend.
Please have all forms returned back to the Department no later than 1 Jan 2022.
ID Resolve Mailing
We have received several phone calls at Department regarding a mailing from ID Resolve offering a program to protect your credit.
ID Resolve is a new, separate program offered through Legion Insurance Trust. This program is approved by the Department of Washington.
If you have any questions, please call ID Resolve directly at (877) 475-5482.
October 2021
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DEPARTMENT NEWS ORATORICAL CONTEST REMINDER All Posts are reminded that the Department Oratorical Contest is fast approaching. The contest will be held March 11-12, 2022 in Ephrata, WA. Contact your District or Department Oratorical Chairman. Information about the contest can be found on the Department of Washington Contest Website at www.waconstitutionalspeechcontest.org MEMBERSHIP TARGET DATE EMPLOYER AWARDS The Department Deadline for entry of all employer awards is November 5th. Entries received after this date will not be included. The American Legion National Economic Commission Awards recognize individuals across the country who had established outstanding records in the employment and retention of workers with disabilities. There are currently nine awards. pg. 8 1. Employer of the Year Award - (Small) 2. Employer of the Year Award - (Medium) 3. Employer of the Year Award - (Large) 4. Employment Service Award - (DVOP) 5. Employment Service Award - (LVER) 6. Employment Service Award - (Local Office) 7. Employer of Older Workers Award 8. Enhance the Lives of Disabled Persons Award 9. Homeless Veteran Outreach Award To be considered for the National Award, the Departments deadline for submittals to the National Economic Commission in Washington, DC is January 15, of the following year. All entries must be accompanied by an official nomination form and must not be longer than two pages of narrative. Supporting documents, which may also be submitted with the nomination, must not exceed ten pages. THE EMPLOYER OF VETERANS AWARD Posts may submit a total of 3 nominations for this category for Department consideration. One nomination for a small company with 50 or fewer employees. One nomination for a medium sized company with 51 - 200 employees One nomination for a large company with 201 or more employees These awards, one in each of the three employers of veteran’s size categories, are presented at the Department/National Convention. In order to be eligible for the Employer of Veterans Awards, nominees must meet the following criteria: At least 10 percent of the nominee’s work force must be veterans. The nominee must have been in business for at least five years. The nominee cannot restrict employment to veterans only. The nominee must be a private sector employer. In other words, the nominee cannot be a city, state or federal employer. EMPLOYMENT SERVICE AWARDS The ES awards program is to confer national recognition annually on one outstanding Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER), one Disabled Veterans Outreach Program specialist (DVOP), and one local Employment Service (ES) office. LVERs, DVOPs, and ES provide job counseling, testing and placement assistance to unemployed and underemployed veterans. pg. 9 Nominations from Posts, ES employees or other sources must be sent to Department Headquarters. The Department then selects one nominee each in the LVER, DVOP, and ES Office categories, and sends the winning nominations with their supporting information to the National Economic Commission. Nominations that arrive without supporting information will not be eligible for the national awards. EMPLOYER OF OLDER WORKERS AWARD The National Economic Commission created an award for employers of older workers. Because the commission saw older workers as a valuable economic resource of proven skills, stability and experience, it wanted to encourage employers to hire and retain older workers in the work force. Nominations from Posts, or other sources must be sent to Department Headquarters. The Department then selects one nominee and sends the winning nominations with their supporting information to the National Economic Commission. Nominations that arrive without supporting information will not be eligible for the national awards. AWARD TO ENHANCE THE LIVES OF DISABLED PERSONS The National Organization on Disability (NOD) Awards competition is to confer national recognition on organizations, such as The American Legion, for their involvement in enhancing the lives of disabled persons by providing opportunities for their participation in community activities. Any Legion project or program that improves the quality of life for disabled persons will be considered. All entries must be accompanied by an official nomination form and must not be longer than two pages of narrative. Supporting documents, which may also be submitted with the nomination, must not exceed ten pages. Nominations from Posts, or other sources must be sent to Department Headquarters. The Department then selects one nominee and sends the winning nominations with their supporting information to the National Economic Commission. Nominations that arrive without supporting information will not be eligible for the national awards. The Department deadline for all Employer Awards is November 5th. Entries received after this date will not be included. E-mail or Mail To: The American Legion MISSION BLUE POST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM It’s been a year since The American Legion’s Mission Blue Post Assistance Program went into effect following the adoption of Resolution No. 36 by the National Executive Committee during the 2020 Fall Meetings. The program provides eligible American Legion posts financially affected by COVID-19 government restrictions with $1,000 grants. These funds are to pay current or past due rent, mortgage, utilities and insurance premiums. 1. Any post that does not have insurance that names the national organization as an additional insured and/or has not filed a 2021 Consolidated Post Report but meets the other grant qualifications identified in Resolution No. 36, may receive up to $1,000. Please contact Department for more information and the application. |
MEMBERSHIP There is often confusion about The American Legion membership year. Does the year run from July to June or from January to December? A member’s membership card is valid from the time of issue until December 31 of the calendar year printed on the card. After December 31, the member is considered delinquent. Posts begin collecting dues in July for the following calendar year. |
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Additional Information: National Commander's (Nov 1-4) Itinerary in Washington Oratorical Contest Quick Info Document Boys State / Oratorical / Girls State Flyer |
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NATIONAL FALL MEETING REPORT National Fall Meetings were held at the National Headquarters in Indianapolis from October 1-7, 2021. National Commission/ Committee meetings were held as well as, Department Adjutant Training, Department Adjutant and Department Commander Meetings and the National Executive Committee met in Fall Session on October 6 and 7. Department Adjutant training consisted of Human Resources, PersonifyGo, mylegion, Legal and American Legion trademark updates. Department Commanders and Department Adjutants also met in joint sessions. The Commander and I attended the followin meetings: The Department of Washington Delegation was also fortunate to meet the leading candidate for National Commander for 2022-2023, Jim Troiola, from the Department of NY and the trailing candidate for National Commander 2022-2023, Daniel Seehafer of the Department of Wisconsin. Attached are the message points of the National Commission/Committees and the Nation Executive Committee meetings for your reading pleasure and the NEC Report. |
SEPTEMBER 2021
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Department News For God and Country, |
Membership |
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Information regarding upcoming Americanism programs: |