This fall, members of your Post, Unit Squadron or Chapter can take one day and learn about the many different programs and projects concerning the Pennsylvania American Legion. For a $15 registration fee, “students” choose one of eight courses, which will be filled on a first come first served basis.
The General Course provides information on all Department programs, activities and more.
The Adjutant Course is a 1/2 day course which covers membership, various forms as well as other information. The first half of the day will be spent in the General Course.
The Auxiliary Course is an all day class that covers issues pertaining to the Pennsylvania American Legion Auxiliary.
There will also be a 1/2 day SAL Course. The first half of the day will be spent in the General Course
The Service Officer Course is an all day class that will give insight on filing claims and assisting veterans in need.
The Home Association Course is an all day class that will educate attendees on bookkeeping, IRS forms, small games of chance and the Home Association’s relationship to the Post.
Another class is the Legion Riders Course for the entire day. This will inform the students about the different aspects of the Legion Riders.
The final program is the Chaplain Course for those who are or may want to become a Chaplain and will explain your obligations and duties within your Post as the Chaplain. The first half of the day will be spent in the General Course.
For your convenience Department offers tow “colleges”. Choose to attend October 30, 2010 at Cumberland Valley High School (Mechanicsburg, PA) or November 6, 2010 at the Latrobe High School in Latrobe PA. Opening program begins at 8:30 am with all classes starting at 9:00 am.
Registration fee includes course material, a full course lunch and a Legion College pin.
Both facilities are non smoking.
Click Here for the Legion College application
The 2010 Department Convention held at the Harrisburg Hilton Hotel was a great success. View the great pictures below.
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest veterans service organization, committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.
In contrast to other veterans organizations, the Legion offers a number of local programs and activities to strengthen its commitment to our nation’s grass roots and the people we serve. American Legion Baseball is one of the nation’s most successful amateur athletic programs; it continues to educate youths on the importance of sportsmanship and develops the quality of our country’s citizenship. The Heroes to Hometowns program is the only nationwide reintegration assistance service for wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, millions of dollars in donations have been given to fellow veterans and their families in times of grief, and various scholarship opportunities ensure the future success of our youth.
The American Legion is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization with great political influence perpetuated by its grass-roots involvements in the legislation process. Legionnaires’ sense of obligation to their community, state and nation drives an honest advocacy for veterans in Washington. The Legion stands not behind politics, but the issues and people that institute progress by focusing on veterans rights and quality of life.
The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives.
The Four Pillars of The American Legion Booklet (PDF)
Need a Lift? To educational opportunities, scholarships, grants, student loans, careers and employment.
The American Legion publishes a comprehensive roundup of educational opportunities – including state and federal education benefits for veterans – in a booklet titled “Need a Lift?” Nearly 30,000 copies are distributed to educational institutions each year. It contains up-to-date information on:
- The basics of higher-education funding
- A listing of federal education benefits and programs, including loans, grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, tax benefits and educational IRAs
- A listing of state education benefits and programs
- Scholarships, grants and loans administered or supported by The American Legion
- Military resources
- Private funding sources
- An index of books and e-newsletters on education benefits
- Basic information on four-year colleges around the United States
- Contact information
The American Legion is again competing for $250,000 for the Legacy Scholarship Fund in July. Additionally, we are entered for August on behalf of job fairs, in which we are quite active. Let’s make it a point to let our “address books” know that we need them to vote every day for the next two months in order to win $500,000 for American Legion Charities. Go to www.legion.org and click on the Pepsi Refresh icon.
INDIANAPOLIS (June 14, 2010) – A letter signed by The American Legion is asking President Barack Obama to restore the Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial cross.
The letter, which also copied U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, was signed by National Commander Clarence Hill and also included signatures from the heads of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Liberty Institute and the veterans counsel for Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.
“It is time for the President to intervene and restore this tribute to our World War I veterans which stood as a testament to their sacrifice for over 75 years,” Hill said. “After its reaffirmation by the highest court in the land, its clandestine removal by thieves cries out for its immediate replacement.”
This spring, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled lower federal courts’ decisions to tear down the memorial because of a misplaced belief that it was a religious icon on federal land. Soon after the ruling, the memorial was ripped down and carried away by vandals.
“This act was abhorrent and constitutes a federal crime under the Veterans’ Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act of 2003. And it defies the rule of law, flouting a binding decision of the U.S. Supreme Court,” the letter states. “If Arlington National Cemetery were similarly desecrated, that desecration would be rectified immediately, and rightly so. Unfortunately, however, the National Park Service and the Department of Justice are refusing our request to replace the stolen memorial.”
The letter goes on to state that the National Park Service hasn’t restored the memorial because it is complying with a lower court order, which in their interpretation, the Supreme Court decision did not fully address. Henry Sandoz, the caretaker of the memorial for the last 26 years, has built an exact replica of what was torn down and is ready to reinstall it.
“This impasse is at a point where we now need your intervention as our nation’s leader, Mr. President, on decisive action to direct restoration of the memorial to its original form,” the letter reads. “It is in your power to direct the National Park Service and the Department of Justice to immediately restore the Memorial. And, on behalf of our nation’s veterans, we humbly ask you to do so, as Commander in Chief and as the sole officer constitutionally charged to take care that the laws are faithfully executed.”
Anyone who wants to sign their name onto the letter can do so at http://www.putthecrossback.com/ .
Portion of proceeds will benefit Legion programs
INDIANAPOLIS (June 9, 2010) – A new documentary detailing the 91-year history of The American Legion has just been released and is currently available through the organization’s Web site and Flag & Emblem Sales division.
“History of The American Legion: A National Legacy” was produced by Blackhorse Productions, a California-based company that specializes in military documentaries. Narrated by actor Neal McDonough (Band of Brothers), the movie traces the World War I roots of The American Legion and follows its history from its founding through its support for the military during the Global War on Terrorism.
“The American Legion has been the leading voice for veterans and the military since 1919,” National Commander Clarence E. Hill said. “While many people know that The American Legion played a pivotal role in the creation of the GI Bill, they don’t necessarily know the fascinating history behind it. From the elevation of the VA to cabinet-status to the administration of some of the most successful youth programs in the country, The American Legion has too many noteworthy accomplishments for me to mention here. I am pleased that we now have a DVD that brings the illustrious history of The American Legion to life. This would make a great gift for any Legionnaire and a great educational tool for the general public.
“The National Executive Committee passed Resolution 6 during its October 2008 meetings, which authorized The American Legion to cooperate with Blackhorse Productions in the creation of the documentary. The project was completed at no cost to The American Legion, with a portion of the sales proceeds being allocated to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, Child Welfare Foundation and National Emergency Fund.
“Preserving history and teaching viewers about the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans is a passion for Blackhorse Productions,” said Jason Heit, Executive Producer and CEO. “We were extremely excited to not just tell the great story of The American Legion, but to include the American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Riders.”
The DVDs cost $19.95 each and are available online at www.emblem.legion.org or by calling 1-888-453-4466. The stock number is 755.906.
With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and the mentoring of youth. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
As the department convention is approaching, I’m preparing several mini-movies to be shown before, during, or even right after the convention sessions. The mini-movies will be pictures of our Pennsylvania American Legion “Posts-in-Action” set to patriotic music. And I want to include pictures from your Post, your District, your programs!
This year’s Pennsylvania American Legion Department Convention will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Harrisburg from July 15th to the 18th. After the convention, I will post the mini-movies to Department’s website for everyone to view.
The mini-movies will be made from pictures of the events involving our Pennsylvania Legion Posts. You can send pictures of your Post meetings, Christmas party, Oratorical contest, summer picnic, Legion baseball, testimonial dinner, the front of your Post building, Memorial Day parade, Veterans Day event, visiting a local school, welcoming home our current military, flag burning ceremony, or any other event held by your American Legion Post supporting your community, children & youth, Americanism and of course our veterans.
The mini-movies will be similar to the movie shown at the January Housing for Homeless Veterans benefit dinner. If you did not see the movie you can go to Department’s website to view the movie.
You can:
Send me your pictures taken during the 2009 -2010 membership year via email no later than June 15, 2010
Send as many as 25 pictures to be included as part of the mini-movies – you can send as many emails as necessary to send the 25 pictures
Write your Post # on the subject line of the email
Or mail a CD with the 25 pictures on it to Shannon Kyle, 2072 Rockfield Road, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15243 – please include your Post number with the CD
Do Not send the actual pictures – I need the pictures by email or CD only
If you don’t have pictures then ask around; you may have a Post Historian, Post Adjutant, Post Commander, or even any other members from your Post can have pictures from this current membership year 2009-2010.
National Convention
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
August 27, - September 2, 2010
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to attend the 92nd American Legion National Convention. We have a great opportunity to save money while traveling in style to the convention with the Pennsylvania Department Bus Trip. This will give you the chance to save a little money and travel to the convention without any worries.
Click Here for more information about the bus trip to the National Convention.
The Pennsylvania delegation will be staying at the Doubletree Hotel Milwaukee City Center. The hotel reservations must be made through Department Headquarters. The room rate is $119.18 including tax for a king size bed room and a double room (2 beds). After 2 people there will be an additional occupant in room rate at $15.00 each. A rollaway bed can be rented at $10.00 a day.
The room amenities include: iron, ironing board, tv with HBO, hair dryer and coffee pot. The hotel amenities include a check in time of 3:00pm. The convention center is cater-corner from our hotel, which is a short walk of about 200 feet. There is a nice restaurant in the hotel and about a dozen or more within a couple of blocks of the hotel. The hotel also has a fitness center and outdoor pool. Parking is $15.00 a day valet only in and out anytime fro no extra charge.
The Doubletree Hotel Milwaukee City Center is approximately 15 minutes from the airport depending on time of day and day of the week. Our nationalorganization has arranged airport ground transportation services for the National Convention through Go Airport Connection. In order for attendees to receive the $21 round trip fare to/from the Milwaukee Airport they must book at least 24 hours in advance through the customized portal. Here is the link to the portal for The American Legion Family to book from. http://goairportconnection.hudsonltd.net/res?USERIDENTRY=ameleg&LOGON=GO
The cit rate from the airport to any downtown hotel is $25.00 for a taxi cab regardless of how many persons you can safely get in the vehicle. Travel time is approximately 15 minutes. All major car rental companies are available at the airport.
Pennsylvania Delegate Registration is in our Doubletree Hotel Milwaukee City Center Hotel lobby across form the registration desk.
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Friday, August 27 - 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
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Saturday, August 28 - 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
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Sunday, August 29 - 9:00 am to 12 noon or as required
There is a convenience store right across from our hotel (food, beer, liquor, soda, etc.,) A Dunkin Donuts, Quizno’s, Subway are all 200 feet from the hotel. West Town Market Liquors and other items, IMAX Planetarium are 1 block away. The bus station and Amtrak train station are three blocks from the hotel. Butch’s Steak House is on the corner across from the rear of the hotel. The Grand Avenue Mall is 2 1/2 blocks from the hotel. The Harley Davidson Museum is 1 mile away. The Potawatomi Casino is 1 mile away and the Irish Pub is 3 blocks from the hotel.
Handicap information for wheelchair and scooter rentals. The handicapped attendees of our delegation that will require a scooter or wheelchair may contact the following:
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Accessibility Home Medical & Rehab 414-543-1114
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Discount Mobility Products, LLC., 414-321-3500
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On The Go Mobility 414-375-4682, 7289
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MetroCare 800-227-3820
The Pennsylvania caucus breakfast meeting will be held Monday, August 30, 2010 at 7:30 am in the main Ballroom 1st floor of the Doubletree Hotel. Starbucks coffee & assorted chilled juices, bakery basket, scrambled eggs, bacon & sausage links, country style potatoes, melon slices & berries will be available for each Pennsylvania American Legion delegate in attendance at this meeting.
The parade will be Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 4:00 pm. We will meet in the hotel lobby at 2:30 pm. We do not have the parade route yet. Our hotel is supposedly right on the parade route so we may not need transportation. We will update this information as things are finalized.
The Pennsylvania Party will be in the Doubletree Hotel in the main Ballroom 1st floor after the Parade party. Sunday, August 29, 2010 at approximately 6:00 pm final time will be announced. The party is for all delegates and guests. The menu will include baked chicken, roast beef, vegetable medley, au gratin potatoes, salad, rolls, dessert, coffee, tea and milk.
The National Commander’s Dinner is Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm at the Milwaukee Convention Center.
All persons receiving a Department call-in or who are going to sign as a delegate at our Department roll calls, MUST register through our Department Headquarters and stay in the contracted housing. Any exceptions must be cleared with the Department Commander / Adjutant prior to our departure to the convention city.
Looking to seeing you in Milwaukee Wisconsin for the 92nd National Convention!
Click Here for a printer friendly version of the General Information for the National Convention
The American Legion Operation Comfort Warriors is up for a $250,000 grant from Pepsi. Please take a couple of minutes to vote and then let your family, friends and co-workers know to vote too!
Click Here to vote for Operation Comfort Warriors
Goals
- Provide items for the troops not normally covered by the government.
Overview
Operation Comfort Warriors is a campaign by The American Legion to provide comfort items such as DVDs, calling cards, portable electronics, clothes, puzzles and other gifts to U.S. military troops recovering in hospitals and warrior transition units.More than 35,000 men and women in the U.S. military have been injured as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Operation Comfort Warriors is not political in any way. Its intent is to support the military troops, regardless of whether one supports the wars or not.The comfort items will not make our wounded warriors “whole again” but it does show that we care and appreciate their sacrifice. So far, The American Legion has successfully delivered more than $200,000 in comfort items to recovering troops at facilities across the United States. All administrative and marketing costs are paid for by The American Legion’s national budget, so every cent of donated money goes directly to helping the troops.
Idea linksHow will the 250K be Used? |
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| This grant will not cover any marketing or administrative costs. Those expenses will be paid for by The American Legion. Comfort items will be intended to improve the morale of the troops and will not include items normally paid for by the government or provided by the military health care system. | |
| $ 250000 | Comfort Items |