Alaska Legionnaire

Alaska

Legionnaire

The American Legion ~ Today's Voice for Today's Veterans & Military

VOL. 2020 No. 3 Alaska Department of the American LegionMay/June 2020

The American Legion Department of Alaska 1550 Charter Circle Anchorage, Ak 99508

We cannot say THANK YOU enough to The American Legion Post 33 for their $5000 donation towards our much needed new Meals On Wheels

vehicle. Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center

Post 4 Veterans Breakfast On March 7 Pioneer Post 4 hosted a breakfast for all veterans in the Anchorage Pioneers' Home to introduce new residents to our American Legion Post. We had 7 guests and 6 post members in attendance who all enjoyed a hearty breakfast cooked by 1st Vice Commander Andy Anderson. Toby and Bill are planning a follow up visit and sign up those who are not presently members. One of our members at the breakfast is soon to celebrate his 100th birthday and we will see if we can coordinate a meeting to help him celebrate. Bill Jacobi, Post 4 Commander

With the National Headquarters and The Department of Alaska having to cancel so many of our activities, we at Department thought a stroll through our memories of past events would help us stay postive and connected to each other.

Watch for photos...

ADJUTANT'S UPDATE

By Sharon Cherrette

COMMANDER'S CORNER

By Hunter Davis

What a crazy start to a New Year. March started "social distancing" with the corona virus (COVID-19), schools and sports activities cancelled, and "hunker down"/stay at home orders put out by many governors/mayors with many folks laid off or working from home. As Spring heads into Summer, areas of Alaska continued to have cool/cold temperatures and more snow. Never seen so much snow for Kodiak.

Upcoming events in Alaska that may or may not happen: Memorial Day events (Anchorage usually at the Park Strip and Fort Richardson National Cemetery), Flag Day ceremonies, Summer Solstice baseball game in Fairbanks.

Department Convention was cancelled for April 2020, but elections were held in late April via mail/email ballot. Results will be posted by email and hopefully on our website this month (May) at alaskalegion. org. Susitna Valley Post 35 has been awarded the Department Convention for 2021, dates for planning purposes: starts on Wednesday afternoon, 21 April, for reception, registration, American Legion Riders meeting, and Auxiliary Department Executive Committee (DEC) meeting through Saturday evening 24 April 2021.

Alaska Boys State along with at least 32 other states is cancelled. Scholarships will not be awarded this year (National cancelled the Samsung Scholarship)

Legion National Headquarters has cancelled all events/conferences through the end of September 2020. This includes the National Convention which was to be held in Louisville, Kentucky. The Governor of Kentucky has stated hotels should be for mission or needed basis (such as medical staff, etc.) with no end date. Louisville has been awarded the Convention for 2026.

Next year's Convention will be in Phoenix, Arizona, 27 August through 2 September 2021. Events in October/November are under consideration (Fall Conference and Legion College).

CHANGES TO DEPARTMENT SCHEDULE ? With Department Convention cancelled, the Fall Workshop/Conference is being extended one (1) day to cover business that would have been covered at the Convention such as reports and resolutions. Date and location have not been determined (Conference will run Friday through Sunday-Sunday for any overlap; and hopefully, the renaming of the Headquarters building).

Currently, Kelly and I are working limited hours in the office and from home. The voice message on the Headquarters phone has our contact phone numbers and emails if you need to get in contact with us. It also has the Service Officers' phone numbers provided in the message. We do go into the office to check mail.

May/June - The virus, Conventions, Oratorical, Membership, Consolidated Post Reports, Certification of Officers Well. This has been a wild ride thus far. Looking back at my article from last issue, it is quite apparent how low-key everything appeared to be in our world. Now...? Department convention is cancelled; Oratorical has a champion but National competition is cancelled; No National travel authorized through September 30; No American Legion World Series; No Junior Shooting Sports National competition; No meetings or gatherings above X members; No bars; No restaurants; No schools; No graduations; No incomes. We've certainly fallen in a hole. But we will climb out of it. We always have. Membership is continuing to come in, albeit slowly. This time of year, is always a tough time to get the renewals in. But continue we must, for coming out of this world-wide shutdown, our State, our Nation, and our veterans are going to need all the help that the Legion can give or find. Our organization, being so localized at the Post level, is ideally situated to be a voice for good. Service to others and the Nation will push us past the current problems. One area in particular will be getting people and veterans back to work. It won't happen overnight but let us offer our Posts to be used as much as possible, as meeting space, as job clearinghouses, and as community leadership. It is always good to hear of how Posts are dealing with day-to-day operations. In the Department of Alaska, Jack Henry Post 1 and Seward Post 5 are still operating their kitchens and putting out pickup meals. Posts around the Department are meeting via teleconference, be it Skype, Messenger, or Zoom, allowing E-Board meetings and taking care of the business of the Post. At the Department level, we have had several videoconferences, making decisions that will keep us active and up to date with elections and forward planning. The election of Department officers will be forthcoming at the end of April. By now, all endorsement letters should be out and individual information packets, a resume if you will, for the candidates should be headed for Headquarters. These packets are a new request, allowing the Nominations committee to have more than the endorsement letter from each nominating Post. As always, the Consolidated Post Reports are coming due. It is vital for the annual Congressional report by the National Headquarters that we be as complete and transparent as possible. It is the goal of our National Commander Bill Oxford that we hit 100% of the CPR. It is possible and we can do this. As Always, For God and Country,

Page 2 Alaska Legionnaire May/June 2020

From The

THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF ALASKA

American

DEPARTMENT OFFICERS 2019-2020

Legion, Department of

Alaska

Commander.........................Hunter Davis..........................6550 Park Ave. Ketchikan, AK 99901 First Vice Commander....................................................................................................................... Second Vice Commander.....Mike Downs....................3212 Oregon Dr., Anchorage, AK 99517 Adjutant Officer ..................Sharon Cherrette....1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, Alaska 99508

Service Officer....................................................................................................................................

Sergeant-At-Arms.................Don Maupin...................910 Edinborough Dr., Palmer, AK 99645

DEPARTMENT SPONSORED

Chaplain................................Marty Carlton....................8351 Henry Cir., Anchorage, AK 99507 Historian...............................Ray Untiet, Jr. ........380 E 11th Ave., #423, Anchorage, AK 99501 Judge Advocate....................Ken Jacobus................310 K Street Ste 200, Anchorage, AK 99501

INSURANCE PROGRAMS

The Legionnaire Insurance Trust has been The

Executive Committeeman....Mike Hayward..............12021 Seashore Pl., Anchorage, AK 99515 Executive Committeeman....Kent Winship................................POB 257 Dillingham, AK 99576 Executive Committeeman......Tom Sears..................................P.O. Box 1472 Seward, AK 99664

Department of Alaska's sponsored member ben- NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEMEN

efits program since 1988 and continues to fulfill

NEC.........................................Steve Huisman....................4700 Rivers St. North Pole, AK 99705

our members needs while being the only such

Alt. NEC..................................Jim Van Horn..............3217 Timberline Ct. Ketchikan, AK 99901

program to benefit our Department for 26 years.

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER AIDES

For more information on the products and services provided by the Legionnaire Insurance

Trust, Call: 1-800-235-6943 Or visit our web site at:

Jack Henry Post 1................Tim Campbell.................1112 Chugach Way, Anchorage, AK 99503 Joe Craig Post 3 .....................Scott Kline.........................444 Schoenbar Rd., Ketchikan, AK 99901 Geo. H. Plumley Memorial Post 20......Alvin Diaz...............1112 Walnut Ave., Kenai, AK 99611 Susitna Valley Post 35............................Matt Larson...................P.O. Box 643 Willow, AK 99688 CR Huber Post 57.................................Chris Bedel...........13 Blanche Ave., Fairbanks, AK 99701



NEWS FROM THE SERVICE OFFICE

Happy Spring and Happy Easter everyone! Crazy times we are living in right now and The American Legion Service Office hopes everyone is staying well and taking care of themselves and loved ones! The American Legion Service Office is currently working limited hours due to the Corona Virus and all the mandates and stipulations in

THE ALASKA LEGIONNAIRE (USPS 012-100)

OFFICIAL Bi-MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF

The American Legion, Department of Alaska

1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, Alaska 99508

Member of The National American Legion Press Association

Sharon Cherrette Managing Editor

place. Jamie Carlson and Steve Powell are working from home and occasionally going into the office to help maintain The Alaska Legionnaire (USPS 012-100) is

the compensation process for our Veterans. Veterans are able to reach out to the Anchorage Office by calling 907-250-

published bi-monthly for $3.00 yearly subscription. Office of publication is The American

5779 or to reach Steve Powell call 907-513-1524.

Legion, Department of Alaska, 1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, Alaska 99508. Periodicals

At this time Veteran Benefits Administration is teleworking. The main benefits regional office at Anchorage

postage paid at Anchorage, Alaska.

Printed by Anchorage Printing, a private firm

VHA is temporarily closed until further notice, as soon as it is cleared for them to open, we will go back to our offices in no way connected with The American Le-

and hope to get back to some amount of normalcy. VBA is still functioning and able to process claims for Veterans, to

gion, Department of Alaska. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members and

our knowledge that process has not stopped, we have continued working with Veterans via fax and email and have sub-

families of The American Legion, Department of Alaska, and other approved subscribers.

mitted successful claims. As an update VBA has begun processing Blue Water Navy Veteran claims, please feel free to

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does

contact us with any questions or issues in regard to that process.

not constitute endorsement by The American

For our Kenai Peninsula and surrounding area Veterans, Steve Powell has moved to the Independent Living

Legion, The Department of Alaska, or Anchorage Printing, of the products or services

Center located at 47255 Princeton Ave in Soldotna. He has his own office space and has been busy moving and getting

advertised. Everything advertised in this publication

set up with an actual office (which he has not had in quite some time). At this time the Center has closed to visitors

shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, reli-

due to the vulnerable population at the Center. Steve can be reached via phone at this time and he will work out his

gion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any

own system/process of continuing to help Veterans.

other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user

or patron. For information on advertising, call

For our Kodiak Veterans, everything that was transported from Kodiak to Anchorage has been mailed back for (907) 278-8598, fax to (907) 278-0041 or email

your own records. We have continued assisting Veterans through this difficult transition process as best as possible.

to: kelly@alaska- SUBSCRIPTION RATES ~ PAY-

Please feel free to call to check on status of claims if you have something pending. Please feel free to call our office if

ABLE IN ADVANCE Members of The American Legion, Depart-

you have not received something you feel should be there.

ment of Alaska subscription included in payment of annual dues.

We are hoping to gain an additional Service Officer in the very near future and will look forward to announcing

Postmaster:

Send address changes to The Alaska

that in the next newsletter. Outreach travels will resume once we are cleared for interstate travels. In the meantime, Legionnaire, 1550 Charter Circle, An-

please feel free to call us and we will do our best to accomplish claims and other issues over the phone, fax or email. chorage, Alaska 99508.

We thank you for your patience and understanding through these crazy times.

Sincerely,

American Legion Service Office

Wow. What a couple months we have all had. My prayers go out to each and every one of you, your Post, your Units, and Detachments. Not being able to gather as we normally do has rage a storm on our organization. And no Department convention...that hurt. The VA has had to cancel all of it's normal events through the games which is normally held in July. Volunteers were sent home for the first time in decades, if ever in this capacity. But our willingness to help our Veterans carried on and we grow stronger every

day. This organization cannot be broken down and I am so proud of everybody on their willingness to keep us going in the hard times and making sure our Veterans were assisted in their needs.

Now is the time to reflect on the situation. Al the masks, social distancing, etc., and remember a lot of our Veterans have lost employment during this time and they are going to need our assistance more then ever. Please stand ready and answer the call when our

volunteers ask for donations and opportunities to volunteer yourself.

Ann Robinson American Legion Auxiliary Department of Alaska VA&R VAVS 2019&2020

Page 3 Alaska Legionnaire May/June 2020

A note from DJ Jones, Post 1 Adjutant and Director of the Legion Rider

American Legion Jack Henry Post 1 heard through some of our members that a number of Active Duty Airmen and Soldiers were being quarantined on base in austere conditions (Read As: Formerly empty barracks). The post Executive Board voted to supply 100 goodie bags to help them pass the time a little easier. In the bags were things like microwave popcorn bags, candies, and rice crispy treats. Also included was a note from the post, thanking them for their service and information on the American Legion and the reason for being a member. The picture is from several of our Active Duty members picking up and distributing the bags. ~ DJ Jones, Adjutant

Thank you Jack Henry Post 1

Memories from our past....

PDC Terry Huisman, PNVC Jim Pisa, Kelly Petersen, Post

3 Adjutant Deb Davis , Dept. Aux President Jane Larson, Jack of all trades Diana Estrada, and guest having a great time at the baseball game during the 100th Na-

tional Convention

Who is the man behind thosshades? It is our own PDC Scott Klien! Walking the parade route in Ketchikan for

the 4th of July.

From the Desk of Marty Carlton, Department Chaplain Remember May 25 is

When trouble comes it does not discriminate. In just three short months. The Corona Virus shut down the country.

Memorial Day.

It shut down; all athletic venues musicians' venues

A day to remember our

theaters movies the economy and stock market

fallen Heros.

Gyms

Schools

I believe that Psalms chapter 91 and 2 Chronicles chapter 7 verse14 Will Answer some of the questions concerning why things happen the way they

do and the comfort of God.

This letter will have been published after the virus. However, the same verses still apply. We need to look forward and not back to what happened.

Enjoy the coming summer months.

I'm looking forward to the upcoming events we have planned.

Pray for the world that we all find the answer to long life and peace. Pray for our president and others in the government.

For God and Country

~~~~~TAPS ~~~~~

POST 1POST 12

POST 28

James MacDonald-Vietnam

Freddie Sloan-Vietnam

Chantel Burton-Gulf War

Thomas Stanfield-Lebanon/Grenada

POST 15

POST 29

Carl Baker-VietnamGerald Blackburn-Vietnam

POST 3

James Doran-WW11

POST 17

POST 77

POST 11James Peotter-KoreaJack Olexa-Vietnam

Thomas Stern-KoreaLarry O'Hara-VietnamC Williams-Vietnam

Page 4

Alaska Legionnaire

May/June 2020

Alaska Americanism

Vice Commander Michael Downs

The American Legion always seems to step up during times of crisis, it fits with our tagline of "Still Serving", so it with great pleasure that I share some

of the deeds of our Legion Family.

American Legion Jack Henry Post 1 created 100 goody bags for active duty

members on JBER that have been or will be put in barracks quar-

antine. We stuffed bags with lots of stuff that young fit people can eat and worked with 1st Sergeant Tom Rohr from the hospital to get them into the

hands of those in need. Tanya from our Auxiliary helped make up the bags, another family effort.

Unit 15 delivered breakfast burrito's to Wasilla Junior High School. That's cool, love to see the young folks in the photo. The Post has also done Buddy Check calls to WW II and Korean Vets. ? Good job team!

Post 15 making burritos for kids

Post 5 is making masks for the community, doing complimentary meals, including meals for local seniors, updating the community with good information through the joint information center, and finally giving rental assistance to some that lost their jobs - Outstanding! The Department Auxiliary has been promoting Children and Youth Month and purpling up for military children on Facebook.

Post 28 Anchorage is helping financially with masks and food distribution for members; Post 3 Ketchikan is planning events when we go back to normal like ANZAC Day; Post 16 Homer is doing mask collection and buddy checks. Posts with to go food, please support them ? Post 1 Anchorage TaTu Smoked Texas BBQ, Friday thru Sunday curbside or Door Dash delivery; Post 5 Seward Various meals for curbside pickup; Post 17 Kodiak American Fare, Monday thru Friday; Post 28 Anchorage Sal's bake at home Stromboli. Nationally a post in New York set up a grill and tent along the intersection, along with signs saying "Truckers Stop Here" and "Thank You Truckers Free Food." At the stop, truck drivers were given hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and a drink before heading back out on the road ? all while the volunteers followed social distancing guidelines. Not sure about what to do during the pandemic, here are a few suggestions, and I would love to hear yours. Americanism is really about strengthening our nation.

? Buddy checks, call text, email your membership to see how they are doing, especially your older members. Need help let me know, there are lots of resources and I will even help make calls

? Encourage American Legion members to consider donating blood

? Many posts nationwide are doing some kind of food service

? Be open to teleconference and vice conference

I have of course missed lots of the good things that your post, squadron, or unit is doing, and I would love to hear about them. Please contact me at 253-906-9983 or alaskapost1@

The American Legion, Department of Alaska

is looking for an Oratorical Chairperson. After many years as Chairperson, Jan Scott will be retiring at the end of the 2020 Oratorical Competition. Some of the duties include setting up the Department competition in February, arranging for judges, time keepers, chaperons, and travel.

For more information contact Department Headquarters @ 907-278-8598

Dates to Remember

May Day - May 1

Mothers Day - May 10

National Law Enforcement Week - May 10-16

Armed Forces Day - May 16

Peace Officers Memorial Day - May 15

Maritime Day - May 22

National Poppy Day - May 22

Flag Day - June 14 US Army Birthday - June 14

244 Years old Fathers Day - June 21

Page 5Alaska LegionnaireMay/June 2020

Happenings at your Post

Jack Henry Post 1

Monday - Wings and Fries $7

Tuesday - Rib Night!!! $12

Wednesday - Taco Night CHEAP

Thursday - Burgers & Brew $10

Friday - Steak Night $17

Saturday - Spaghetti $5

Sunday - Smoked BBQ $15

5-8pm except Sunday Starts at 2pm

Seward Post 5

Taco Tuesday

Friday Night Steaks

Food Served every night

Matanuska Valley Post 15

Tuesday Pool League

Thursday Night Darts League

Friday Prime Rib and Live Band

Saturday Cajun Food and Karaoke

General Buckner Post 16 Family

2nd Saturday Auxiliary Dinner 6:00pm

Friday Burger & Brew 6:00pm - 8:00pm

1st Friday of the month Special

3rd Friday Steak Night 6:00pm

George H. Plumley Memorial Post 20

Sunday Breakfast 10:00am - 1:00pm

Every Friday is Steak Night 6:00pm-8:00pm with an added Special Dish

Every Sunday Breakfast Menu Dishes 10:00am -1:00pm

Every Friday Aux Unit 20 Sponsors

The Friday Night Raffle 12:00pm - 8:00pm

Drawing (sign up once a day to enter)

Every Saturday must be present 4:00pm

Membership drawing (no sign ups)

Every Sunday must be present 2:00pm

Spenard Post 28

Monday, Karaoke 9:00pm-12:00am

Tuesday, Taco night 6:00pm

Friday Steak Night and Karaoke, Poker 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Saturday, Karaoke 8:00pm

Sunday, Poker 3:00pm - 8:30pm

Legion, Sons, Auxiliary meetings start at 7:00pm

Muldoon Post 29

Tuesdays, Taco night 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Wednesday Night Dinners 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Catfish, Chicken Wings, Pork chops

Friday Night Steak Night 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Peters Creek Post 33

Thursday Taco Nite - 4:30pm - 8:30pm

1st & 3rd Friday

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Chappie James Post 34

Commanders night starting at 6:30pm every Thursday

Susitna Valley Post 35

Open Daily @1:00pm

Meeting Nights: Legion: 1st and 3rd Tuesday 7:00pm

Auxiliary: 1st & 3rd Tuesday 7:00pm

Sons: 1st and 3rd Monday 7:30pm

Riders: 1st Saturday 6:00pm

Wednesday: Taco Night 6:00pm - 8:00pm Texas Hold'em 7:00pm - ?

Fridays: Steak Night 6:00pm - 8:00pm

C.R. Huber Post 57

Sunday Breakfast 10-2

FOOTBALL & NASCAR Every Sunday

From the Doghouse Jim Pisa, PNVC

The world has gone crazy, not only at the department level but at the national level. By now everybody knows that the department convention has been cancelled. We are hoping that this virus is over with soon and we will do Alaska Legion business at the fall conference in October. During a recent teleconference with the department executive committee, it was voted, to reward the department convention for 2021 back to Susitna Valley Post 35 in Wasilla. Hope to see everyone there. The department will be conducting our elections for new 2020-2021 officers via electronic and snail mail in the next few weeks. This all new to not only Alaska but all the other departments as well.

The department oratorical was held at the end of February before all the restrictions began. The winner was from Ketchikan. The National Oratorical contest was also cancelled. This is devastating not only to our local winner but for all the national winners as well.

Alaska Boys State has been cancelled until next year. This had a lot to do with all the schools being closed and having little or no contact with the schools or students. Boys Nation has also been cancelled. The American Legion Baseball regional tournaments and World Series held in Shelby, N.C. has also been cancelled. The department legion baseball season at this moment is in limbo. The decision to have the season will depend on the local and state assessment of the virus. This also includes all training and committee meetings held in late July and early August.

The National Convention has been cancelled in Louisville, KY. This was a very hard decision for the National Officers to make. But once again for the safety of all-American Legion Family members it was necessary. Commander Oxford will remain National Commander until 2021.

In closing, I know several of the Posts are doing takeout food during the day or at night to help families. Call you local post to find out the details for takeout. This is what The American Legion does in these troubling times. To all American Legion Family members, stay safe, wash your hands wear your mask. Hopefully this will be over soon, and all the Post can reopen and get back to doing what we do. Serving the community, state, nation and our American Legion families.

Mark your calenders !!!!

The Department of Alaska Fall Conference will be held at

Spenard Post 28 October 2nd - 4th 2020. More details will be coming!!

The ALR getting ready!

A certificate of appreciation, presented to the SAL Squadron 16 for their generous support of the Coast Guard during the

goverment shut down

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