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Blasting Off To100%2020 Membership Goal: 28,236 May 18th Total: 25,975--91.99%

District 7–97.54% District 12–94.79% District 8–94.49% District 11–93.61% District 4–93.54% District 13–93.50% District 15–93.05% District 2–92.94% District 6–92.87% District 5–92.84%

District 10–92.48% District 3–92.11% District 1–91.69% District 9–91.12%

Number 8Volume XCVI

June 2020

Nebraska Eagle-Scout-of-the-YearJames Simpson, 18, of Wayne

has been selected by the Nebraska American Legion as the 2020 Eagle-Scout-of-the-Year and will receive a $500 scholarship.

Simpson is a senior at Breeze Hill Academy – Home School and member of Troop 174 where he achieved his Eagle Scout in September of 2017. He is a member of the Wayne County Sharp Shooter 4-H Club and he placed 7th overall at the American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Competition in the Sporter category. He is a member of Grace Lutheran Church and he volunteers at his church and at various community events in Wayne. Simpson has held many Scout positions and is currently the Assistant Scout Master for Troop 174.

Simpson is a member of the Winside Sons of The American Legion Squadron 252. He is the son of Jeffrey and Colleen Simpson.

Selected for second place and a $300 scholarship was Andrew Schmitz of Papillion.

The National Eagle-Scout-of-the-Year was Michael McPhie of California. The three runner-ups were Noah Ventura of Virginia, Jame Simpson of Nebraska, and Ryan Cannon of New Jersey.

American Legion Department Commander Gary Wooten and the Department of Nebraska offer congratulations to this year's recipients and applaud all those who attained Eagle Scout.

Preparing for the Future By Department President Elizabeth Paes

RESOLVED, By the Department Executive Committee of The American Legion, Department of Nebraska, by electronic mail vote pursuant to Nebraska Executive Order #20-03 of March 13, 2020, That due to the uncertainty of the duration of the disease known as Coronavirus (COVID-19), the numerous government regulations being enforced to contain it and concern for the safety of all members of the American Legion Family, the DEC agrees that present circumstances constitute sufficient reasons to cancel the 2020 Department Convention; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that elected and appointed Officers continue serving in their current positions until the close of the next Department Convention scheduled in Lincoln, Nebraska, from June 24 through June 27, 2021.

This is a portion of Resolution 1 on the agenda of the Nebraska American Legion DEC meeting held on April 18 by virtual means. The Resolution also recommended to continue with current elected and appointed Department Officers, Chairmen, and NEC. The DEC strongly urged the Department of Nebraska Detachment Sons of The American Legion and Department American Legion Auxiliary follow a similar course of action. The vote to cancel the convention was a large majority of yes and one absent.

All elected NEC, Officers and appointed Chairmen of Department American Legion Family are following the recommendations of the Nebraska Legion DEC. You will continue to see the smiling faces of Sons of The American Legion Detachment Commander Robert (Bud) Neel and American Legion Auxiliary President Elizabeth Paes serving next to Commander Gary Wooten. We are honored to serve this organization and continue to stand on the Four Pillars of The American Legion, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, Children and Youth, National Security, and Americanism.

While the Department Officers will be staying in place for the next year, all Districts who have or were supposed to elect new officers this year will do so. These newly elected officers will be installed at a future date. Your District Commander or President should have already contacted your Post, Unit, or Squadron with more details.

All branches of The Legion Family will adhere to all recommendations put in place by Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts. The health and well-being of our members is our top priority. We will continue to find ways to help in these difficult times. New technologies will be utilized to make working together possible. There is nothing like coming together as a Family and enjoying each other’s company, but only when it is safe to do so.

A reminder that the Department Office is staffed and ready to take questions you may have by staff on either the Legion or Auxiliary office by phone. However, all doors are locked. If you must come into the office, you will need to call and make arrangements to come into the office.

The Legion Family moves forward in these uncharted times. We ask for your support and your patience as we take this next year step by step.

Nebraska American Legion Baseball

The Department Athletic Committee recommends that all Nebraska American Legion Baseball teams follow all local, State and Federal health guidelines.

The information from the May 15th Athletic Committee meeting will be posted next week after approval of the decisions made are reviewed and approved by the Department of Nebraska Executive Committee.

The Athletic Committee asks that all teams be patient with the process and that all necessary guidelines for registration, insurance and administrative playing rules will be posted on this website as soon as possible. The Athletic Committee is trying to accomplish in 2 weeks that which is normally done between October and mid-January. While waiting on the decision from the DEC - Insurance should not be purchased, if you have already purchased independent insurance, check to make sure that it includes abuse and sexual misconduct, if your currently purchased insurance does NOT, it will need to be changed. More information on insurance will be listed on the Nebraska American Legion Baseball website.

Commander’s Corner

Page 2-The Nebraska Legionnaire-June 2020

Gary WootenDepartment Commander

Dist. 1.....................................................Darrell Marshall, ChadronDist. 2.........................................................Robert Campbell, StuartDist. 3................................................................Dean Ennen, PoncaDist. 4.................................................................John Sanna, DaltonDist. 5..........................................................Richard Colson, PaxtonDist. 6...............................................................Jeffrey Konz, GenoaDist. 7............................................................Dan Benes, ValparaisoDist. 8.......................................................David Doolen, PapillionDist. 9.................................................................Mel Divis, ElwoodDist. 10.........................................................James Doyen, HastingsDist. 11............................................................Rodd Paul, WesternDist. 12..........................................................David Glantz, DentonDist. 13..........................................................Ken Mandl, TecumsehDist. 15............................................................Gerald Wolf, Lincoln

District Commanders

Commander.................................................Gary Wooten, WilberSenior Vice Commander................................Larry Mach, PragueArea A Vice Commander..........................Daryl Harrison, ThurstonArea B Vice Commander............................Boyd Yochum, AshlandArea C Vice Commander........................Bonnie Brewer, ElmwoodArea D Vice Commander....................Dennis Kennedy, CulbertsonAdjutant..........................................................Dave Salak, LincolnActivities Director...................................Brent Hagel-Pitt, LincolnPublic Relations Officer........................................................VacantChaplain........................................Dr. William Jackson Jr., LincolnHistorian......................................................Jennifer Salak, Omaha Judge Advocate...........................................William Harris, OmahaFinance Officer.............................................Mark Novak, DawsonSergeant-At-Arms.......................................Shannon Falk, NorfolkAsst. Sergeant-At-Arms................................Doug Frahm, AmeliaService Officer.....................................Philip Dittbrenner, Beatrice National Executive Committeeman...........…Bill Crosier, KearneyAlternate NECman........................................Fred Craigie, Lincoln

Department Officers

Physical Location.................5600 P Street, Lincoln, NE 68505 Mailing Address........P.O. Box 5205, Lincoln, NE 68505-0205 Phone Number................................................. (402) 464-6338 FAX.................................................................(402) 464-6330 Business Hours................8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (CST), Mon-Fri Web site...................................http://www.nebraskalegion.net E-Mail Address...............................dwsalak@windstream.net Editor.........................................afwashburn@windstream.net

NEBRASKA AMERICAN LEGIONDepartment Headquarters Office

Official Publication of and Owned Exclusively by The American Legion Department of Nebraska.

Amanda Washburn, EditorDave Salak, Publisher’s Representative

First published in 1923, The Nebraska Legionnaire is in its 96th year of publication. It is published monthly except for January, April, July, and October, which are two-month issues, by The American Legion, Department of Nebraska, 5600 P St., P.O. Box 5205, Lincoln, NE 68505. Periodicals postage is paid at Lincoln, Nebraska at additional mailing offices. The Nebraska Legionnaire is a member of the Nebraska and the National American Legion Press Association.Subscription: $8 for non-members. Members receive the Legionnaire as part of their dues. Advertising Rates: Contact Amanda Washburn, 402-464-6338.Publications Committee: David Camara, Wilber, Julie Schnitzler, Kenesaw, and Frances Shelton, Omaha.Postmaster: Please send address changes to The Nebraska Legionnaire, P.O. Box 5205, Lincoln, NE 68505-0205. (USPS 376-180) (ISSN 0028-1875)

REOPENING - RETURNING TO NORMAL

As I write this, I begin to think I can see around the corner to a more normal life in Nebraska. At least, like all of us, I hope so. With common sense, self-protection, a proper attitude, adherence to guidelines, and help from God we will rise above the disaster of this pandemic and resume our lives. We have lost much, but we also have so many reasons to be thankful! I know we have all lost loved ones, family, friends, and comrades - but we have many more who are still with us today. Let us all celebrate our victories while we also mourn our loses. I ask that we all keep our American Legion family members in our thoughts and prayers.

I want to thank the Nebraska Department Executive Committee for continuing to participate in official and informational meetings via Zoom. I guess our efforts to become more technology savvy have paid off. These meetings have enabled the DEC to make needed decisions about the future of this Department. We will continue to use technology to communicate, meet, and make decisions as needed in our Department. I want to encourage you to receive your Legionnaire, newsletters, or conduct meetings or other American Legion business electronically. If you don’t know how or need help please contact the Department staff, District Commanders, or other officers including myself.

Because of the current virus pandemic, the Department Executive Committee decided there will be no Department Convention this year. Therefore, all Department of Nebraska officers will remain in position until the 2021 Department Convention. This does not include District Commanders, who are not Department officers. While I certainly never expected to serve a second year as Department Commander, I am honored and humbled to do so. Thank you for all your support and the trust you have placed in me. I will do my best to live up to that trust.

Briefly on membership, please continue to recruit and sign up members as well as visit with prior members to ask them to renew. And continue to check on your local veterans and see if they need assistance. Make sure to get these memberships and renewals in. Lastly do not forget to submit properly completed Consolidated Post Reports into Department by the end of May.

Memorial Day is just around the corner and I hope all Posts will plan some sort of remembrance, following guidelines, for those who gave all for their country!!

“2019 and Beyond”

Straight TalkPhilip DittbrennerDepartment Service Officer

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie announced the department will begin to reintroduce health care services in select VA facilities May 18, as states reopen from COVID-19 shutdowns.

Each Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) has selected Lead Sites to be the first to implement a phased approach to reintroducing select health care services while ensuring a safe environment. The lessons learned from these initial sites will help to inform how other facilities plan for expanding services in their facilities.

Lead Sites introducing select services include:VISN 23 -- Fargo HCS, ND. We in Nebraska are in this VISN 23 network.Veterans should contact their VA medical facility or provider for information about the

expansion of services at any of these sites. “The safety of Veterans and staff is the highest priority when we consider how we provide

health care services and procedures during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “VA will take into account guidance from various agencies including federal, state and local government as we gradually expand health care services.”

As a high reliability organization, safety is always paramount and will continue to guide our decision making. VA facilities may not be the first to reopen a full spectrum of care but in reintroducing services, VISNs and VA medical centers will consider unique circumstances of their state and local markets, environmental safety preparedness and clinical risk assessments.

VA has developed a risk-based framework to prioritize non-urgent procedures in addition to the urgent procedures currently being performed. Evaluation of such factors as patient health, staff safety and resource considerations will guide expansion, scheduling decisions and which services VA will reintroduce. VA will continue to track capacity needs for in-patient beds and other resources.

Rigorous safety measures including employee and Veteran COVID-19 screening, physical distancing and appropriate personal protective attire such as face coverings, will remain in place at all facilities. Additionally, VA will continue to maximize the personalized virtual care options of telehealth, phone consults and wellness checks, as these services have been a valuable link to Veterans during this challenging time.

It’s HistoryJennifer SalakDepartment Historian

Page 3-The Nebraska Legionnaire-June 2020

POW/MIA Donald E. Nelsen POW/MIA Liaison

The majority of information for this article is from a story featured by the Sunday World Herald on Sunday, November 9, 2003.

It is about Army POW Jessica Lynch as told to Rick Bragg. PFC Jessica Lynch was a member of the U.S. Army's 507th Maintenance Company during the Iraq War. On March 23, her convoy made a wrong turn and was ambushed inside enemy territory. Ten members of her unit were killed during combat there. PFC Lynch and six others were taken prisoner. This included PFC Lori Ann Piestewa the driver of Lynch’s Humvee, who later died in captivity. On April 1, Lynch was rescued from a hospital bed in An Nasiriyah by American commandos. PFC Lynch was only 20 years old at this time.

Lynch continues in the article saying she never really knew the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. Later at a ceremony in her hometown of Palestine, West Virginia, it became perfectly clear to her. She said during the ceremony, when the old guys; the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam Veterans say the pledge they know all about that stuff- about liberty and justice for all. She goes on to say that growing up in a small-town people talked about serving our country, but she now knows that what serving our country means. “Nobody can really explain until you do it, or what being an American means to you until you go off to a place like Iraq. It's complicated. Serving your country is not just putting on a uniform. It's putting on a uniform and putting your life at risk. It's being scared, so scared. It’s being hurt, hurt so bad you think you're going to die. It's trying to hang onto hope when common sense tells you that there isn't any reason to hope. It's remembering, even when you can't fight, or hide, or run away, that you are still a soldier. But mostly, it's LOSS. It's losing someone you love, like I lost Lori; Lori Piestewa, my friend. She died and left two little kids because she was a soldier. She went off to a war and died because she had pledged allegiance to our flag and to all of us.”

This is another example of the great American pride which we as American's possess and as we go through life, we will always strive to bring our POW's and MIA's back to their families, no matter the cost or time. It is our duty, and it is also our duty to make this world a better place in which to live.

As the Coronavirus Pandemic continues to grip our Nation, social distancing, unfortunately, will remain “the norm” for the forseeable future. This will also likely impact our usual summer activities like going to the pool, summer barbeques, baseball games, etc. There is one activity, however, that you can do this summer and still practice social distancing. Get in your car, hop on your motorcycle or walk down the street and take a picture of your local veterans memorial and upload

it to The American Legion’s National Memorial Database (www.legion.org/memorials).

The purpose of the Memorial Database, which is hosted and maintained by National American Legion Headquarters, is to electronically track veteran-related memorials around the country. According to Past National Commander Charles Schmidt, “We know that in virtually every corner of the country, and beyond our shores, American Legion Family members have

paid tribute to military service, honor and remembrance by carving out sacred spaces in their communities to ensure that the price paid for freedom is not lost on future generations.”

Schmidt said the Legion’s Memorial Database Project is a great opportunity to involve the entire American Legion Family in indexing and assessing the conditions of these memorials – whether it’s a plaque in the park listing a county’s war dead or a well-known community statue or plaza – and possibly sprucing up, repairing and reviving awareness of those who served before us, whose memorials and monuments may be showing the effects of age and weather. It’s also the perfect time for communities to reacquaint themselves with the meaning of their memorials.

The American Legion Memorial Database Project is not focused on any one war era. Memorials range from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terrorism. The web platform – easily accessed and used from a smartphone or electronic tablet – asks for the location of the memorial, a description of it, date of installation if known and a rating of its condition. Uploaders are also strongly encouraged to take photos of the memorial and post them onto the database. Once a submission has been made, it may take a couple of days before it appears, following review. On a National level, there are currently 3,000 memorials in the database; however, there are only 22 uploaded from Nebraska. I know there are MANY MORE memorials located across this vast and beautiful state.

So as the weather warms up and you look for activities that you and your family can safely do and still maintain social distance, consider searching for those local veterans memorials and submitting them to The American Legion’s National Memorial Database (www.legion.org/memorials). Not only will you be helping to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the great wars, you and your family have the opportunity to learn more about that granite statue or plaque located prominantly in your community. Continue to stay safe and healthy!

Pictured is the North Bend Veterans Memorial.

Membership MinuteSteve Bartos, Membership Chairman

Sometimes we just end up with stuff we don’t deserve. That’s certainly been the case this year, has it not? A virus comes along and disrupts our lives like they’ve never been disrupted before. Then an Easter hailstorm forces my insurance man to tell me I need new shingles. And then the doctor tells me that the nasty stuff on my face and eye are my own personal shingles ---- even though I had just recently gotten the latest and greatest shingles shots at the VA. Yup. All stuff we didn’t need or deserve.

But --- let’s start looking forward.Membership --- both locally and nationally --- started out looking like it really might be considerably better than some years. Then the swarm of locusts hits and

the good numbers weakened. I think that everyone understands the total disruption of our American Legion activities made it difficult for us --- as an organization at all levels --- to maintain the momentum. Nobody’s fault --- it just happened. What we need to do now is realize that Nebraska is in better shape membership-wise than some departments, so we can recover and get back on track.

In the first or second week of May, I received a note from National Membership Chairman Jay Bowen which included a note to him from Past National Commander Dave Rehbein. Commander Rehbein’s note to Jay described how his Iowa post took on a little project of seeking “sponsors” to pay the dues of a few WWII and Korea veterans who might be experiencing some difficulties paying their dues. Word spread from the post newsletter to Facebook and I suppose by word of mouth. Long story short, the post went from being about 10 members short of goal to about 20 over in a very short time.

Think about that. What if every Nebraska post could find a way to pay the dues of 1 or 2 members --- even if only the state and national portion of the dues. The result would be significant for our membership.

Recent “comparison reports” from National which show a department’s dues compared to the same date a year ago reveal that the states who are actually showing an increase (some very large increases) are a minority of the departments --- but are also departments which have done an exceptional job of transferring DMS members out of their own Post 500. We tried to concentrate on that this year and have done a good job. However, we CAN do a lot better.

I had planned on some training at the Department Convention to get more people comfortable using myLegion.org to locate those Post 500 members and get them on the rosters of your own posts. That idea certainly got nixed ---- but I will put something together that will be useful and get it distributed in some manner. Make sure that somebody at your post has the credentials to log on to myLegion.org.

Compared to other states, Nebraska has done a good job this year of keeping our renewal rate over 90%. Thank you for all you do in the effort to maintain and GROW our American Legion.

Have a nice June.

S.A.L. NotesRobert NeelDetachment Commander

Chaplain’s CornerDr. William Jackson, Jr.Department Chaplain

(Virus or Virility)When all’s said and done, there’s something to gain from this earth’s Pandemic. Afterall, it’s

not every day we the results of a bonafide nightmare surrounding us at every turn, much like as it may have been during the Black Death in Europe which pretty much eliminated Feudalism, paving the way for the Renaissance, or the Great Awakening. You know: Medieval Chivalry, knights in armor, jousting in the lists (i.e., life-n-death-n-honor skills’ field), attended by milords and miladies.

But then there’s the Influenza, also known as the Spanish Flu, of 1918, a similar pandemic that unfortunately killed a good part of this earth’s human population back then. It came about with our Doughboys fighting with our allies in Europe, who helped it spread, among other travelers around the world. One drawback to the flu then was more sparse American population centers than we have now.

Yet…seriously folks…I’m a little baffled about why the term, “an act of God,” is no longer in vogue in our 21st century

environment of technology, the search for spiritual experiences, and apostate churches? Now don’t get me wrong. When I say apostate, I’m referring to those assemblies of believers in the Lord who have…shall we say.... strayed from His Word. Jesus said in the Gospels, “He that is not with me is against me” (Matthew 12:30).

OK, think about this: how is it that humankind can claim to be such a mess when it comes to global warming, but has no idea how it really started or how to stop? How about this one: numerous hurricanes and tornadoes across America alone, yet, all we can manage is to forecast their arrival? And of course, the piece de resistance, our not-so-beloved Convid-19 Pandemic!

What does it take for believers and nonbelievers alike to stand up and smell the roses?Who else but Jehovah-Sabbaoth—the Lord of Hosts, El Shaddai—the Lord God Almighty,

and El Elyon—the Most High God, could do what NO living organism anywhere in this universe could do? Yes, He was the incarnate Christ as well, sacrificing Himself that we could have life everlasting (Genesis 17:1)?

You know, there is a test for godhood. Yep! You betcha! It goes something like this. Know anyone who can walk on water? How about: changing the soda pop to wine? Or how about create something out of nothing? So far so good then. It’s all too simple for the geniuses among us to resolve that kind of dilemma. But the greatest effort is in doing what only Jesus did/can/will do: raise up the dead. Hhhhhuuuuummmm…I can hear the crickets…. but not much else…

All this to say that confronting COVID-19 will, indeed, take all of the will power you have not to succumb to this microorganism’s embrace. Yes, some have been taken home by the Lord, while some…well…I’ll leave their reckoning to the Lord. If you are a believer, then you KNOW that this plague is a test of faith for us, while it’s a convicting attention-getter for those who don’t know the Lord. But what may you do in the van of this scourge? Pray. Pray. Pray (Romans 8:26).

Ask the ChaplainPlease feel free to contact me about any concern with Scripture or your walk with the Lord. This publication stays away from sociopolitical issues, but we accept your Bible concerns with open arms. 402-613-9774 (leave a message) or wcjdoc@gmail.com

Hello everyone:I guess for now and until we get back to near normal, we will

be corresponding by articles, emails and Zoom. It is new to most everyone to have to conduct business this way, but it moves the organization into this century. Some of us have balked at having to use computers and smart phones to stay current and up to date with sharing information.

I recently participated in the Legion DEC Zoom meeting. Very interesting to see and talk to someone using the computer. Knowing they could see everything you were doing also, not actually being in the same room with them. The Nebraska Sons DEC will be conducting a meeting this way in the near future. We plan to have a May DEC Zoom meeting to discuss the agenda for the June Zoom meeting and any resolutions will be introduced during these meetings. If you have resolutions to be included, please forward them to Resolutions Chairman Harold Thompson, Jr. (thompq@q.com). No dates have been discussed, but information will be sent out for participants to join in these meeting.

If you have not heard, most youth programs for Americanism have been cancelled (i.e. Boys’ State, Jr. Law Cadet, Shooting Sports, etc.) The Baseball Committee has cancelled the post season tournaments, but the regular season play is on hold at this time, until restrictions are lifted by Governor Ricketts for sports. It seems there are mixed feelings about whether to hold any activities sport related. Each town/coach that has a team needs to decide their options and communicate with the parents. There are hot spots in the state that most of us do not want to travel to until the situation of the virus is under control and I feel the same way. The baseball committee will hold a Zoom meeting in May for further discussion.

Memorial Day activities are also restricted. Some Posts have scheduled limited activities to honor our fallen Veterans. VA Director John Hilgert is conducting a virtual Memorial Day Observance and a Sentinel Watch at the Capital. They are looking for 2 volunteers from each Post, Unit, Squadron or Chapter to stand a 30-minute watch at the Capital on Memorial Day. It is first come, first serve on this volunteer watch. Contact Adjutant Dave Salak dwsalak@windstream.net 402-464-6338 to volunteer or madeline.kettler@nebraska.gov 402-314-5632. As of the typing of this article, there were nine slots open, needing two volunteers for each, but call to check anyway if you are interested. Emergencies arise and someone cannot participate or stand their watch, they could have a backup list.

Our membership as of April 30, 2020 is 6,367 members paid. In 2019, we had 6,884 members paid, a difference of -517. There are 12 Squadrons who have not sent in any memberships into Detachment (Bloomfield, Hemingford, Callaway, Bartlett, Arnold, Yutan, Curtis, Fairfield, Adams, Cortland, Falls City, and Pawnee City). There are seven Squadrons with less than 10 members paid (Ewing 8, Bridgeport 8, Sumner 7, Burwell 7, Stromsburg 8, Uehling 1, and Omaha (30) 3). With the Department office being closed due to quarantine, you may need to wait until May 19 to contact Sandy Rickerts about membership corrections if you have any.

I hope everyone is healthy and stays safe this summer. Enjoy your family time and have a Good Memorial Day.

Sons of The American Legion Membership As of April 30, 2020

District 2019 Members 2020 Members 1 274 293 2 569 599 3 230 232 4 364 314 5 128 130 6 1,393 1,210 7 702 632 8 1,019 848 9 315 307 10 308 285 11 1,022 994 12 260 247 13 144 124 15 156 152 Total 6,884 6,367

LegionCare: $5,000.00 Accidental Death Benefit at NO COST* To You

Did you know that starting 1/1/2015, anyone enrolled in LegionCare will be covered for as long as they maintain their membership in the Legion Family – TAL, ALA, & SAL. This new “one and done” approach will save you from needing to re-enroll every 5 years. The LegionCare program will continue to cover you for $1,000 of AD&D coverage. If the accidental loss occurs when on official Legion Family Business, we will cover you for $5,000 of AD&D coverage.*

All dues-paying Department members have the opportunity to enroll in LegionCare; a complimentary no cost to you accidental death coverage provided to members of Your Department.

Your Department of The American Legion works hard to provide the most comprehensive benefits to you and its members, and as a Legionnaire in good standing, you are eligible for LegionCare. Your Department is committed to protecting Legionnaires and their families, so they’ve worked with the Legionnaire Insurance Trust to arrange this benefit for you. Don’t pass up your opportunity to activate LegionCare! You are guaranteed this NO COST coverage with no health questions, no hidden qualifications and no reason to pass up your opportunity for this important coverage.

Although coverage is available at NO COST to you and paid for by the American Legion, you must enroll to receive the coverage. Visit www.theLIT.com or call toll-free at 1-800-235-6943 today to activate up to $5,000.00 in protection.

*For purposes of the Legionnaire Insurance Trust, a member of The American Legion, with current year’s dues paid, could be eligible for the $5,000.00 Accidental Death benefit if he/she is traveling to, attending, or returning from an official function at which the Legionnaire represents his/her Post, District, Department, or National Organization in an official capacity.

Page 5-The Nebraska Legionnaire-June 2020

Remembering District 11 Commander Glenn Schwab

Glenn E. Schwab, 78, of Beatrice passed away March 27, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on July 14, 1941 at Pawnee City to Frank and Audrey Schwab and graduated from Syracuse High School in 1959. He served in the United States Navy from July 10, 1959 to July 9, 1965 aboard the U.S.S. Midway and the U.S.S. Ranger.

Glenn was a life-time member of Bitting-Norman American Legion Post in Beatrice. He had more than 50 years of membership and had served

as Post Commander, Adjutant, Athletic Director of Youth Programs, and helped recruit many new Legion members. At the time of his death he was serving as District 11 Commander.

Glenn was a dedicated Legionnaire who will be greatly missed.

"Where Have all the Veterans Gone? Keeping Honor Strong in Peacetime"

By Chad Schneider – Cody Post 319 Adjutant

April 27, 2020 at the Cemetery outside of Nenzel, Nebraska. The American Legion Post 319 Honor Guard awaits the arrival of the hearse carrying the remains of Robert Schneider a member of The American Legion for 43 years. In the foreground Richard Cobb takes a knee to

try to relieve the pain from his lower back. When the hearse arrived, he was back on his feet and stayed up throughout the entire ceremony despite his pain.

Post 319 consists of roughly 87 members. The majority of the members are 60+. I am part of the honor guard and one of the younger ones at 48. I have marched in many parades and stood at attention in all kinds of weather with these men. I walked side by side with Uncle Bob (Robert) Schneider on many of these events. Uncle Bob was an active member in the community and well liked. It was a surprise to me at how many return phone calls we had to make to get a full crew. We thought we might have to bribe or guilt members into showing up. There are some younger ones, but it always seems to be the older ones that answer the call for these ceremonies. Is this a trend throughout the Legion family? There are larger posts around Post 319, and they struggle to muster a full honor guard. These ceremonies only take a few hours of the day. Why can't the younger ones (40 and under) find the time? Is it because they are employed, and their employers won't let them? Or is it something else? Something needs to be done soon. There are veterans out there, but where have they gone? As a side note we invited the local Legion Riders from Gordon and they showed up with 20 people. It really added to the funeral. Are the younger ones joining the Riders? I don't know.

When we buried Uncle Bob, it seemed like the world got a little darker. There was a ray of light, though. Men like Rich Cobb and the men who volunteer for the Honor Guard provided that ray of light. Despite the pain they know will come, they show up. Their aching knees and backs and other ailments that are too numerous mention, do not deter them. They make one more sacrifice to pay homage to a fallen brother in arms. They summon the will to fight through the pain one more time. Come wind, rain, sleet or hail, these men will rise and stand again and again. To make sure that honor is bestowed upon their fallen brother. I am in awe of these men. Uncle Bob shared their devotion and commitment, we could always count on him to serve in the Honor Guard. His presence will be sorely missed.

Berney Chosen as American Legion National Firefighter of the Year

The American Legion, National Headquarters, selected Ryan N. Berney as their 2019 National Firefighter-of-the-Year for his hard work and dedication with the Offutt Air Force Base Fire & Emergency Services.

Berney was commended for his action when he led a mutual aid request at a multi-story house fire. He was first on the scene when a person with severe head trauma needed to be stabilized and packed for transport. He led a response team to locate the origin and ventilate a fire in a C-135 with smoke in the fuselage. He helped secure floodwater on base during the historic flooding in March. While off duty, he treated a patient at a multi vehicle accident and prevented paralysis.

Berney has also been awarded the 2019 Nebraska American Legion Firefighter-of-the-Year, 2019 Firefighter-of-the-Year for Bellevue American Legion Martin Graves Post 339, the 2019 Firefighter of the 3rd Quarter Award, and the 2019 Offutt AFB Fire and Emergency Services Firefighter-of-the-Year.

Berney served his country in the Army during the Iraq and Afghanistan war-era and is currently serving in the Reserves. He and his wife, Tiffany, and two children, Adrianna and Makenna, live in Gretna.

Over a Century of Continuous MembershipThe Stuart American

Legion Post 115 has a family with a history of 100 years of uninterrupted membership and counting. Earl Chaney was a WWI Army veteran and a Commander of Post 115. His sons, Robert E. Chaney and Donald W. Chaney, both Army veterans, served in Europe during WWII. Mr. Chaney's third son, James R. Chaney, who has 65 years of continuous membership in Post 115, served in the Army during the Korean War. Mr. Chaney's grandson, Steve Chaney, and granddaughter, Karen Ryan, are also members of Post 115. They served during the Gulf War and were stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Morse Bluff Post 340 presented a certificate for 50 years of continuous membership to Glenn Chvatal. Pictured (L to R) Glenn Chvatal and Commander Galen Johnson.

Bellevue Post 339 sponsored a food pantry for the veterans at Victory Apartments in Omaha. Each resident received meat, eggs, bread, and canned goods. They provide this pantry once a month.

Page 6-The Nebraska Legionnaire-June 2020

Legionnaire in the Spotlight

Ralph “Red” Lichtenberger

“Legionnaire in the Spotlight” is a new section each issue. Please send in submissions to afwashburn@windstream.net or mail them to Headquarters. Please limit them to 800 words and

two pictures. Please call Amanda at 402-464-6338 with any questions.

Riders Marty Timberlake Department ALR Liaison

Greetings from the RidersThe weather has taken a turn for the better, and there is no

better time to ride. The roads are fairly clear with everyone in quarantine. And as things slowly start to open up, they say sunlight and fresh air are the best disinfectant. So, if you ride, you are already in a great position to beat COVID-19. Small groups of riders are already getting out there and getting that fresh air that we all desperately need.

On a serious note though, the riders have not stopped supporting our veterans. While we are practicing social distancing, and keeping our most vulnerable safe, we are still honoring those that came before us. You will still see Riders standing in flag lines, providing funeral escorts, helping to feed the hungry at homeless shelters, volunteering at food banks, and other organizations. Just because the country is at a standstill, doesn’t mean that the needs end.

As the country starts to come out of lock down, and people start returning to whatever the new normal is, keep in mind that this country was built out of hard work, perseverance, grit and pure determination. We are not a country that waits for a handout, nor do we stand by and watch our fellow American’s suffer and fail. And this is not the time to stray from those values. If you can help someone else, either financially or physically, please do. Support your local posts as well. Rent is still due, and most posts have been closed for about 2 months. Consider making a financial donation to help offset the losses.

As for Riders events, we still have the State Romp in July. We are continuing to monitor things and make sure it’s still safe to have it. As well as all of the other poker runs and fundraising events. It’s going to be hit and miss for the next 3-6 months, as we see if there will be a second wave of this virus. Keep in mind that this isn’t over. It doesn’t mean that we have to live in bubbles or isolation, but it does mean we have to be a little smart about how we interact with each other, as well as those that are most vulnerable. Together, we will get through this, and we will come out stronger on the other side.

Until next time, stay safe, look twice, save a life.

Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA)By Larry Kaspar, Children & Youth Committee

What is temporary finance assistance (TFA)? If you are like me you have probably heard of the program but are not familiar with what it actually provides and what the requirements to access it are.

Most recently and notably the American Legion TFA program gave more than $1 million to Coast Guard families with children during the 35 day government shutdown when their wages were withheld.

The TFA is a source of funding to help qualified minor children of eligible active service members or American Legion members and their families receive a onetime non-repayable grant of up to $1500. These grants can be in the form of maintenance grants used to help with shelter, utilities, food, and clothing in addition to medical grants for healthcare expenses such as medical care, and dental care, surgery, hospitalization, prescription, or dietary needs.

Maintenance grants cannot be given for previous incurred debt except to prevent utilities being disconnected or stop eviction or foreclosure.

Medical grants require a written statement from a physician outlining the problem, treatment, and estimated costs. This type of grant must be approved before services are rendered and cannot be awarded for previous medical expenses or care.

Funds for this program originate from the American Legion Endowment Fund.

The application for grants must originate and be investigated at the local level. The minor child/ren must not be older than 17, or 20 if still enrolled in high school or is physically handicapped. When all resources have been utilized, contact your local Post, Department Headquarters, or Children & Youth Chairman.

Red Lichtenberger was born in Hollenberg, Kansas in 1935, and grew up on a farm. Red joined the Navy in 1955 at Omaha. At the time he enlisted, there were two Nebraska Navy companies the recruiting office had available to join. The recruiters only wanted Nebraska service volunteers to join the military companies so that each person that was a part of the company were from Nebraska. But they allowed the young man from Kansas to join anyway. Red was on his way to the United States Navy.

Red was sent to Boot Camp in San Diego, California. After boot camp, he was stationed in California for about 10 more weeks before he shipped out to Sasebo, Japan where he was assigned to the USS Prairie, part of the Naval Group AD15. This Naval groups assigned mission was to be a support ship to the AD15 groups of ships which included, destroyers, submarines, and other naval ships that were destroyer class and smaller. The USS Prairie was a “Destroyer Tender” that was somewhere around 530 feet in length. The Tender

was responsible for “at sea” maintenance, machining work, ships repair work, and to rearm the Destroyers, as well as provide supplies for all the smaller ships in the group.

Reds duty aboard ship was as the ships Postmaster, and among those duties he also served as an orderly to the ships Captain and Commander. The Tender also had five foot canons for defense armament. During his time aboard the ship, the ship and its crew were sent to Hong Kong for R & R. During the cruise to Hong Kong, the ship encountered a typhoon near the Formosa Straits. It was during the typhoon that Red remembered he was on the ships deck looking at the high seas and the Captain told him to come in off the deck. He was then assigned to orderly duty and to stand to the rear of the Captain at “Parade Rest” waiting for duties to be assigned while the rough seas from the typhoon continued. Red recalled that the ship moved up and down, and rolled from side to side slapping the water with very loud noises while he had to maintain his “Parade Rest” position. He maintained Parade Rest for about an hour. He said that this was truly a difficult assignment.

He spent two years aboard the USS Prairie, before being reassigned to duty in Guam for the next year. His duty assignment was “Secret Communications”. He operated various teletype machines sending coded communication messages to Naval Ships. He was then reassigned to San Diego where he spent another year working in Com15 before being shipped out to discharge from San Diego, California.

Red worked several jobs operating heavy equipment and supervising construction workers after he left the Navy until his retirement. Red lives in Ceresco, NE with his wife Joanne. Joanne also holds a current office in the Ceresco Unit 244 Auxiliary.

Ralph “Red” Lichtenberger has been a life-long 39 year member of the Ceresco Post 244 American Legion, and is a Past Commander of Post 244. We thank Red for his Service to the USA.

A big thank to Ceresco Post 244 Commander Lonnie Rech, Red Lichtenberger, and his wife, Joanne, for documenting this Legionnaire in the Spotlight Article and submitting it to the paper.

Supporting Their Local CommunityBeemer Chapter 159 members raised

over $12,000 to purchase a 70-foot-tall flagpole and 15 foot by 25 foot U.S. flag for in front of their Post home. Members also raised money to sponsor a scholarship for a high school senior from each of the four high schools in Cuming County, to contribute to an Omaha food pantry serving veterans, and to donate to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship. Pictured (L to R) Clary Feyerherm, Willie Mahler, Daryl Harrison, Dave House, and Vaughn Beed.

Fred Pitcher of Ainsworth Post 79, Alvin Mangers of Hastings Post 11, and Curtis Logue of South Sioux City Post 307 are alive and well. Merle Crouse of Bloomington Post 145 was a Vietnam veteran not WWII.

T A P S

Page 7-The Nebraska Legionnaire-June 2020

Events Calendar

June 14 Flag Day

July 3 Observed Fourth of July - Office Closed 4 Fourth of July 17-19 Nebraska State ALR Romp

Mail Call Thank you for the beautiful floral bouquet given in memory

of Glenn. Glenn was a very devoted Legionnaire and you at the State

Legion Office were very helpful to him in whatever he needed. Thank you for your kindness and sympathy at a time when

they were deeply appreciated. The family of Glenn Schwab

Alms, Alvin P., Grand Island, KoreaAnderson, Harold, Johnson, VietnamAngell, Richard H., Lincoln, KoreaBatt, Wayne, MitchellBeckman, Leonard, Elgin, KoreaBender, Kenneth J., Humphrey, WWIIBianco, Frank A., Millard, VietnamBranstiter, Virgil L., Lexington, VietnamBrown, George A., Paxton, VietnamBrown, John, Omaha, Lebanon/GrenadaBruner, Robert S., Fremont, VietnamBurgess, Donald L. Sr., DuBois, KoreaBurke, Roger A., Stromsburg, WWIICarlson, Delane J., Norfolk, VietnamCarpenter, William C., Hemingford, KoreaCecrle, Duane, Milligan, KoreaCessna, Teddy M., Fremont, VietnamCheney, Lowell R., BennetChilders, Robert N., Stapleton, VietnamClark, Fred C., Rushville, WWIIClark, Larry, Fremont, PanamaClark, Wayne, Hemingford, VietnamCleary, Richard J., Atkinson, VietnamCoon, Donald L., Gordon, WWIICornelius, Archie P., Grand Island, KoreaCotner, Donald G., Papillion, VietnamCrews, Donald L., Lincoln, KoreaCripe, Eugene R., Beatrice, VietnamDaniels, Dale L., Columbus, VietnamDasenbrock, Wilbur, Lincoln, KoreaDaugherty, William E., Pleasant Dale, KoreaDavis, John W. Jr., Lincoln, WWIIDe Montigny, James W., Ralston, KoreaDibben, Darrell W., Blair, KoreaDoerr, Myron, Plainview, KoreaDoncheski, Henry, Tekamah, WWIIDubry, Doane B., Chadron, VietnamEmeigh, George E., Wilber, VietnamErnst, Lyle V., Columbus, KoreaEwer, Jack L., Pleasanton, KoreaFarnik, James J., Creighton, KoreaFaust, Daniel, Lincoln, KoreaFiedler, Donald J., Lincoln, WWIIFilips, Edwin, Spencer, WWIIFischer, Lowell W., Papillion, VietnamFix, Sidney R., Lincoln, KoreaFlodman, Burdette, Polk, KoreaFodnes, Lyle J., Hemingford, VietnamFoxhaven, Gerald E., Crofton, KoreaFreudenburg, Roger, Norfolk, VietnamFrey, Donald E., Kearney, VietnamGallisath, George F., Wymore, WWIIGalvin, Doug M., Norfolk, VietnamGatzemeyer, Marvin, Pender, KoreaGawryluk, Ray, Omaha, KoreaGerdes, Gerald J., Lincoln, Korea

Geyza, Leo E., Ralston, VietnamGoedert, Jerald F., Sutherland, KoreaGreeley, Richard, Wauneta, KoreaHajek, Marcellin, Weston, KoreaHansen, Martin C., AuburnHardenbrook, Norman R., Wilcox, VietnamHayes, Marvin, Humboldt, VietnamHecht, Harry H., Juniata, KoreaHegarty, John L. Jr., Beemer, KoreaHenning, Robert B., Norfolk, KoreaHill, Donald T., Ord, KoreaHopkins, Michael G., Millard, VietnamJacobsen, Raymond J., Winside, VietnamJespersen, Darwin, HemingfordJones, Roger D., Bertrand, VietnamJunge, Willard W., Lincoln, KoreaKarnatz, Ray, Davenport, WWIIKelly, Charles M., Ralston, KoreaKemmerer, John, Grand Island, Lebanon/GrenadaKent, Marvin C., Hastings, WWIIKester, Dick, Norfolk, KoreaKissinger, Dean L., Lincoln, KoreaKline, Robert H., ColumbusKoskovich, Donald R., Grand Island, KoreaKrenk, Edward, Schuyler, SALKrieger, Ken, Atkinson, VietnamKubicek, Michael, Milligan, VietnamKuhr, Melvin, Blair, KoreaKulhanek, Gene, Howells, VietnamLawry, Anton, Gretna, WWIILittle, William J., Virginia, VietnamLounsberry, Emery R., Herman, VietnamLowenberg, Daniel C., Lincoln, VietnamLuce, Lloyd A., Hubbell, WWIILund, John W., Monroe, KoreaLykins, David L., Trenton, VietnamMadison, Donald L., Grand Island, KoreaMagill, Duane A., Tekamah, VietnamManion, Thomas L., Hemingford, VietnamMann, Donald M., Gordon, VietnamMarron, Leonard R., Newcastle, VietnamMarshall, Gaylord J., Omaha, WWIIMcGreer, John T., Lincoln, VietnamMcKnight, Cecil, Plattsmouth, WWIIMeans, Willis B., Columbus, KoreaMerrill, Frank E., Juniata, KoreaMiller, Frederick E., Lincoln, KoreaMoore, Joseph W., Cedar Rapids, KoreaMutchie, David L., Lincoln, VietnamNaber, Lynn W., Kearney, VietnamNcNally, Donald W., Millard, KoreaNeal, Karl Arvard, Kearney, KoreaNelson, Forrest L., Rushville, KoreaNielsen, Darold, Kearney, KoreaO’Connor, Frank E., Beaver Crossing, KoreaOstransky, Daniel J., Lincoln, Vietnam

Otte, Dennis E., Winside, VietnamPeterson, Norman F., Pilger, KoreaPirrucello, Ross L., Millard, KoreaPolt, Lawrence A., Pierce, KoreaPrebyl, Dennis, Plymouth, VietnamReighard, Lyle E., Lincoln, KoreaRetzlaff, Elmer, Pierce, WWIIRhoades, Dwight D., Orleans, KoreaRice, Donald E., Fremont, KoreaRidenour, Rodney E., Sutherland, VietnamRix, Melvin W., Blair, WWIIRoll, Keith, Norfolk, WWIIRosenbohm, Marion E., MillardRumbaugh, M. F., Grand Island, WWIIRyan, Gary P., Millard, VietnamSchneider, Robert, Cody, VietnamSchonberner, Robert, Benson, KoreaSchroeder, Glen L., Kearney, WWIISchuessler, Harold J., Grand Island, WWIISchwab, Glenn E., Beatrice, VietnamScranton, Marvin L., Plainview, KoreaShafer, Larry G., Lincoln, VietnamShavlik, Adolph E., Omaha, KoreaSievers, Charles, Yutan, WWIISmith, Carl R., DuBois, KoreaSmith, Laurence C. Sr., Papillion, WWIILydick, Ivan E., Oakland, WWIISondyj, Gary J., Millard, Vietnam Stanley, Wayne L., South Sioux City, VietnamSterner, Marvin E., Merna, KoreaStitt, Gerald, Tecumseh, KoreaStockton, Lewis, Homer, KoreaSwett, Daniel D., Steele City, Lebanon/GrenadaTappe, Donald J., Norfolk, VietnamTimmerman, Michael W., Osmond, SALTimperley, Darrel L., Norfolk, KoreaTimperley, Dean L., NorfolkTorson, Leonard, Friend, WWIIToy, Richard O., Valley, KoreaTraphagan, G. E., McCook, WWIITresnak, Joseph G., Howells, KoreaUlch, John, Beaver Crossing, KoreaUmstead, Leslie A., Fullerton, WWIIValentine, Ollie, Kearney, WWIIVanhoosen, David L., Grand Island, VietnamVogtman, Ronald W., Norfolk, KoreaWaggener, Robert, Chadron, KoreaWagner, Everett J., Creighton, KoreaWatson, William G. Jr., Bellevue, VietnamWelch, Verlin L., Hubbell, KoreaWenner, John Jr., Atkinson, KoreaWilliams, Harold, Neligh, SALWills, Cecil E., Norfolk, WWIIWood, Garland L., Grand Island, KoreaWorth, Larry D., Lincoln, VietnamZahnow, Arthur Jr., Grand Island, WWII

David City Post 125 presented Quilts of Valor to two members. Pictured (L to R) Dollie Koci, US Navy and US Air Force veteran, and Fred Vandenberg, US Army veteran.

North Platte Post 163 and North Platte Mayor Dwight Livingston installed Norval Holtmeier, 99, as an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska. Pictured (L to R) Mayor Dwight Livingston, David Olson, and Norval Holtmeier.

Alliance Post 7 Riders presented Vietnam veterans George Bremer and Dennis Clark with Quilts of Valor. (Pictured L to R) George Bremer and Dennis Clark.

Falls City Post and Chapter 102 hosted a chili cook off event. Pictured (L to R) Chapter Riders Director Jeff Ferris, 1st Place Rita Goll, 2nd Place Ben Durant, and 3rd Place Robin Minard.

District 7 American Legion Family members gathered together at Dodge Post 122 for their annual District Convention held March 14.

Dakota City Post 376 presented Carson Gaarder a check for $150 to support his attendance at the 2020 US Naval Academy Summer program. Gaarder wishes to become a Marine Corps officer. He was also selected as a 2020 Boys’ State representative. Pictured (L to R) Carson Gaarder and Tim Heikes.

Benson Post and Squadron 112 donated Easter candy for a local drive-by Easter event after having to cancel their own event.

District 9 American Legion Family members awarded their annual Citizenship and Cornerstone awards to honor the service of their District members. Pictured top (L to R) District 9 Commander Mel Divis presents Loyle Debban with the District 9 Citizenship Award. Pictured bottom District 9 members present Wanda Miller with the District 9 Cornerstone Award. Pictured (L to R) District 9 Adjutant Russ Wood, Wanda Miller, District 9 President Liana Rich, and Lee Carskadon.

Sidney Post 17 helped to raise money to extend the life of the lights at their American Legion Baseball fields. Pictured are Tri-State Generation and Transmission lineman placing the new metal support at the field.

Madrid Post and Unit 271 held a 100th birthday party to celebrate the Post and its current and past members. Pictured back row (L to R) Michael Heinemann and Commander Bernie Heinemann. Pictured middle row (L to R) Adjutant Karl Dudo, Warren & Rubydale Bogaert, District 5 Commander Richard Colson, and Tom Anderson. Pictured front row (L to R) C.J. Rezac, President Pat Heinemann, Julie Sestak, District 5 President Vicki Colson, Sylvia Dudo, and Pam Harms.

Wayne Post 43 Commander Denny Lutt presented a certificate for 50 years of continuous membership to Lonnie Ehrhardt. Pictured (L to R) Denny Lutt and Lonnie Ehrhardt.

South Omaha Post 331 presented Quilts of Valor to Vietnam veteran John Stella and WWII veteran Harold Hansen. Pictured (L to R) John Stella and Harold Hansen.

Brainard Post 273 recognized Maria Pytlik for her exceptional service as Post Bugler during the past nine years with a Certificate of Appreciation and the Legion Music Medal.

Stuart Post 115 presented certificates and pins for continuous membership to its members. Pictured top (L to R) Connie Murphy, accepting for Frank Murphy for 65 years, Commander Dennis Weber, and James Chaney, 65 years. Pictured middle (L to R) Mrs. Frank Murphy and Frank Murphy, 65 years. Pictured bottom (L to R) Mrs. K. E. Barritt, K. E. Barritt, 65 years, and Commander Dennis Weber. Not pictured are Raymond Keogh for 50 years; Donald Fuelberth, Marvin & Phyllis Scholz for 35 years; Timothy Schorn for 30 years and Scott Bouska for 25 years.

Janet Jefford, of Manchester, Conn., was elected national president ofthe American Legion Auxiliary during the organization’s 94th NationalConvention in Charlotte, N.C., Aug. 22-28.

Jefford joined The American Legion Auxiliary through her fatherWilliam Lucas, a WWII Army veteran. She is also eligible through herson, Jeff, a Desert Storm Army veteran. Jefford is a member of Goodale-Rameker Unit 56.

Jefford is the first Connecticut resident to represent the AmericanLegion Auxiliary as national president since Helen Lee Gilbert during the1944-1945 administrative year. She has held numerous leadership posi-tions in the organization at the unit, district and department levels, includ-ing eight national program chairmanships. She currently serves on the2014-2019 Centennial Strategic Planning leadership team.

Jefford recently retired as vice president of institutional effectivenessat Goodwin College in East Hartford, Conn. She served as a commission-er on an agency that accredits schools and colleges, and as president andchairman of the Board of Connecticut Training Center, a community-based nonprofit training center. Jefford has two children and two grand-children. All are members of The American Legion Family.

By JACKI O’NEILLDepartment Secretary

The Department Convention plans are setand now we need you to come to Kearney June26-28 to join us. What’s new for this year? Theitems on hand from Flag and Emblem sales willbe available to purchase. Copies of newbrochures and pamphlets will be available.Everyone that attends will receive a packet ofnew brochures and a Convention Annual withthe chairmen reports and awards listings.Membership cards will be available to pick upfor each unit. Those not picked up will bemailed from Department Headquarters after

Convention. Anyone wanting their cards mailed to the unit membership chairmenprior to Convention will need to call 402-466-1808 and submit a request.

Thanks to all of you that submitted your volunteer hours and dollars for ouryear-end reporting. Those numbers are so important to this organization when TheAmerican Legion reports to congress.

By the way did you know being an American Legion Auxiliary member liter-ally took an Act of Congress to make that available to you? Please let other eligiblewomen know how important their belonging to this organization means to ourVeterans. It’s time to be proud to say - I belong because MY Veteran made it pos-sible for me through his/her service to this great country and with an Act ofCongress. At Department Convention I will be reporting on what I learned at theDepartment Leadership National Conference this May in Indianapolis.

See you in Kearney!

By BARB SKILLMANDepartment President

Dear Members,I would like to say thank you for all the work you have done this year.

And thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve as yourDepartment President. The time did go very fast and I will have wonder-ful memories of the visits, special meetings, and the special Auxiliarymembers I have met that made this year special.

I hope you will attend the Department Convention June 26-28 at theHoliday Inn Kearney. Please come meet our special guest NationalPresident Janet Jefford.

I have received our last membership update from National we aredoing well on renewals — Nebraska is in first place; on our Numeric goalwe are slipping fast — we are at 9th place.

Have you renewed your membership? Iif not do so today. Unit mem-bership chairman please do not hold any dues to be sent in for process-ing. We need every paid membership we can get our hands on to makeour goals. Thank You!

I just returned from a special event at the Harry S Truman Library andMuseum remembering our President for his 131st birthday and the 70years since VE Day. It was a wonderful day.

I will have the pleasure to attend Girls State on May 31 through June6. Our special guest will be Northwestern Vice President Lori SkallerudI am looking forward meeting all the girls you chose from your Unit toattend this special week.

The American Legion AuxiliaryDepartment of Nebraska The Star

March 2015

Freedom, Faith,FamilyBarb Skillman

Reminders —Girls State.....................................................................................May 31-June 6

Department Convention...............................June 25-28 Holiday Inn, Kearney Please make plans to attend the 2015 Department Convention

Every Unit President received a “Convention Call” to promote attendance tothe Department Convention. The business will take place on Thursday andFriday followed by Chairmen reports which include many awards distributed tounits and members. Each Unit is allowed delegates and alternates according tothe unit paid membership by May 24.REGISTRATION FEE — Delegates, Alternates and Senior members will becharged a registration fee of $10.00.Junior members will be charged a registration fee of $5.00, that fee will notinclude the packet with the Convention Annual. Have your 2015 member cardavailable for quicker registration.

Girls Nation.........................................................................................July 18-25

From The Desk Of The Department Secretary —

National President To VisitNebraska ALA Convention At Kearney

Inside The Star

Lottery Winners, Service to Veterans, ConventionSchedule Page 2In Memoriam, Unit Activities, Special Notices, ThankYous Page 3Chairman Reports, Scholarships, Help Wanted Page 4

Jackson Unit #175recently sponsored aPoppy Poster Contestand an AmericanismEssay Contest.

Poster winners arefirst through third place,3rd Grade — Tia Pick,Brady Carnell and TaylorFleury; 4th Grade —Abbie Hrouda, BrienaGallardo and MariannaRomero; 5th Grade —Faith Pick, MackenzieSchram and KennedyHarding; 6th Grade —Nayleli Cabrales, EliRiedel, and JocelynnGraves; and SpecialNeeds — HannahWahls, Lucas Twohigand Nate Coffman.

Essay winners are,first through third place,3rd Grade — Lily Korth,Deighton James andDylan Kastning; 4thGrade — Abbie Hrouda,Cole Jackson and EllieMcAfee; 5th Grade —Taylor Korth, MacKensieSchram and MatthewLenz; 6th Grade —Caden Schram,McKensie Kneifl andKaden Fields; andSpecial Needs — NateCoffman, JacksonStroud and AvaFontenot.

The Hartford, which is an approved member benefitsprovider of the American Legion Auxiliary, will be mailingmembers information about their Senior Term LifeInsurance. These mailings are scheduled to be sent outstarting Monday, May 18th. More information regarding theHartford can be found on the national website in theMembers Only section by clicking on Member Benefits.

June 2020

This was to have been my final article for the STAR as President of the Department of Nebraska. There is a small saying, “If you want to make God laugh, make a plan.” March was the month the world changed, and so has the American Legion Auxiliary.

But, I want to assure you, the Department Officers, District Officers, Chairmen, and members have all made the change right along with the flow. There have been missteps along the way, but we have kept moving and working our programs thinking outside the box.

Four months ago, I had never heard of an application called ZOOM. I still do not know how to work the program, but I have attended three ZOOM meetings so far. For the near future, this program may well be the way in which the work of the Department will be accomplished. It is certainly not as good as being face-to-face and being able to give everyone a hug, but I can see smiling faces and discuss the business at hand.

As we continue to move forward, I would like to stress the need for our members’ safety. We need

to follow the guidelines set out by the Governor and the Health Department.

We will become creative in the way we do our programs. Keep communication amongst yourselves flowing. If you have a great idea that worked well for your unit, share it on the Nebraska Facebook Page. Share it with the Program Chairman and your District President. Keep the ideas flowing and let us help each one another.

As described in another article elsewhere in this issue, Department Officers and Chairmen will continue serving in their current roles for the next year. I would like to take a cue from our National President, Nicole Clapp, and just say “our term of office has been extended.”

As our National President did, I would like you all to applaud our very own Department Vice President Barbara Meyer. Barb was making plans and was well on her way

to serve as President next year. It is difficult, at best, to come to a complete STOP when you have done so much planning and preparation to make the change. So, “Thank You, Barb” for the gracious and giving way that you waited for my decision and continued going forward. Thank You to all the officers and chairmen for your continued support and service to the American Legion Auxiliary.

June 14, 2020 is a busy day. Not only is it Flag Day, June 14th is also World Blood Day and the 245th Birthday of the United States Army. How about lining your street with American Flags? A chairman suggested mailing a toothpick flag in a card to a friend, relative, or neighbor. Do you know an Army veteran who would be happy to receive a card for the Army Birthday? There is always a need for blood donors, especially during these unpredictable times. Is it

my imagination, or are there three programs in one day?

Be creative, be giving, and be careful!

God Bless You All and God Bless the United States of America.

Elizabeth PaesDepartment President

ALA members have been accumulating many community service hours during this time of the pandemic by sewing masks, caps, etc., working at blood drives, and providing food, fabric, elastic, and donations to many groups. A shout out to all of the essential workers who are members of the American Legion Family. You are making a difference every day.

District 6 President Angie Foster has spent many hours at her sewing machine making more than 400 masks. Thank you, Angie, for your service to our veterans and community. Pictured is Angie and the patriotic masks she provided.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

R E S O L V E D , B y t h e Department Executive Committee o f T h e A m e r i c a n L e g i o n , Department of Nebraska, by electronic mail vote pursuant to Nebraska Executive Order #20-03 of March 13, 2020, That due to the uncertainty of the duration of the disease known as Coronavirus (COVID-19), the numerous government regulations being enforced to contain it and concern for the safety of all members of the American Legion Family, the Department Executive Committee agrees that present circumstances constitute sufficient reasons to cancel the 2020 Department Convention; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that elected and appointed Officers continue s e r v i n g i n t h e i r c u r r e n t positions until the close of the next Department Convention scheduled in Lincoln, Nebraska,

from June 24 through June 27, 2021.

Shown above is a portion of Resolution 1 on the agenda of the Nebraska American Legion Executive Committee meeting held on April 18, 2020 by virtual means. The resolution also recommended to continue with current elected and appointed Department Officers, Chairmen, and National Executive Committeemen. The American Legion DEC strongly urged the Nebraska Detachment of the Sons of The American Legion and the Nebraska American Legion Auxiliary to follow a similar course of action. The vote to cancel the convention was by a large majority of “Yeas,’ 2 “Nays,” and 1 absent.

All elected officers, appointed chairmen, and members of their respective national executive committees of the Nebraska American Legion Family are

following the recommendations of the Nebraska American Legion Executive Committee. For the 2020-2021 membership year, you will continue to see the smiling faces of Detachment Commander Robert (Bud) Neel and Auxiliary President Elizabeth Paes serving next to Commander Gary Wooten. We are honored to serve this these organizations and continue to stand on the Four Pillars of The American Legion --- Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, Children and Youth, National Security, and Americanism.

In regard to the pandemic, all branches of The American Legion Family will adhere to all recommendations put in place by Governor Pete Ricketts. The health and well-being of our members is our top priority. We will continue to find ways to help in these difficult times. New technologies will be utilized to make working together

possible. There is nothing like coming together as a Family and enjoying each other’s company, but only when it is safe to do so.

Please be reminded that the Department Offices are staffed and ready to take questions you may have by phone on either the American Legion or Auxiliary. However, all doors are locked. If you must come into the office, you will need to call and make arrangements for your visit. .

The American Legion Family moves forward in these uncharted times. We ask for your support and your patience as we take this next year step by step.

Elizabeth Paes Department President Gary Wooten Department CommanderBud Neel Detachment Commander

THE AMERICAN LEGION CANCELS DEPARTMENT CONVENTION

On June 27, 2020, the Department of Nebraska will make history by holding its first ever virtual Department Executive Committee (DEC.) meeting. The meeting will begin at 10:00 AM. There will be two items on the agenda. The first will be the revocation of charters. The second agenda item will be the 2020/2021 Department budget.

Officers, District Presidents, the Finance Chairman, and Past Department Presidents will receive an invitation. DEC members will have voice and vote. Past

Department Presidents have voice but no vote. As always, every member may attend the meeting.

To attend, you will need to contact Secretary/Treasurer Lisa Moore to receive an invitation. The application used will be ZOOM, so it will be helpful to download that app before the meeting.

Also, on June 27, 2020, the Post DEC meeting will be held at 2:00 PM. This meeting will approve the Program Chairman, committee members, and VA Home and Medical Center representatives.

As our Department Historian, Vicki Ozenbaugh, tells us, “We are making history.”

DEC MEETING TO BE HELD VIRTUALLY

Membership cards will be mailed to all units by July 1st. DO NOT hold memberships. Send them in immediately!

If you have questions or need help with online registrations, call Lisa at Department Headquarters.

The picture of a portrait which accompanied my “Creative Arts” article in the April/May issue of The Star was painted by Roger Kiser.

Barbara WashburnNW Division VA&R Chairman

Month

2020/2021 CENTERPIECE AND TRAY FAVOR ASSIGNMENTS

Grand Island VA Med Center 10 Centerpiece

Central NE Veterans Home 215 Tray Fav

Bellevue Eastern NE VA Home

24 Centerpiece

Norfolk VA Home

20 Centerpiece

Western NE VA Home

13 Centerpiece

Service to Veterans Chairwoman: Vicki Colson Ph:(308)289-4836 Email: colson.vicki@yahoo.com

Western NE VA Home

90 Tray Fav

Omaha VA Med Center 75 Tray Fav

April

May

June

July

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Jan.

Feb.

March

#250 Oconto

#110 Dwight

#335 Davenport

#19 York

#38 Ord

#38 Ord

#61 Sutton

#145 Bloomington

#38 Ord

#310 Gibbon

#250 Oconto

Distric 6 Juniors

#296 Shelby

#199 Cambridge

#218 Exeter

#377 Wilcox

#225 Eddyville

#222 Monroe

#243 Plymouth

#326 Osmond

#302 Leigh

#175 Jackson

#302 Leigh

#283 Platte Center

#127 Craig

#62 Newcastle

#10 Morrill

#36 Gering

#36 Gering

#12 Chadron

#17 Sidney

#288 Farnam

#200 Bayard

#213 Wallace

#7 Alliance

#7 Alliance

#146 Rising City

#232 Malmo

#232 Malmo

#222 Shubert

#235 Union

#197 Eagle

#222 Shubert

#235 Union

#354 Pleasant Dale

#364 Naponee

#36 Gering

Nebraska Jrs.

#12 Chadron

#17 Sidney

#133 Culbertson

#213 Wallace

#310 Dalton

#154 Blair

#303 Paxton Jr

#3 Lincoln

#288 Farnam

#353 Louisville

#371 Valparaiso

This is another unbelievable year, but I did receive reports from 34 units and will be pleased to develop a report that will be saved to share with National next year. Although the virus hit us, units still did what they were able to do to promote Americanism in their communities.

At the beginning of the year, I again indicated that I would give a monetary award to the unit that sent me the best Americanism report. There were 2 units that sent me wonderful reports, and will each receive a $25 reward. They are

Elkhorn Unit #211 and Pleasant Dale Unit #354.

The Americanism Essay Contest was able to be completed before the virus hit, and 85 essays were received. Most of those followed the guidelines I had provided last year --- although, there were still some who did not have a title or did not write on the correct topic.

I enlisted the assistance of retired and currently working teachers to assist me in judging the essays. Congratulations to this years’ winners.

Class I First ------- Khai Janssen, Rushville Unit #161 Second --- Brynn Buskirk, Chadron Unit #12 Third -------Emma Heins, Davenport Unit #335 Class II First ------- Reid Teadtke, Niobrara Unit #224 Second --- Caleb Studley, Wolbach Unit #236 Third ------ Lexis Morrow, Scotia Unit #150 Class IIIFirst ------ Leah Christen, Burchard Unit #156Second -- Carley Thompson, Eustis Unit #257Third --- Ethen Harden, Mullen Unit #109

Class IVFirst ------ Ashley Parks, Niobrara Unit #224Second -- Madison Jones, Shubert Unit #222Third --- Keenan Schwarting, Gordon Unit #161

Class VFirst ----- Ashtyn Holz, Niobrara Unit #224Second – Bailey Borer, Morse Bluff Unit #340Third ---- Demi Daniels, Scotia Unit #150

Class VIFirst ----- Maleah Fierro, Tyron Unit #189Second – Cameron Elder, Gordon Unit #161Third ----- Cooper Johnson, Hay Springs Unit #239

Ainsworth Unit #79 submitted the best report on how the essay contest was conducted and will receive the Townsend Trophy. They will receive a certificate, and their name will be engraved on the traveling plaque.

Thank you to everyone who sponsored students and to the students who participated.

Continue to do all you can to promote Americanism.

Sharon Scott Americanism Chr.

AMERICANISM

There are few times in one’s life you run across another person when you immediately know that he or she is genuine in their words, actions, and deeds. One such person in our lives has been Dennis Otte of Wayne, Nebraska, as well as his lovely wife, Kerry. This friendship started late in each of our lives, and one can only imagine what it would have been like to have known Dennis longer.

Dennis showed his generosity and genuine appreciation to those we know as Veterans. In the time that we have known Dennis, he has put on thousands of miles and made hundreds of calls just to keep in touch and visit with those men who served with him in Vietnam. He has attended many of their funerals and shared with their families stories they may never had heard. Even to his dying days, Veterans were a main stay of his daily life.

Dennis volunteered to make The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Memorial Poppy a few years back and would be able to make 5,000 to 7,000 memorial poppies in record time. And they were some of the most beautiful poppies around. The Memorial Poppies – handmade by Veterans

– were distributed throughout District 3 of The American Legion family. This past March 7, 2020, it was my sad duty to inform our 26 Auxiliary units that they have received the final “handmade by Veteran” Dennis Otte Memorial Poppy as he would not be able to continue his dedicated service to Veterans. Dennis could have received

5-cents for each of the thousands of Memorial Poppies he made, but he did not. In his days of better health, he would ask, “do you have the poppy supplies for me to make the Memorial Poppy?”

Not only was Dennis a great poppymaker, he was a great promoter of the Poppy Program. He would volunteer once again to come out to Pamida/Shopko each Saturday before Memorial Day to help The American Legion Family distribute the Memorial Poppy to anyone who would wear that special red crepe paper poppy over the weekend to honor all Veterans. We never asked for any donations, but it was a choice for anyone to drop coins or bills into our collection container. But, before Dennis “arrived on duty” those Saturday mornings, he had already been out to Wayne East, Quality Foods, Fredrickson’s, and more distributing the Memorial Poppy and bringing in the donations to make our container look better. Where do you find anyone who is willing to do such deeds without any expectation of reward? Dennis and Kerry Otte are two such persons/friends. He earned the title of “Mr. Big Bucks” from us as when he first

came to our Poppy table. He dropped in a generous donation and took two small poppies. Thus his name. And his favorite line to those wishing to donate --- “We don’t have change; just drop it in.” One of the saddest moments of our Poppy table were those who made an intentional detour around our table or said no to wearing a Memorial Poppy to honor those who have given us our Freedom – Veterans.

Now, Dennis not only had a huge impact upon the Memorial Poppy, but his leadership with the Wayne County Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Wayne County Courthouse cannot be discounted as anything other than great. With Dennis’ leadership and insistence of “doing it right,” we have a beautiful tribute to all Veterans. He and other committee members of the memorial are duly recognized for a “Job well done” as Wayne County has one of the best looking, dedicated memorials across Nebraska. The Memorial has a perpetual care fund that would welcome any donations. Also, any new military Veterans in Wayne County wishing to have their name engraved upon the panels may do so. Tom Hansen, CPA in Wayne, would be able to assist with either item.

Mr. Poppy Man, we will miss you. But, your impact upon our lives and those of thousands more can never be forgotten. May you rest in peace, and may your family find comfort in knowing your generous heart and appreciation of Veterans will live on with the Wayne County Veterans Memorial and The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Day each Memorial Day weekend. God Bless.

Bud & Beverly Neel

POPPY MAN

Yes, Juniors, you are special. I’m Marva Kasl, a past department

president and the Dorchester Junior Auxiliary Leader for over 45 years. I recently received a book from a former Dorchester resident. He was in my daughter’s class. He wrote this book about his experiences in Desert Storm.

He tells of many experiences and also includes several pictures. On one page, he has a Christmas card that was sent to him. It was from the Dorchester Juniors. Also pictured is a dollar bill we included for “Good Luck.” He carried this dollar bill in 64 combat missions.

Yes, Juniors Make a Difference.

ARE JUNIORS MAKING A

DIFFERENCE?As we all know, this quarantine

has really put a cramp in our agenda.I hope all is well at the Eastern

Nebraska Veterans Home and that we get to see each other soon.

We are still in need of Poppy Makers for certain areas. Veterans receive a stipend for their labor, but we supply you with the “Poppy Kit” which makes 1000 poppies. There is no quota to meet. You work at your leisure.

If you need training, we can arrange for that.

C o n t a c t L i s a M o o r e a t Department Headquarters at 402-466-1808 and leave your contact information.

POPPY MAKERHay Springs, Rushville, and Gordon members traveled to Columbus and enjoyed bowling with other members in the American Legion and Auxiliary Bowling Tournament. Pictured, back row (l to r), are Rhonda Lyons, Janet Dorshorst, Carol Anderson, and Sandy Rogers. Front row, (l to r), are Judy Moller and Marcia Hardin.

St. Paul Unit 119 celebrated the 100th Birthday of the American Legion Auxiliary. The event included a fashion show that represented the past history of the Auxiliary. Pictured and showing the time period they represented are (l to r): Donna Dobish --- American Legion Flag Corps; Bev Williams and Samantha Stepanek --- Vietnam War; Madelyn Sack --- Gulf War; Jossilyn Janulewicz --- Korean War; Monica Jochum and Emily Jochum --- World War II; Charlotte Rasmussen --- World War I; Jordyn Seaberger and Katherine Bauer --- Jr. Auxiliary Members and ALA Girls State; Char Schmid --- Poppy Day; and Barb Sack and Janet Hruza --- World War I.

EDITOR’S NOTEPlease send articles and pictures for future editions of “THE STAR” to

Lorene Bartos, Editor at 7441 San Mateo Lane, Lincoln, NE 68516 or email

to: ALATheStarNE@yahoo.com. Send photos as jpg attachments. Material

for the next issue needs to be submitted by

JUNE 10, 2020

It was “National Volunteer Week” in April; and, although we were unable to implement our annual Volunteer Recognition Party due to the Pandemic, we want to extend our thanks and gratitude to all of our dedicated volunteers from the American Legion and Auxiliary, Sons of American Legion, American Legion Riders, and Junior Auxiliary for their support of the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home this past year! From the many facility recreational activities that your groups sponsored to the wonderful donations we receive --- and to all of the special connections made between your volunteers and our members --- we are so grateful for each and every one of you!!! We will schedule a party to celebrate and recognize our volunteers later this year, but just want you to know that we appreciate everything you do to make a positive difference in our members’ lives!

Activity staff have been very resilient this past month, switching from group activities to home-based activities --- and then to room-based activities. Members have enjoyed these fun visits, including activities such as “National Parks Wildlife Encounters” and “Mutual

of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Wildlife Encounters” (Photo 1) during which they could watch a scene from the documentary on the portable DVD player, receive an informational brochure, and then play a “Plinko” type game where they won either a candy bar or a 25-cent coupon sponsored by the ALA.

Ice cream is always a special treat, so we’ve been taking the portable bar around to serve ice cream donated by the ALA (photo 2), complete with toppings provided from our Wish List donors.

We had some special activities sponsored by the American Legion and Auxiliary --- including Arbor Day Room Bingo, May Day Fun, and a Cinco de Mayo celebration. We appreciate the ongoing donations we are receiving from the veterans’ organizations to provide the treats, prizes, and coupons for these types of events!

We also appreciate all of the fabric masks that donors are providing. (Photo 3) In this photo, masks were made by the Grand Island American Legion Auxiliary volunteers, with Liz Cline serving as the lead to coordinate the effort and do the sewing.

Even though we have all worked

together to help protect our members during this COVID-19 Pandemic, we have had several cases on campus. This week, we were able to celebrate when our first case was able to come out of quarantine, claiming victory over this virus! We contacted the Kearney Fire Department to see if they could bring a fire truck out to do a “Victory Lap” around the perimeter of the facility to congratulate this member’s victory and to salute our other members for all of the sacrifices they are making to prevent the spread of the virus and to recognize all of the great work that staff are doing taking care of our members’ needs in the face of this pandemic (Photo 4).

The Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home continues to face the challenges that are presented each day, incorporating flexibility and modifications as needed to provide the members with quality care and services. Thanks to everyone for their support and prayers during this extraordinary time in our nation’s history!

Nancy Klimek, Manager of Recreation & Volunteer ServicesCentral Nebraska Veterans Home

CENTRAL NEBRASKA VETERANS HOME

“Successful people must know that those he or she chooses to be on his or her team must share their vision. They must all be able to work toward a common purpose.” Joe Allen and David Donaldson

We picked all of you to be on our Membership Team!

We have achieved 100 units at 100% membership for our 100th Birthday. Congratulations to those 100 units!

We are still working on the 2020 membership and currently remain 1st in membership in the Northwest Division. You can mail in the membership, call National Headquarters, or renew your membership on-line!

Our Goal is to “Stop the Slide” - 100% Goal is needed.

Kimberly GurleyVision 2020Department Membership Chairman 2019-2020gurleykimmy@gmail.com402-629-4580 (home)

402-366-6118 (cell)

MEMBERSHIP

DISTRICT DISTRICT NAME % TO GOAL MEMBERS NEEDED FOR 100%

13 Fix My EYES 101.2% -811 Cotton EYED Joe 97.16% 631 I Can SEE Clearly 96.51% 4712 My EYES Adore You 94.26% 926 When Can I SEE You Again? 94.03% 1452 EYE of the Tiger 93.34% 1307 Betty Davis EYES aka Betty Paes Eyes 93.32% 1223 I Can’t Take My EYES Off of You 93.03% 709 I SEE the Light 92.41% 468 Private EYES 91.65% 14710 LOOK at Us 91.08% 1125 Hungry EYES 90.19% 784 I Only Have EYES for You 88.20% 82

Total Department 93.13%Goal from National 18209 1,128

14 Department Unit 500 136.59%

Donna Smith of Valparaiso Unit #371 has been making masks for the Eastern Nebraska Veterans home. Donna (left) is pictured delivering them to Sarah Ryan, the Activities Director at the ENVH. Her husband, Danny, and Donna also donated $100 so they could continue to have money for bingo since we are not allowed to do that for them at this time.

Scholarship winners, their schools, and units will be notified when scholarship judging is completed.

DATES TO REMEMBERJune

May 31 - June 6 American Legion Auxiliary Cornhusker Girls State UNL Campus- CANCELLED 10 Deadline for articles for July/Aug issue of “The Star”14 Flag Day - Fly your Flag21 Father’s Day27 Virtual Dept. Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting, 10AM Virtual Post DEC, 2PM25-28 Department Convention, Kearney, Ramada - CANCELLED

July

4 Independence Day - Department Headquarters Closed20-27 American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation - CANCELLED

For Your Advanced PlanningAug. 28-Sep. 3, 2020 National Convention, Louisville, KY - CANCELLED

Nondus J Cooper ..........North Platte ...... 163

Joanne Messman ..........Bruning ............. 166

Luanne Piper .................Hardy ................ 179

Betty L Thompson .........Cambridge........ 199

Phyllis J Mohr ................Sutherland ........ 208

Wilma Strawder .............Wallace ............. 213

Rose M Smartt ..............Elgin.................. 229

Jeanne Margritz .............Red Cloud ........ 238

Mary Lemmer ................Oconto ............. 230

Arvilla K Fecht ...............Arcadia ............. 251

Ruth M Brown ...............Arcadia ............. 251

Betty A Hartwig .............Cortland............ 253

Lois Heldt ......................Yutan ................ 262

Mary Ann Thiele .............Clearwater ........ 267

Lila Waller ......................North Loup ....... 285

Dorothy M Fritch ............Table Rock ........ 289

Joy Speidell ...................Shelton ............. 297

Betty Stearley ................Shelton ............. 297

Charlotte I Richards .......S. Sioux City ..... 307

Mary Lou Burback .........Tobias ............... 311

N R Newbury .................Denton .............. 355

Lynne Swingen ..............Ralston ............. 373

Evelyn Bosak .................Millard ............... 374

Karen M Israelson ..........Millard ............... 374

Rebecca S Ries .............Millard ............... 374

Ruth Jensen ..................Dakota City ....... 376

Devonnabell Reynolds ...Department ...... 500

In MemoriamReceived March 10 to May 10, 2020“ Never be lacking in zeal,

but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Romans 12:11-12Right now, there are so many

crazy things going on in our world. Everyone says something different. There is no “middle ground.” We are told we must be for or against, with no tolerance for any other opinions. It is almost impossible to know who to trust.

When it becomes a whirling mass of confusion, remember that we serve the Lord and He knows what is coming and how things will work out. Because we trust in Him, we can be joyful in hope and patient in affliction. Most of all, we must continue to pray and ask for His help and His blessings. Never fear, He

is always listening and will always answer. Sometimes, it is not the answer that we want it to be, but He will always do what is best for us.

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, Please renew our spirit and zeal. Thank You for always being with us even when we sometimes forget. Help us to remember that when we pray for something that You will always answer --- even if it is not in the time or manner that we expected. Guide us to make wise decisions in this confusing time and to find ways to serve our troops and veterans in new ways when we cannot be with them. Keep us safe. Please protect our health as we serve others. Bless our troops and their families and our veterans. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pat WisemanChaplain

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

American Legion family, the letter of the month is the letter “A.” It is placed first in the English and Greek alphabet.

We have all begun our education with the letter “A.” It is a strong letter that can stand on its own. When used to begin a word, many powerful emotions, feelings, and thoughts begin with that first letter. Adore, anger, and anxiety --- to name a few. By now, many of you --- hopefully --- are saying, “Auxiliary begins with A!”

What has been observed the first months of 2020 is the word “ADAPT!” We have all learned and put into use ways to adapt to so many situations, lifestyles, and values taken for granted just a few months ago.

Our Auxiliary is a shining

example of adaptive procedures to keep us safe, while still serving and helping each other and our heroes. Pioneers had to adapt to the landscape in which they discovered themselves.

Our Legion family landscape has changed, but the promise and goals have remained the same. Department officers and chairman will remain the same for the 2020-2021 year. We will ADAPT! The landscape may be uncharted, but the 100 year old American Legion Auxiliary knows how to ADAPT. It all begins with the letter “A.”

Three strong Adaptors are: Adeline, Angela, and Amanda. Who are others?

Barbie Meyer, Dept Vice President

VICE PRESIDENT

With the cancellation of the Department Convention, I am sure many of you have questions on how this effects the Poppy Program. Here is some updated information. • Poppy Poster Contest --- Posters

submitted will be judged and winners sent on to National Competition. Thank you to all the units who were able to get posters from youth in their area.

• Centennial Poppy Display entries – IT’S NOT TOO LATE!! Since the selected poppy creations will not be presented to the National President unt i l the 2021 National Convention, there is still time to create an entry. I would LOVE to see 100 entries to reflect our 100 years of service. Entries already sent in are being safe-guarded at Department Headquarters. If your unit makes one, please send it there. Be sure to include the name and number of your unit.

• Poppy Centerpieces – Since some districts were unable to hold their District Conventions, they were unable to pick a winning entry for Department judging. Winning centerpieces are to be held over for judging a t the 2021 Depar tment Convention. More information will be coming.

• National Poppy Day was Sunday, May 22th, but you can have your unit’s Poppy Day any time. Yes, ANY TIME. The Poppy is the symbol of the blood shed by those who protect our freedoms. That sacrifice can be remembered any time of the year. Hold on to your Poppies and arrange a day to DISTRIBUTE Poppies when it is safe to be out again. Remember, we DISTRIBUTE Poppies while collecting donations for them. We do not sell them!!

POPPY UPDATE

The r ecen t mon ths have certainly brought many unexpected circumstances and schedule changes.

With fewer social interactions in our daily lives, we have had the opportunity to choose the activities that are important to us. Of course, for me, that means more music! YouTube has been a source of encouragement with songs that give us courage and inspire patriotism. (They usually make me cry!).

The l a t es t one has been performed by Trace Adkins called “Still a Soldier.” Take every chance available to show our veterans how much we still appreciate them. Play music for them --- either using recordings or an instrument.

Also, we were not able to celebrate National Day of Prayer in May. I ask all of you to lift up our country and her leaders every day. FLY THE FLAG ALWAYS!

Louise WheelerMusic Chr.

MUSIC

Plattsmouth Unit 56 grandma Cathy Day and grand-daughter Aubree made a thank you sign for the Frontline Workers!!

Above: On April 15, 2020, the District 9 Cornerstone Traveling Plaque was presented to Wanda Miller, a member of McDonald Ryan American Legion Auxiliary Unit 276 of Danbury, for her many years of going above and beyond her line of duties for the American Legion. Presenting the award is Lee Carskadon, Communications and Awards Chairman for the District 9 American Legion, and Russ Wood, Adjutant, who was last year’s recipient.

There are 311 units in the Department of Nebraska. 121 units took the time to fill out the Year End Impact Report. This 1½ page report will be a part of what American Legion National Commander Bill Oxford will deliver to Congress.

These numbers reflect the work of our members. What may seem like small numbers at the unit level become larger at Department level

and make a big difference at the National level. Congress will know that what we do as an organization makes a difference in the lives of our veterans, military, their families, children and youth, and communities. A large THANK YOU to all the units who took their time to keep records and make this report a success --- even though we have stayed at home for several months.

THE IMPACT OF YOUR DEDICATIONHours Volunteered:

Service for Veterans/Military 65,585Our ALA Service for Military Families 3,391Our ALA Service for Youth 10,710Our Service Representing ALA in our communities 42,263Total Hours members volunteered 121,949

Just think if we had 100% participation in the Year End Impact Report!

Elizabeth PaesDepartment President

Prague Unit 254 Junior members Morgan, Miranda, and Hannah showed up to help post flags for Memorial Day Weekend.