Immigration Reform (an article taken from www.legion.org)
Albert Einstein defined insanity as "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
While the great scientist was himself a legal immigrant to, and later a citizen of, the United States, it doesn't take a genius of Einstein's intellect to know that America's immigration policy over the last several decades has been broken and the federal government has been derelict in its responsibility to fix it.
While the Obama administration says it's committed to "immigration reform," Americans are rightly concerned that this reform is merely a euphemism for amnesty. When President Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., said, "This amnesty will give citizenship to only 1.3 million illegal aliens. We will secure the borders henceforth. We will never again bring forth an amnesty bill like this."
The senator was right. Today's amnesty proposals are even worse. They are worse because the population of illegal aliens has skyrocketed to between 10 million and 20 million, depending on whose figures you choose to believe.
Moreover, America has since been struck by a major terrorist attack inflicted by illegal aliens, not to mention numerous failed attacks by those who managed to flout our immigration or entry laws.
The American Legion offers a common-sense strategy to address illegal immigration without offering amnesty or other loopholes that endanger America's national security and threaten our economic well-being.
First, America needs to secure its borders and other points of entry. That means complete the fence, beef up border patrol and deport those who have already been identified as illegal aliens. Deportation does not require a mass round-up as the open-borders lobby would have you believe, but simply processing those who already enter our legal system through other violations.
Additionally, we need to eliminate the jobs magnet by enforcing no-nonsense penalties on employers who hire illegal workers. Likewise, all taxpayer-funded social service benefits - with the exception of emergency medical care - must also be denied.
Finally, and most importantly for our national security, we must effectively screen and track all foreign visitors to the United States. Three of the convicted terrorists who plotted to kill innocent soldiers at Fort Dix, N.J., were illegal aliens. A man accused of assisting the would-be Times Square bomber was also here illegally. Americans have grown accustomed to increased security measures when boarding airplanes. We should expect the increased scrutiny to continue for foreign nationals staying in the United States.
The Obama administration has given strong indications that it does not grasp the problem. While Phoenix is second only to Mexico City in kidnappings, and the Mexican border has seen a recent rise in violence by drug cartels, the Justice Department succeeded in getting a court to temporarily hinder Arizona's attempts to deal with an issue that the federal government has neglected for years.
Moreover, the U.S. Department of Labor produced a video in which its secretary incredibly states, "Every worker in America has a right to be paid fairly - whether documented or not."
The Obama administration is not alone in its misguided approach to this issue. Democratic and Republican administrations have allowed the problem to fester for decades. The issue will not be solved until leaders from all political parties put electoral considerations aside and start putting America's interests first.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Editorial Opinion - TVV - July '10
Well here I go on my monthly rant. First, every member needs to understand how and why we allow events to occur at the post. The biggest reason is we need the money to support the advantages we all enjoy at our post. The revenue comes in two ways, from the actual rental (when we lease the facilities) and in some cases we just get a lot of additional people spending money on alcohol sales - or a combination of both. Some events are sponsored by the post and we obviously get no rental income so we need a lot of participation to cover the expenses of putting on the event. Remembrance Day would be an example of this type of event.
Some events are sponsored by an outside group that just brings in a lot of people that spend money and don’t pay us a rental fee. This trade-off works for both organizations (The Blues Society is one example). Most groups or companies that are looking for a more private party or where there would be a smaller group must pay the post a rental fee. We have lease agreements that are simple for small groups to complex for a much larger event. Please, if you are aware of anyone that would like to use our facilities, have them contact Jack or Connie to determine what needs to take place for a commitment by both parties.
Here are some general rules if an event is taking place. No one may bring any firearms onto post property. No one is allowed to bring any alcoholic beverage onto our property. No one is allowed to bring or use any illegal substance or drugs on post property. No one is to do anything that would damage post property. Everyone must respect our monuments, displays and flag area. If anyone sees someone (member or guest) breaking any of these rules you may do one of three things: 1 - Do nothing (understand that you are then a part of the problem)
2 - Respectfully request the offender stop whatever rule they are breaking. 3 - Report the incident to a post officer and let them handle it. If anyone (member or guest) continues to break these rules they are subject to being reported to the police. We cannot allow these actions to put our post at risk.
Since we are having issues with maintaining records including DD214s, here is something interesting. You may request records from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, but Army personnel records were destroyed by a fire and from a period from 1912 through 1959 were lost. Air Force records were lost from 1947 to 1963 with surnames beginning with Hubbard to the end of the alphabet. All others are available.
Bill Roark
Some events are sponsored by an outside group that just brings in a lot of people that spend money and don’t pay us a rental fee. This trade-off works for both organizations (The Blues Society is one example). Most groups or companies that are looking for a more private party or where there would be a smaller group must pay the post a rental fee. We have lease agreements that are simple for small groups to complex for a much larger event. Please, if you are aware of anyone that would like to use our facilities, have them contact Jack or Connie to determine what needs to take place for a commitment by both parties.
Here are some general rules if an event is taking place. No one may bring any firearms onto post property. No one is allowed to bring any alcoholic beverage onto our property. No one is allowed to bring or use any illegal substance or drugs on post property. No one is to do anything that would damage post property. Everyone must respect our monuments, displays and flag area. If anyone sees someone (member or guest) breaking any of these rules you may do one of three things: 1 - Do nothing (understand that you are then a part of the problem)
2 - Respectfully request the offender stop whatever rule they are breaking. 3 - Report the incident to a post officer and let them handle it. If anyone (member or guest) continues to break these rules they are subject to being reported to the police. We cannot allow these actions to put our post at risk.
Since we are having issues with maintaining records including DD214s, here is something interesting. You may request records from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, but Army personnel records were destroyed by a fire and from a period from 1912 through 1959 were lost. Air Force records were lost from 1947 to 1963 with surnames beginning with Hubbard to the end of the alphabet. All others are available.
Bill Roark
Record Keeping - Judge Advocate - July '10 TVV
Judge Advocate
Many documents on file at the post, particularly DD214s, contain non public, personal information that has nothing to do with Legion eligibility and is really nobody’s business but the member’s. While the post might still need to review such forms, we don’t, necessarily, need to retain a copy of them. It’s for that reason that the post’s Executive Committee has decided the post will no longer retain copies of DD214 or other documents containing non public personal information about members.
We live in more complex times than when the practice of collecting discharge documents began decades ago and protecting personal privacy is more significant these days. States, like Missouri, are taking privacy and military discharge information more seriously too. For example: Missouri now has a law (RSMO 59.480), essentially “locking up” DD214s many veterans recorded at their county court house, denying public access to those forms. (But the veteran can still access his/her DD214 on public record). Even more federal laws have been recently placed on the books, like the FACT Act, a law specifically addressing Identity Theft and giving consumers and active duty military personnel special rights and remedies.
Granted, there might be occasional aggravations because of not retaining copies of your discharge documents. Because we will no longer have your personal documents on file, it might be necessary to ask you to provide documentation later to resolve an issue or question. But the protection of our members and the post far outweighs any future inconvenience getting rid of these documents might cause.
Even if you’re asked to submit documentation in the future, it does not, necessarily, mean the post has to keep a copy of it. Depending on the reason for the request, the document can be reviewed, needed information noted on post records, and you can have the document back for safekeeping.
If you have submitted your DD214 or another form of eligibility documentation and you want it back, you can pick it up between the hours of 11AM and 2PM on July 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2010. After that, discharge documents will be destroyed.
We will only surrender your document to you personally and you must show photo ID. We will not mail your document. We will not release your document to anybody but the veteran whose name is on it.
NOTICE TO MEMBERS
THE POST’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HAS DECIDED THAT PROTECTING THE PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALY OF PERSONAL, NON PUBLIC INFORMATION ABOUT MEMBERS SHOULD BE GIVEN GREATER PRIORITY AND HAS DECIDED THE POST WILL NO LONGER RETAIN COPIES OF DD214 FORMS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS CONTAINING SUCH INFORMATION.
IF YOU WANT TO PICK UP YOUR DD214 OR OTHER DISCHARGE DOCUMENT, YOU MAY DO SO BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 11AM AND 2PM JULY 6TH, 7TH, AND 8TH, AT THE POST.
IF YOU WANT YOUR DOCUMENT BACK, YOU MUST PICK IT UP IN PERSON, WE WILL NOT RELEASE IT TO ANYBODY BUT THE VETERAN WHOSE NAME IS ON IT.
YOU MUST PROVIDE PHOTO ID.
DOCUMENTS NOT PICKED UP WILL BE DESTROYED.
Larry Skouby
Many documents on file at the post, particularly DD214s, contain non public, personal information that has nothing to do with Legion eligibility and is really nobody’s business but the member’s. While the post might still need to review such forms, we don’t, necessarily, need to retain a copy of them. It’s for that reason that the post’s Executive Committee has decided the post will no longer retain copies of DD214 or other documents containing non public personal information about members.
We live in more complex times than when the practice of collecting discharge documents began decades ago and protecting personal privacy is more significant these days. States, like Missouri, are taking privacy and military discharge information more seriously too. For example: Missouri now has a law (RSMO 59.480), essentially “locking up” DD214s many veterans recorded at their county court house, denying public access to those forms. (But the veteran can still access his/her DD214 on public record). Even more federal laws have been recently placed on the books, like the FACT Act, a law specifically addressing Identity Theft and giving consumers and active duty military personnel special rights and remedies.
Granted, there might be occasional aggravations because of not retaining copies of your discharge documents. Because we will no longer have your personal documents on file, it might be necessary to ask you to provide documentation later to resolve an issue or question. But the protection of our members and the post far outweighs any future inconvenience getting rid of these documents might cause.
Even if you’re asked to submit documentation in the future, it does not, necessarily, mean the post has to keep a copy of it. Depending on the reason for the request, the document can be reviewed, needed information noted on post records, and you can have the document back for safekeeping.
If you have submitted your DD214 or another form of eligibility documentation and you want it back, you can pick it up between the hours of 11AM and 2PM on July 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2010. After that, discharge documents will be destroyed.
We will only surrender your document to you personally and you must show photo ID. We will not mail your document. We will not release your document to anybody but the veteran whose name is on it.
NOTICE TO MEMBERS
THE POST’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HAS DECIDED THAT PROTECTING THE PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALY OF PERSONAL, NON PUBLIC INFORMATION ABOUT MEMBERS SHOULD BE GIVEN GREATER PRIORITY AND HAS DECIDED THE POST WILL NO LONGER RETAIN COPIES OF DD214 FORMS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS CONTAINING SUCH INFORMATION.
IF YOU WANT TO PICK UP YOUR DD214 OR OTHER DISCHARGE DOCUMENT, YOU MAY DO SO BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 11AM AND 2PM JULY 6TH, 7TH, AND 8TH, AT THE POST.
IF YOU WANT YOUR DOCUMENT BACK, YOU MUST PICK IT UP IN PERSON, WE WILL NOT RELEASE IT TO ANYBODY BUT THE VETERAN WHOSE NAME IS ON IT.
YOU MUST PROVIDE PHOTO ID.
DOCUMENTS NOT PICKED UP WILL BE DESTROYED.
Larry Skouby
Ozark Honor Flight - Tom Mabry - May TVV
Ozark Honor Flight
Paul Marchi and I wish to thank all those who were instrumental in the creation, organization and management of the Ozarks Honor Flight on April 13th. We were privileged to be on that Flight to Washington D C and to visit the WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery during the changing of the guard, Marine Corp Memorial( the 60 foot sculpture of the raising of the American Flag on mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima), Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and other notable historical sites. I cannot say enough in gratitude to the hundreds of people involved in making the trip all that it can be. The contingent of volunteers at the Springfield airport fed us donuts and coffee etc. and guided us through all the preflight and boarding necessities. I especially salute Mick Dunn who was my GUARDIAN and helpful companion throughout the day. When we arrived at Dulles airport there was a group of volunteers to assist and guide us to restrooms and to our busses. They were necessarily very well organized because they had to guide 76 old-timers, some in their 90's, some in wheelchairs. When we arrived at Dulles for our return flight another group of volunteers was on hand to get us through their very strict clearances. When we returned to Springfield we thought we would just get to our vehicles and go home. What a surprise. A huge group of people were there at 11 PM to welcome us home. It was truly inspiring to know that so many people (many from Post 639) took the time to welcome a bunch of old veterans. I stand in awe and gratitude. The history of the Honor Flight both National and State is a separate story and should be told more widely. The Honor Flights across the nation are financed through donations and are possible only through the volunteerism of hundreds.
Tom Mabrey
Ozark Honor Flight - April Editorial
First of all I would like to cover an event that I feel is very important to veterans. We have an incredible group of people and companies in Springfield that are giving of their time, talents and money to assist veterans that would like to visit their memorial (and other memorials) in Washington, DC. This wonderful endeavor is called Ozark Honor Flight and is part of the national group, but concentrates on WWII Veterans from this area. We have 3 Post 639 Members that will be on the next flight from the new Springfield airport, April 13, 2010. Tom Mabrey served during WWII as an Aviation Machinist Mate in the US Navy and served many years as our Finance Officer, Paul Marchi was also in the US Navy and spent time at sea in the South Pacific. Tom will be escorted by Mick Dunn also from Post 639. There will be a total of 76 Veterans and 76 Guardians on the flight. The charter flight costs $ 56,000 per flight and all costs are paid for the Veterans through sponsors and donations; however, the Guardians do pay $300 per flight. The major sponsor and media partner is KY3-TV. The next scheduled flight will be May 18, 2010 and additional tentative flights are scheduled for June, October and November, but with 600 Veterans that have filled out applications, that will still
carry over demand until 2011. For additional information go to their web site at www.ozarkshonorflight.com, we have a link on our post web site. Here is more information from their web site:
Taking Our War Heroes to See Their WWII Memorial
HeroesWorld War I – Korea – Vietnam: These 20th Century wars have had memorials in our nation's capital for years. But for some reason World War II was left out. That war didn't have its memorial until 2004.Time is of the Essence
We call them the Greatest Generation — the veterans of World War II. Their memorial is now complete, but with over one thousand World War II veterans dying each day, our time to express our thanks to these brave men and women is running out. Many will leave us without having had the chance to visit their place of honor.Honor FlightOzarks Honor Flight has one goal: to transport our veterans to Washington, D.C. so they can visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.Your RoleYour donation will help transport veterans to visit their memorials. Our top priority is our most senior heroes. World War II veterans waited patiently for over 60 years for a memorial that recognizes their service and accomplishments. The World War II Memorial also recognizes the ultimate sacrifices of their friends who never made it home. They all deserve this one last opportunity to visit America's "Thank You."Ozark Honor FlightMissionTo transport, in the safest and most timely means possible, military veterans of World War II to Washington DC to view their World War II Memorial and other commemorative sites with the highest degree of honor, respect and gratitude at no cost to the veteran.historyOzarks Honor Flight is a non-profit organization, founded in October 2009, in Springfield, Missouri. The founding members have assembled the talents and commitment of a group of people who share their love and respect for our veterans, dedicated people who are working to deliver on the promise of Honor Flight.
carry over demand until 2011. For additional information go to their web site at www.ozarkshonorflight.com, we have a link on our post web site. Here is more information from their web site:
Taking Our War Heroes to See Their WWII Memorial
HeroesWorld War I – Korea – Vietnam: These 20th Century wars have had memorials in our nation's capital for years. But for some reason World War II was left out. That war didn't have its memorial until 2004.Time is of the Essence
We call them the Greatest Generation — the veterans of World War II. Their memorial is now complete, but with over one thousand World War II veterans dying each day, our time to express our thanks to these brave men and women is running out. Many will leave us without having had the chance to visit their place of honor.Honor FlightOzarks Honor Flight has one goal: to transport our veterans to Washington, D.C. so they can visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.Your RoleYour donation will help transport veterans to visit their memorials. Our top priority is our most senior heroes. World War II veterans waited patiently for over 60 years for a memorial that recognizes their service and accomplishments. The World War II Memorial also recognizes the ultimate sacrifices of their friends who never made it home. They all deserve this one last opportunity to visit America's "Thank You."Ozark Honor FlightMissionTo transport, in the safest and most timely means possible, military veterans of World War II to Washington DC to view their World War II Memorial and other commemorative sites with the highest degree of honor, respect and gratitude at no cost to the veteran.historyOzarks Honor Flight is a non-profit organization, founded in October 2009, in Springfield, Missouri. The founding members have assembled the talents and commitment of a group of people who share their love and respect for our veterans, dedicated people who are working to deliver on the promise of Honor Flight.
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