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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Blackwell, Morton: Files
Folder Title: American Legion II
(3 of 6)
Box: 42
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Amer
Legion
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WASHINGTON OFFICE
September 7, 1982
Mr. Morton C. Blackwell
Special Assistant
Office of Public Liaison
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Morton:
Enclosed is a photo and biography of the
newly elected National Commander of The American
Legion.
Mr. A1 Keller is from Kankakee, Illinois
and I thought it would be useful for you to
have this information available in your files.
I would appreciate visiting with you in the
near future about setting a date for our Commander
to pay a courtesy call upon the President of the
United States.
Sincerely,
Mylio hylis S. Kraja
Executive Director
Enclosure
85
will
WASHI
FROM: National Public Relations Division, The American Legion, Washington, D.C. 20006
AL KELLER JR.
NATIONAL COMMANDER
THE AMERICAN LEGION
(Biographical Sketch)
Al Keller Jr., 57, Kankakee, Ill., has been elected the American Legion's new
national commander for 1982-83.
As the chief executive officer of the 2.6-million member American Legion--the
nation's largest veterans organization--Keller will visit nearly every state in the
union and several foreign countries during the year.
He was a gunner on a B-24 in the European Theater with the Army Air Force and
flew 16 combat missions in World War II. He was a prisoner of war for a few weeks
prior to the end of the war.
Born in Peoria, Ill., he enrolled in agriculture courses at the University of Illinois.
His professional career includes being a cost accountant for a major corporation
and an office manager and accountant for a construction company.
He began a civil service career as administrative assistant for the Kankakee County
Board, an accountant for the American Red Cross, and returned to local government as
chief deputy county clerk. Presently, he is administrative assistant for Kankakee County.
Keller has been an active Legionnaire for 28 years beginning with Post No. 85,
Kankakee, which he served as post commander and adjutant. He also served as post
service officer. For a number of years, he has been involved in American Legion Baseball.
He also served the Legion's Illinois Department as district commander, department vice
commander and department commander. He also served on the department's Veterans
Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission for several years.
He was a member of the Legion's national Americanism commission until his election
to national commander.
Keller is a member of the Kankakee Elks Lodge and the Disabled American Veterans
and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Keller and his wife, Genevieve, have two sons.
(end)
For God and Country
National Public
Relations
NEWS RELEASE
Division
LEGION U.S
Wm. M. Detweiler, Chairman
NEWS HOTLINE (800) 428-2686
Michael E. Alexander, Director
(INDIANA)
(317) 637-6649
P. O. Box 1055
THE
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206
AMERICAN
CONTACT: MIKE ALEXANDER--CHICAGO
(317) 635-8411
LEGION
1608 K St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 861-2792
Date of Origin: Aug. 26, 1982
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO--A1 Keller Jr., Kankakee, Ill., has been elected the American
Legion's national commander for 1982-83. He succeeds Jack W. Flynt, Dimmitt, Tex.
As the chief executive officer of the 2.6-million member American Legion--
the nation's largest veterans organization--Keller will visit nearly every state
in the union and several foreign countries during the year.
He was a gunner on a B-24 with the Army Air Force and flew 16 combat missions
in World War II. He was a prisoner of war.
Born in Peoria, Ill., he enrolled in agriculture courses at the University
of Illinois.
His professional career includes being a cost accountant for a major corporation
and an office manager and accountant for a construction company.
He began a civil service career as administrative assistant for the Kankakee
County Board, an accountant for the American Red Cross, and returned to local
government as chief deputy county clerk. Presently, he is administrative assistant
for Kankakee County.
Keller has been an active Legionnaire for 28 years beginning with Post No. 85,
Kankakee, which he served as post commander and adjutant. He also served as post
service officer. For a number of years, he has been involved in American Legion
Baseball.
(more)
Al Keller Jr. -- 2
He also served the Legion's Illinois Department as district commander,
department vice commander and department commander. He also served on the
department's Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission for several years.
He was a member of the Legion's national Americanism commission until his
election to national commander.
Keller is a member of the Kankakee Elks Lodge and the Disabled American
Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Keller and his wife, Genevieve, have two sons.
(30)
The
American
US EGION
Legion
DATE
2/10
TO
maiselle
FROM
Mylio Kraja
Remarks:
For
Please
Answer
Per your
Comment
For Your
Please
Recom-
Discuss
mendation
With
telephone
For
For
Investi-
Approval
gation
For
Attention
request
Please Give
Me Facts
so I can
For
Information
(grouped by
Answer
For
Note and
Your
Forward
to File
program division
Signature
Please Pre-
Note and
pare Reply
Return
for My
to Sender
Signature
file
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
Am
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
Legion
RESOLUTION: No. 43
COMMITTEE: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
SUBJECT: URGE THE VA TO PLAN AND DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE
PROGRAM AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE AGING VETERAN
WHEREAS, the veteran population in the United States is rapidly
approaching 30 million, the average age of the WW I Veteran is
approaching 85, and the average age of the 12.5 million WW II veterans
is approximately 60; and
WHEREAS, by the year 2000 the number of veterans over age 65 will
triple; and
WHEREAS, at that time those over 65 years of age will represent 51
percent of all males in that age group; and
WHEREAS, such veterans who no longer need to worry about financing
their own education or finding a job, will have reached a new phase
with different concerns and priorities; and
WHEREAS, within the next 10 years the Veterans Administration will have
to change its configuration of services to be able to counsel and
assist this large number of aging veterans; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion is acutely aware of the need for these new
services that will have to be developed, and that every effort must be
made to assist these aging veterans, thus helping them to live out
their remaining years in comfort and dignity; now, therefore be, it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that The American Legion urge
the Veterans Administration to prepare and submit to the Congress a
comprehensive plan that would detail its proposals to deliver health
care and related services to the aging veteran.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION: No. 54
COMMITTEE: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
SUBJECT: OPPOSE THOSE REORGANIZATION PLANS THAT WOULD TRANSFER FROM
THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION SOLE JURISDICTION OF ANY VETERANS
BENEFITS AND SERVICE PROGRAMS
WHEREAS, the Veterans Administration was especially created for or
concerned in the administration of all laws relating to the relief and
other benefits provided by the law for veterans, their dependents, and
their beneficiaries; and
WHEREAS, from time to time, legislative or administrative reorganization
plans are presented to merge jurisdiction and administration of veterans
programs with those provided for non-veterans and under the
administration of another Federal agency; and
WHEREAS, it is the consensus of The American Legion that the Veterans
Administration must be continued as the one independent agency in the
Executive Branch of the Federal Government for the administration and
execution of veterans benefits and service programs provided by law for
veterans, their dependents, and their survivors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that The American Legion shall
continue to exert every effort, influence, and resource to assure
rejection of those reorganization plans that would transfer from the
Veterans Administration sole jurisdiction of any veterans benefits and
service programs; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that The American Legion shall support continuation of the
Veterans Administration as the sole independent agency in the Executive
Branch of the Federal Government responsible for the administration and
execution of benefits and service programs provided by law for veterans,
their dependents, and survivors.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION: No. 56
COMMITTEE: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
SUBJECT: OPPOSE ANY PROPOSAL THAT WOULD CONSOLIDATE OR CENTRALIZE THE
OPERATIONS OF THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION REGIONAL OFFICES
WHEREAS, it has been proposed to consolidate the majority of the
operations of the Veterans Administration Regional Offices into one or a
maximum of three centralized locations; and
WHEREAS, such a proposal is neither reasonable nor practical; and
WHEREAS, if any such proposal becomes a reality, it will seriously
effect the role that veteran organizations play in the daily operation
of the Veterans Administration Regional Offices; and
WHEREAS, any such action would eliminate the individual and personal
representation in the presentation of claims in behalf of claimants
before the Veterans Administration; and
WHEREAS, any such proposal is unnecessary because it would not improve
the service capability of the Veterans Administration; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion believes that any such centralization of
the Regional Offices would involve large expenditures of Federal funds
and is not cost-effective; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that The American Legion oppose
any proposal, from whatever source, that would consolidate or centralize
the operations of the Veterans Administration Regional Offices.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION: No. 112
COMMITTEE: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
SUBJECT: URGE CONGRESS TO ADEQUATELY FUND THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
HEALTH CARE SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the Veterans Administration construction appropriation provides
for renovation and replacement, as needed, of the physical plant of the
VA health care delivery system; and
WHEREAS, the Veterans Administration health care system is comprised of
172 hospitals, 226 outpatient clinics, 92 nursing home care units, and
16 domiciliaries; and
WHEREAS, within this VA health care system there are aging facilities
that need replacement, renovation, modernization, reconfiguration and
improvements relating to fire, safety and privacy standards, to make
them suitable for the practice of modern medicine; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that The American Legion urges
the Congress, in its annual appropriations to provide funds to enable
the Veterans Administration to carry out a planned program of
maintaining an up-to-date system of health care facilities, and one
suited to its mission of providing medical services for the nation's
veterans.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION: No. 119
COMMITTEE: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
SUBJECT: OPPOSE LEGISLATION PROVIDING FOR THIRD PARTY REIMBURSEMENT OF
COST OF MEDICAL CARE PROVIDED BY THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
TO VETERANS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR AND APPLY FOR SUCH CARE
WHEREAS, the term "third party reimbursement," as it is used in veterans
affairs refers to a proposed right of the United States to recover the
costs of hospital, nursing home, our outpatient medical care furnished
by the Veterans Administration to veterans for nonservice-connected
disabilities to the extent that they have health insurance or similar
contracts or rights with respect to such care; and
WHEREAS, legislation to establish third party reimbursement would
require the rewriting of every private health insurance contract that is
now held by any veteran, because such contracts universally include a
clause exempting the carrier from reimbursing the cost of medical care
delivered by a Federal institution; and
WHEREAS, the health insurance industry may be expected to challenge the
constitutionality of any third party reimbursement legislation as an
unwarranted Federal interference in contractual arrangements between
private parties; and
WHEREAS, in connection with any third party reimbursement legislation
there will be further dispute concerning any cost formulas for VA health
care, which the government may develop on which to base claims for
reimbursement from third party insurers; and
WHEREAS, complicated problems involving cost formulas, quality controls
and distribution of services would have to be resolved before third
party reimbursement legislation could be implemented; and
WHEREAS, the resolution of such problems could involve the Public Health
Service of the Department of Health and Human Services; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion has consistently opposed the involvement of
the Department of Health and Human Services in any aspect of the
veterans medical care program, perceiving such involvement as posing a
real danger to the integrity of the veterans medical care program as one
(Res. 119- continued)
to be maintained and operated by the Veterans Administration,
exclusively for the nation's veterans; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion continues to adhere to the position that
the veterans medical care program operated by VA is a benefit, freely
and justifiably provided by a grateful nation to its war veterans, and
such program, therefore, should not be associated with contributory
health care programs or insurance, funded and operated from the private
sector, for profit; and
WHEREAS, overall, The American Legion perceives any proposal of third
party reimbursement as posing a direct threat to the integrity of the
veterans medical care program now operated by VA; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that The American Legion opposes
the enactment of legislation providing for third party reimbursement of
the cost of medical care provided by the Veterans Administration to
veterans who are eligible for and apply for such care.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION: No. 126
COMMITTEE: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
SUBJECT: URGE THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE CONGRESS TO
PROVIDE FULL FUNDING FOR ALL VETERANS PROGRAMS
WHEREAS, the Act of July 3, 1930, authorized the establishment of the
Veterans Administration as an independent agency in the Executive Branch
of the Government; and
WHEREAS, the Veterans Administration was especially created to
coordinate and consolidate Federal activities in the administration of
laws providing benefits for veterans; and
WHEREAS, the laws administered by the Veterans Administration
authorizing benefits for former members of the Armed Forces, for their
dependents and for beneficiaries of deceased former members of such
forces are classified into the following general categories:
Compensation for service-connected disabilities and death
Pensions for income maintenance of veterans and survivors
Educational and training assistance and loans
Servicemen's Life Insurance-Veterans Life Insurance
Hospital and medical care services
Nursing Home and domiciliary care, including State Veterans
Home construction funds
Health manpower training
Medical and prosthetic research
Burial benefits; and
WHEREAS, for several years the Office of Management and Budget of the
Executive Branch has engaged in systematic attempts to reduce
appropriations for Veterans Administration General Operating Expenses,
Medical and Hospital Care, Medical and Prosthetic Research, Medical and
Miscellaneous Operating Expenses, and construction of major and minor
facilities; and
WHEREAS, Veterans Adminstration compiled and projected statistics
indicated that 30 million veterans have potential eligibility for
benefits of one type or another, and counting dependents-and survivors
that about 44 percent of the total population of the United States are
potential recipients of benefits and associated services administered by
the Veterans Administration; and
(Res.126-continued)
WHEREAS, any reduction in appropriations and outlays for the Veterans
Administration recommended by the Office of Management and Budget may be
effected only by cutting service to eligible veterans in the areas
associated with medical care, medical administration, medical and
prosthetic research, general operating expenses (the fund account
providing administrative and operating expenses of the Adjudication
services), and delay needed modification, modernization, and
construction of hospital and nursing bed care facilities; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that The American Legion call to
the attention of the President of the United States, and of Congress,
that the benefits provided by law to veterans, their dependents and
beneficiaries, are in fulfillment of a sacred obligation of the nation
to its defenders, and are not to be sacrificed on the altar of fiscal
austerity; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that The American Legion make known to all officers of
government that it stands for full funding for veterans programs; and,
be it finally
RESOLVED, that The American Legion urge the President of the United
States and the Congress to assign the highest budgetary priority to the
provisions of funds for the administration and delivery of veterans
benefits, and all activites appertaining thereto.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION: No. 141
COMMITTEE: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
SUBJECT: OPPOSE LEGISLATION WHICH WOULD AUTHORIZE JUDICIAL REVIEW OF
THE DECISIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
WHEREAS, The American Legion is committed to the interests and the
well-being of all veterans, their dependents and survivors who seek
benefits from the Veterans Administration; and
WHEREAS, from the time of its founding, The American Legion has provided
direct assistance to veterans, their dependents and survivors in filing,
developing and presenting claims for benefits from the VA without cost
to the veteran, and without regard to membership in The American Legion;
and
WHEREAS, the experience of The American Legion in more than sixty years
of claims work has demonstrated that the present system of claims that
is administered by VA works to the best advantage of the claimants in
that it does not involve cost to the veteran, is not an adversary
proceeding and permits the informal presentation of evidence that
operates to the advantage of the claimant; and
WHEREAS, there has been introduced in the Congress, legislation that
would permit claimants for benefits from VA to institute litigation in
the Federal courts, in furtherance of their claims; and
WHEREAS, such litigation is presently not permitted by reason of the
provisions of Section 211(a) of Title 38, United States Code, which
provisions modify existing law; and
WHEREAS, all claimants seeking benefits from VA have the right, as do
all citizens, to seek judicial relief in matters involving their
constitutional rights; and
WHEREAS, the principal reason advanced in support of judicial review of
veterans claims is to insure the claimant's access to due process; and
WHEREAS, on the basis of its long experience in claims work, The
American Legion is convinced that claimants presently receive more
consideration under due process within the VA system of adjudication of
(Res.141-continued)
claims than would be provided by judicial review, given the facts that
judicial review would place the claimant in an adversary relationship
with the government, and would require the claimant to adhere to the
rules of evidence in support of the claim, which is not presently the
case within the VA adjudication system; and
WHEREAS, under the doctrine of "res judicata" a court decision would
preclude a reopening of the claim on the veteran's part, as contrasted
by the VA's rules and practices which permit almost unlimited
reconsiderations; and
WHEREAS, the prospect of the claimant paying in any fashion to obtain
benefits due him from the Government of the United States as would have
to be done in the instance of litigation, is abhorrent to The American
Legion; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that The American Legion shall
continue to oppose the enactment of any measure that would amend 38 USC
211 (a), so as to authorize judicial review of the decisions of the
Administrator of Veterans Affairs except as presently authorized in 38
USC 755 and 784, and Chapter 37 of such title.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION: No. 181
COMMITTEE: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
SUBJECT: OPPOSE ANY ATTEMPT TO ELIMINATE OR DELAY RENOVATION OR
REPLACEMENT PROJECTS AT VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL
CENTERS
WHEREAS, the Administrator of Veterans Affairs has suspended the ongoing
construction program for Veterans Administration medical facilities
commencing with FY 1984, pending re-examination of each project as to
its perceived need and justification; and
WHEREAS, this action as reportedly taken by the Administrator as the
result of his feelings that the VA medical construction program is based
to a large degree on local politics; and
WHEREAS, the VA medical facility system is a multi-billion dollar
capital investment on the Federal Government; and
WHEREAS, many of the facilities are old, deteriorating, outdated or not
suited to the practice of modern medicine; and the system is in need of
constant renovation and replacement; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Medicine and Surgery maintains a five year
plan for renovation and replacement of VA medical care facilities; and
WHEREAS, said five year plan undergoes stringent Congressional oversight
before funds are appropriated for the purpose of construction; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion monitors the VA construction program as it
pertains to medical care facilities through site visits by Field
Representatives and input provided by Department Service Officers and
other American Legion officials; and
WHEREAS, further delay in planned construction projects will only lead
to increases in costs, reductions in the size of the projects, or both;
and
WHEREAS, The American Legion believes that in order to protect the
capital investment of the Federal Government, and to continue the
provision of modern high quality medical care to veterans, the
renovation and replacement of antiquated and outmoded facilities must
continue as planned; now, therefore, be it
(Res.181-continued)
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that The American Legion
continues to support the ongoing renovation and replacement program of
the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the Veterans Administration,
as an essential program to maintain the viability of the VA's medical
care program for sick and disabled veterans; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that The American Legion urges the Administrator of Veterans
Affairs to proceed without delay to authorize and seek funding for the
renovation, replacement, expansion when necessary, and improvement of
the medical facilities of the VA, as these have been verified through
the Department of Medicine and Surgery five year plan and the oversight
of Congress.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION: No. 284
COMMITTEE: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
SUBJECT: SUPPORT LEGISLATION SO AS TO MAKE THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
AN EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
WHEREAS, the Veterans Administration is an independent agency in the
Executive Branch of the Government, especially created for the
administration of laws relating to the benefits provided veterans, their
dependents, and survivors at the cost of $25 billion per year; and
WHEREAS, the Administrator of Veterans Affairs is the head of the
Veterans Administration and is appointed by the President, by and with
the advice of the Senate; and
WHEREAS, the Administrator under the direction of the President, is
responsible for the proper execution and administration of all laws
administered by the Veterans Administration and for control, direction,
and management of the Veterans Administration; and
WHEREAS, the Administrator serves as the advisor on veterans affairs to
the President of the United States; and
WHEREAS, there is a veteran population in civilian life of more than
thirty million; and
WHEREAS, veterans and their dependents and the survivors of deceased
veterans bring the potential beneficiary population up to about 45
percent of the population of the United States; and
WHEREAS, there is a need for consistency and common purpose between the
many benefits and rights established by the Congress of the United
States for veterans of service in the Armed Forces and for their
dependents and for the survivors of deceased former members; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion believes there should be a clear cut
channel by which the Administrator of Veterans Affairs can regularly
supply facts and counsel to the President and, in turn, receive the
President's guidance and support; now, therefore, be it
(Res. 284- continued)
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that The American Legion support
legislation to amend 38 USC so as to make to Veterans Administration an
Executive Department.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION: No. 394
COMMITTEE: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
SUBJECT: SPONSOR AND SUPPORT LEGISLATION TO RESTORE THE PAYMENT OF
BURIAL ALLOWANCE FOR VETERANS TO $400 PLUS THE $150 PLOT
ALLOWANCE
WHEREAS, the authorization for payment of burial allowance upon the
death of a nonservice-connected veteran originated with the enactment of
the "World War Veterans Act of 1924," Public Law 242, 68th Congress;
and
WHEREAS, the purpose of such allowance is to enable the survivors or
next of kin of the deceased veteran to arrange a funeral and burial
consistent with the dignity and esteem in which war veterans are held;
and
WHEREAS, -burial allowance has been payable regardless of the income or
social standing of the veteran at the time of death, consistent with The
American Legion's philosophy of equal benefits for equal service; and
WHEREAS, Congress has adopted and the President has signed legislation
to eliminate this benefit for most beneficiaries; and
WHEREAS, funeral expenses have increased considerably since the payment
of burial allowance was increased from $150 to $300 as authorized by
Congress; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion rejects the proposition that the burial
allowance provided to veterans through the Veterans Administration
duplicates the Social Security Burial Allowance, because the Social
Security burial allowance is an earned benefit to which the beneficiary
has contributed through Social Security taxes, whereas the veterans
burial allowance is a benefit provided in recognition of honorable
service performed in the Armed Forces of the United States; and
WHEREAS, many families of veterans are in poor financial circumstances,
having little or no means to provide a decent and respectable funeral
for the veterans to which they are justly entitled; now, therefore, be
it
(Res. 394- continued)
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that The American Legion sponsor
and support legislation to amend Title 38, United States Code, to
restore the payment of burial allowance for all veterans who have served
honorably in time of war or national emergency; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that The American Legion oppose any effort to associate with
or substitute the veterans burial allowance with the Social Security
burial allowance; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that The American Legion sponsor and support legislation to
increase the burial allowance for veterans to $400 plus the $150 plot
allowance.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION: No. 396
COMMITTEE: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
SUBJECT: URGE CONGRESS TO AUTHORIZE ADEQUATE BUDGET FUNDING FOR THE
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL RESEARCH PROGRAMS
WHEREAS, appropriations for Veterans Administration medical research
provides support for health service research projects at VA hospitals
and clinics for improving the effectiveness and economy of delivery of
health services and improving the accessibility of services to veterans;
and
WHEREAS, objectives of the medical research programs are directed toward
their important impact upon the Veterans Administration hospital patient
care and teaching programs; and
WHEREAS, the Veterans Administration medical research programs
contribute materially to the health care of veterans and the nation as a
whole by generating new knowledge; and
WHEREAS, the excellence of the Veterans Administration medical research
programs is attested to by the recognition of VA researchers on a
national and international scale; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion is concerned that the proposed budget for
medical research in the VA for the current fiscal year submitted by the
President would do great harm to the high quality of VA medical
research; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that The American Legion shall
urge the Congress to authorize adequate budget funding in the current
fiscal year and in the future years of the Veterans Administration
medical research programs.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION: No. 409
COMMITTEE: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
SUBJECT: THE AMERICAN LEGION POLICY ON RADIATION EXPOSURE CASES
WHEREAS, during the period 1945-1962, according to the Department of
Energy, there were approximately 200 atmospheric nuclear weapon tests in
the U.S. and the Pacific, which involved approximately 347,000 persons,
most being active duty service personnel; and
WHEREAS, it has come to public attention that a significant number of
veterans who were present at these tests have subsequently developed
leukemia and other similar diseases which might be linked to their
exposure to radiation in service; and
WHEREAS, several agencies, including the Department of Energy,
Department of Defense, and a civilian contractor funded by the Federal
Government, have access to information, records, and dosimetery files
pertaining to the nuclear weapon tests, including individual exposure
histories of participants; and
WHEREAS, heretofore it has been virtually impossible to properly develop
radiation related claims as a result of the reluctance of some agencies
to relinquish information to individual claimants and accredited
representatives, and the fact that VA regional office personnel have not
been adequately instructed in the preparation of these cases; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Veterans Benefits, VA Central Office, is
hesitant to demonstrate any degree of flexibility when considering the
evidence of record in radiation claims, which lends even more
significance to the importance of proper development; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion is actively involved in locating veterans
who participated in any atomic tests while on active duty, assisting
such veterans in the filing and development of appropriate claims for
benefits under laws administered by the Veterans Administration, and
advising them of possible eligibility for treatment at Veterans
Administration medical care facilities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that The American Legion urge the
Executive Branch, including the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary
(Res. 409- continued)
of Energy to ensure the cooperation of their respective agencies in
making available all existing records and information pertaining to
atmospheric nuclear weapon tests to the Veterans Administration; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, that The American Legion urge the Administrator of Veterans
Affairs to promulgate regulations and issue additional specific
guidelines and instructions to all regional offices necessary for the
proper development and adjudication of claims involving disabilities
resulting from exposure to radiation.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION: No. 410
COMMITTEE: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
SUBJECT: THE AMERICAN LEGION POLICY ON AGENT ORANGE
WHEREAS, the chemical herbicide commonly known as Agent Orange was
sprayed throughout Vietnam during the years 1962-1971, to defoliate
jungle and rice paddies; and
WHEREAS, the total long-range toxic effects of the defoliant, of which
in excess of 10.6 million gallons were reportedly expended by American
military forces, remain virtually unknown; and
WHEREAS, the chemical mixture of 2, 4-D, and 2,4,5-T, which contains a
certain amount of the chemical dioxin, has been subjected to partial
bans by the Environmental Protection Agency following reports of
spontaneous abortion and stillbirth in areas where heavily used in the
United States; and
WHEREAS, a significant number of service personnel serving in Vietnam
were exposed to these toxic chemicals and have subsequently developed
cancer, neurological disorders, liver dysfunction, severe depression,
and other life-threatening diseases; and
WHEREAS, these veterans are now seeking benefits from the VA, to which
they believe they are justly entitled, by reason of disease and
disability incurred through exposure to Agent Orange; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion is seriously concerned about the effect of
Agent Orange on those veterans who served in Vietnam during the time it
was used as a defoliant; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion is strongly supportive of the studies and
research being conducted by the Air Force, the Center for Disease
Control, the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, the Veterans
Administration, etc., on Agent Orange, and has urged the Administrator
of Veterans Affairs, the VA Advisory Committee on Health-Related Effects
of Herbicides, and the VA Central Office Ad Hoc Committee on the Toxic
Effects of Herbicides to proceed without delay using all resources
available, to ascertain with scientific validity the effects of Agent
Orange on veterans who were exposed to it during their active military
service;
and
(Res. 410- continued)
WHEREAS, Section 307 of the Veterans Health Programs Extension and
Improvement Act of 1979 (Public Law 96-151) mandated the Veterans
Administration to undertake a scientific study of the effect of dioxin
exposure on veterans; and
WHEREAS, the Veterans Administration negotiated a contract with the UCLA
School of Public Health on May 1, 1981, for the design of the protocol
of the Agent Orange study mandated by Public Law 96-151; and
WHEREAS, the protocol has been designed, has undergone peer review and
was revised as a result thereof, and preliminary steps are being taken
to proceed with a pilot study; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion feels strongly that the study itself should
be conducted by an independent scientific entity rather than by the
Veterans Administration as the results thereof would be more readily
acceptable by the Vietnam veterans who were exposed, their families, and
the scientific community; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion is aggressively assisting and counseling
veterans in the filing and development of claims for benefits provided
under title 38, United States Code, and referring those individuals
claiming exposure to the persons responsible for the Agent Orange
examination program at the nearest VA medical center or outpatient
clinic for an appropriate examination; and
WHEREAS, because of the fact that very few claims for service
connection have been granted, The American Legion has continually called
upon the Administrator of Veterans Affairs and the Department of
Veterans Benefits to take a more objective approach in the adjudiction
of claims for benefits for disease and disabilities resulting from
exposure to Agent Orange, until such time that conclusive scientific
evidence is available, and to resolve all reasonable doubt in favor of
veterans, their dependents and survivors, in claims for benefits based
on exposure to Agent Orange, but such urging has been to little or no
avail; and
WHEREAS, a significant number of Vietnam veterans have expressed
displeasure with the manner in which they were attended to during their
Agent Orange examination at a VA medical facility; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that The American Legion sponsor
and support legislation in the Congress of the United States to amend
section 307 of Public Law 96-151 by assigning the responsibility of
(Res. 410- continued)
conducting the epidemiological study of Vietnam veterans who were
exposed to any of the class of chemicals know as "the dioxins" produced
during the manufacture of the various phenoxy herbicides, including
Agent Orange, to an independent scientific agency; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that The American Legion support legislation to amend title
38, United States Code, to establish a mechanism for presumption of
service connection for certain disabilities traced to Agent Orange
exposure once such presumption is justified by conclusive scientific
evidence; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the American Legion closely monitor the development of
all ongoing research of the long-term health effects of Agent Orange
exposure and point out to the proper officials any perceived
deficiencies or discrepancies in these projects; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that The American Legion disseminate the most current
responsible information on Agent Orange to Legionnaires, Vietnam
veterans and their families, and the public through all resources
available to transmit such information; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that The American Legion continue to make careful observation
of the Veterans Adminstration's Agent Orange examination program to
determine whether or not Vietnam veterans reporting to VA medical care
facilities claiming exposure are being appropriately examine, and that
the examining physicians demonstrate both compassion and thoroughness in
the way they receive, examine and treat all Vietnam veterans who present
themselves alleing dioxin exposure.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION: No. 411
COMMITTEE: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
SUBJECT: OPPOSE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT OF MEDICNE AND
SURGERY CONTRACTING OUT OF SERVICES DEEMED ESSENTIAL FOR
DELIVERY OF INTEGRATED QUALITY MEDICAL CARE TO ELIGIBLE
VETERANS
WHEREAS, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-76, dated
March 29, 1979, as revised, established for Federal agencies "Policies
for acquiring commercial or industrial products and services needed by
the Government"; and
WHEREAS, the present Administration has instructed all Departments and
Agencies to proceed with implementation of Circular A-76; and
WHEREAS, it became clear the Circular A-76 would impact seriously on
the Veterans Administration Department of Mediciine and Surgery; and
WHEREAS, the Congress responded to the critical situation that was
developing in connection with the implementation of the OMB policy by
passing legislation that was enacted into law which prohibits use of
funds appropriated for VA medical care to carry out cost comparison
studies for Circular A-76; and
WHEREAS, the Office of Management and Budget is circumventing the
intent of Congress by continuing its efforts to impose contracting out
on the Department of Medicine and Surgery; and
WHEREAS, it is the judgement of The American Legion that the commercial
contracting out of services provided to veterans by VA Department of
Medicine and Surgery will adversely affect the quality and timeliness
of care delivered to sick and disabled veterans; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion has opposed and continues to oppose those
efforts of the Office of Management and Budget that tend to fractionate
the Veterans Administration as the sole Federal agency responsible for
the delivery of quality hospital and medical services to the nation's
veterans; now, therefore, be it
(Res. 411 -continued)
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that The American Legion shall
vigorously oppose Veterans Administration contracting out of those
services or activities deemed essential for retention in Veterans
Administration medical care facilities in order to insure the timely
delivery of quality health care to the nation's eligible veterans.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION: No. 489
COMMITTEE: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
SUBJECT: SPONSOR AND SUPPORT LEGISLATION TO AMEND TITLE 38, USC,
CHAPTER 15, TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE DISABILITY AND DEATH
PENSION PROGRAM FOR VETERANS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS
WHEREAS, Public Law 95-588, the Veterans and Survivors Pension
Improvement Act of 1978, effective January 1, 1979, did provide major
changes in the pension program for veterans of World War I, World War
II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and for their surviving spouses and
children; and
WHEREAS, these pension improvement provisions did establish a
guaranteed annual income level for veterans as well as for spouses and
children; and
WHEREAS, after extensive study, The American Legion concludes that
there are inequities in the improved program that require amendments;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that The American Legion support
legislation to accomplish the following amendments to Chapter 15, title
38, United States Code:
1. (a) Amend section 541(b) to provide as follows: "If no child
of the veteran is in custody of the surviving spouse, pension shall be
paid to the surviving spouse at the annual rate of $4,795 reduced by the
amount of the surviving spouse's annual income." (b) Amend section
541 (c) to provide as follows: "If there is a child of the veteran in
the custody of the surviving spouse, pension shall be paid to the
surviving spouse at the annual rate of $6,182 reduced by the amount of
the surviving spouse's annual income." (c) Amend section 541(d) (1) to
provide as follows: "If a surviving spouse who is entitled to pension
under subsection (b) of this section is in need of regular aid and
attendance, the annual rate of pension payable to such surviving spouse
shall be $7,672 reduced by the amount of the surviving spouse's annual
income." (d) Amend section 541(d) (2) to provide as follows: "If a
surviving spouse who is entitled to pension under subsection (c) of this
section is in need of regular aid and attendance, the annual rate of
pension payable to the surviving spouse shall be $9,159 reduced by the
amount of the surviving spouse's annual income." (e) Amend section
(Res.489 -continued)
541 (e) to provide as follows: "If the surviving spouse is permanently
housebound, but does not qualify for pension at the aid and attendance
rate provided by subsection (d) of this section, the annual rate of
pension payable to such surviving spouse under subsection (b) of this
section shall be $5,862 and the annual rate of pension payable to such
surviving spouse under subsection (c) of this section shall be $7,349
reduced by the amount of the surviving spouse's annual income."
2. Amend section 542 to provide as follows: (a) "Whenever there
is no surviving spouse entitled to pension under section 541, pension
shall be paid monthly to each child at the annual rate of $4,459 reduced
by the child's annual income."
3. Amend section 543 by deleting under subsection (b) the
following: "the income of any person with who such child is residing
who is legally responsible for such child's support, and the corpus of
the estate of such person."
4. Amend section 521 (f) (1) through (5) to provide as follows:
"if two veterans are married to one another and each meet the disability
and service requirements prescribed in subsections (a) and (j)
respectively, of this section, the rate of pension payable to each such
veteran shall be at the annual rate of $5,328 reduced by the amount of
each such veteran's annual income. If either such veteran is in need of
regular aid and attendance, the rate of pension payable to each such
veteran at a rate of $5,328 and $8,524 respectively, reduced by the
amount of such veteran's annual income. If either such veteran would be
entitled to pension at the rate provided by subsection (e) of this
section, the rate of pension payable to each such veteran shall be
$5,328 and $6,513 respectively, and if both such veterans would be
entitled to the rate provided by subsection (e) of this section, each
shall be paid at the annual rate of $6,513 reduced by the amount of each
such veteran's annual income. If one such veteran is in need of regular
aid and attendance, and the other would be entitled to the rate provided
for under subsection (e) of this, section, the annual rate provided by
paragraph (1) of this section, the annual rate provided by paragraph (1)
of this subsection shall be $8,165 and $6,513 respectively."
(5) Amend section 503 to exclude in the determination of annual
income, payments under policies of Servicemen's Group Life Insurance,
United States Government Life or National Service Life Insurance, and
payments of Servicemen's Indemnity.
(6) Amend section 3012 (b) (4) to read as follows: "(4) By reason
of change in income or corpus of estate shall be the last day of the
calendar year in which the change occurred;".
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 3
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: CIVIL DEFENSE PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the Soviet Union and its Communist Party have vowed that their
aim to overthrow us and force communism on us has not changed; and
WHEREAS, since 1962, the Soviet Union has multiplied the strength of
its military might to a greater extent than did Nazi Germany in
preparation for geographic expansion or war; and
WHEREAS, nuclear parity and disparity exists between the Soviet Union
and the United States: parity in nuclear weapons and active defenses,
and disparity in active air defenses and passive defense to include
civil defense; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. public recognizes that the MAD (Mutual Assured
Destruction) policy is as sick a policy as the holocaust during World
War II; and
WHEREAS, the Soviet Union unilaterally commenced a mutual assured
survival system (MASS) program that was easily reconstructed from their
need for and use of same during their heoric resistance to the Nazi
invasion during World War II; and
WHEREAS, the Soviet Union and Communist Party recognize people as the
most valued resource of their nation and give undivided attention to
the task of protecting the population under conditions of modern
warfare and recognize civil defense as a vital part of military
strategy; and
WHEREAS, outside the Soviet Union their officials "advise" Americans
and others that civil defense, which they develop assiduously at home,
is useless; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that we strongly urge the
President, Congress and the Department of Defense of the United States
to:
1) Recognize that civil defense in this nuclear age is as
important as the weapons of war and that failure of the United States
to have a credible civil defense program could lead to a miscalculation
by any potential adversary.
(Res. 3 - continued)
2) Give increased funds, support and assistance to the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
3) Take advantage of the current over-abundance of grain by
stocking/restocking shelters and warehouses with survival food and plan
to rotate those stocks when responding to requests for assistance to
natural disasters around the world.
4) Reinitiate public and private work programs that will provide
jobs while providing civilian protection to include underground and
in-mountain facilities.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 4
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: LATIN AMERICAN REGIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM FUNDING
WHEREAS, for over 40 years, The United States has sponsored a Latin
American Regional Training Program in Panama that primarily is embodied
in the U.S. Army School of the Americas, the Inter-American Air Forces
Academy, and the U.S. Navy's Small Craft Instruction and Training Team;
and
WHEREAS, these schools have provided training for some 60,000 students,
significantly improving their military skills and making it possible
for lifelong friendships among military and political leaders as well
as heads of Latin American nations to be acquired through this training
and in the United States-Latin American school environment; and
WHEREAS, the three Service schools in Panama now have an annual
allocation of approximately $4.5 million, which covers 55 Latin
American guest instructors, U.S. staff, facilities, and teaching
equipment materials; and
WHEREAS, this unique and lucrative program will require a substantial
increase in annual budget to respond to urgent regional training needs
and to preclude being weakened by cut-backs in staff and other
essential resources; and
WHEREAS, to counter increased threats to this Hemisphere, the Secretary
of State has proposed a 1983 budget of $5.5 million for these three
schools; and
WHEREAS, the Caribbean Basin and other Latin American nations are
singularly important to the immediate, as well as to the strategic,
interests of the United States; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that the U.S. Congress fund this
Latin American Regional Training Program at least at a $5.5 million
level to allow it to continue to bring significant dividends to our
country in the crucial decade of the 1980s and beyond.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 32
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: SPACE BASED BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM
WHEREAS, The American Legion has urged the Administration and the
Congress to conduct a comprehensive review of the defense program of
the United States and develop and implement a program with significant
real annual budget increases to assure the security of the nation and
the support of its foreign policy; and
WHEREAS, the President has announced a comprehensive plan for the
modernization of U.S. strategic weapons, making clear what the United
States will do to strengthen its strategic posture if fair and
equitable agreements for arms reduction cannot be reached; and
WHEREAS, the comprehensive plan includes a commitment to upgrade our
electronic command and control systems and to accelerate research and
development aimed at devising an effective anti-ballistic missile
defense system; and
WHEREAS, it has been reported that the Soviet Union may be prepared to
deploy laser beam type weapons in space in this decade and to have a
large, permanent, manned orbital space complex capable of attacking
land, sea and air targets operational in the next decade; and
WHEREAS, the United States currently has a technological lead over the
Soviet Union, especially in space as demonstrated by the Space Shuttle,
and should be making much greater use of the opportunities open to us
for peaceful scientific, industrial and commercial applications of
space as well as harnessing its military potential; and
WHEREAS, it may not be possible for the U.S. to continue to budget
unlimited amounts in an effort to match the enemy's capabilities in all
types of forces and weapons, and because there is a growing popular
demand for a reduction in strategic nuclear weapons; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that we urge the President and
Congress to adopt a new military strategy which would take advantage of
available and developing space technology, assure that the United
States maintains the lead in such technology and would provide for
developing a space-based ballistic missile defense system.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 34
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: MODERNIZE THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
WHEREAS, the United States Coast Guard is the oldest continuous sea
service in America, beginning as the Revenue Cutter Service under
Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, and participating in all
of America's military crises from the Revolution through Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, the United States Coast Guard is internationally recognized
and respected as a humanitrian, law enforcement agency, conducting
numerous search and rescue missions, saving thousands of lives and
millions of dollars of property at sea each year; and
WHEREAS, the United States Coast Guard provides a major deterrent to
the importation of illegal drugs into America by intercepting over a
billion dollars worth annually; and
WHEREAS, the United States Coast Guard, unlike the other members of the
armed forces community, is suffering rapid deterioration of its
vessels, aircraft and physical plants due to a series of grossly
inadequate budgets and continued increases in missions which have
produced severe strains on equipment and over-worked personnel; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by the American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that we call upon the President
and Congress to recognize the contributions of the United States Coast
Guard and to provide the full funding necessary to allow the Coast
Guard to refurbish its vessels, aircraft and physical plants, and
continue to provide the full range of its services to the United States
of America.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 64
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: CRIME
WHEREAS, both the rate of violent crime and recidivism in the United
States have increased significantly in the past decade; and
WHEREAS, violent crime has created a reign of terror imperiling the
security of the nation and her people; and
WHEREAS, this situation has created a crisis in the life of the
Republic; and
WHEREAS, it appears that the administration of justice, at both the
trial and appellate levels, has become imbalanced favoring the criminal
element; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that we urge both the Congress
of the United States and the legislative bodies of the respective
states to undertake a review of the judicial system and the schedule of
penalties imposed for violent crime for the purpose of establishing a
deterrent thereto.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 74
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: MODIFICATION OF THE FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY (EPA) RULES CONCERNING THE DREDGING OF AND
DISPOSAL OF HARBOR AND CHANNEL SPOILS
WHEREAS, Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules concerning
the dredging of and disposal of harbor and channel spoils have caused
the suspension and cancellation of dredging operations in a number of
navigable rivers, channels and harbors; and
WHEREAS, free access to port facilities across the United States is
imperative for a strong economy and a strong national defense; and
WHEREAS, there have been reported no conclusive studies linking human
illness or death to the presence of harmful materials in dredged
material; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that the Environmental
Protection Agency be urged to re-examine its rules and regulations and
take positive steps to work with the Army Corps of Engineers in a
cooperative effort to work within existing laws or to draft amendments
to present laws which will enable dredging projects to proceed as long
as the environment is not damaged.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 147
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: SUPPORT TOTAL FORCE POLICY
WHEREAS, the Reserve component accounts for more than 40% of the Army's
total military strength; the Army's National Guard provided one-third
of the total number of the Army's combat divisions while two-thirds of
the Army's combat service support capability is found in the Army
Reserve; and
WHEREAS, today's Reserve components are an integral and essential part
of the Total Force and must be capable of performing wartime missions
from the outset of hostilities; and
WHEREAS, the ultimate goal is to have sufficient personnel to man
Reserve and National Guard and sufficient equipment for these units at
authorized wartime levels; and
WHEREAS, the DOD Reserve Forces Policy Board has issued a report
entitled "The Reserve Forces in the 1990s" which concluded that
equipment needs in the Reserve and National Guard are serious and that
if the Reserve and National Guard are to continue as a viable part of
the Total Force, ready for early deployment in both the combat and
support roles, then the concept of unitary equipment buys including
sufficient spares, mirror image organization and identical equipage
must be expanded and accelerated; and
WHEREAS, the National Guard and Reserve strength during the 1980-1990s
is predicted to increase the force to authorized levels; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that we support the policy of
the Total Force and urge the U.S. Congress to authorize and fund the
National Guard and Reserve Forces to provide sufficient recruiting
incentives so as to man units at authorized wartime levels; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, that The American Legion believes the equipment available to
the Guard/Reserve component of the Total Force must be increased in
numbers, capability and compatibility with Active Force, if the
Guard/Reserve is to be expected to fulfill its assigned mission as a
full partner of the Total Force; therefore, we urge the Congress to
authorize and fund the Guard/Reserve so that they may fully accomplish
their mission in the event of war.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 148
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: SOVIET SPACE PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the Soviet military program dwarfs that of the United States
in a numerical sense in that the Soviet launch rate is about five times
that of the United States and the military payload weight placed in
orbit is about 10 times that of this country; and
WHEREAS, military R&D experiments are performed on board Soviet manned
spaced stations and the Soviets continue to develop and test an ASAT
anti-satellite co-orbital interceptor, and there is evidence that a new
improved ASAT is in development; and
WHEREAS, there is other evidence that the Soviets are developing a
large space booster which, according to Pentagon analysts, could have
six to seven times the launch weight capability of the U.S. space
shuttle. The projected new booster could be capable of putting very
large, permanently manned space station in orbit; and
WHEREAS, according to Pentagon experts, the Soviet goal is support of
both defensive and offensive space weapons with a man in the loop for
target selection, repair, adjustments and positive command and control;
and
WHEREAS, according to an article written by Lt. Gen. Daniel Graham and
published in The American Legion Magazine, there is sufficient
on-shelf technology to counteract the Soviet space efforts and lessen
the Soviet ICBM threat; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that we strongly recommend that
the United States proceed forthwith to counter-act the Soviet threat in
space against our defensive satellites as well as the ICBM nuclear
threat against our country.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 149
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: CHEMICAL WARFARE DEFENSE
WHEREAS, Soviet military doctrine envisages the use of chemical
weapons, and acknowledges their value, particularly when used in
massive quantities and in surprise attacks, they also possess a wide
variety of lethal and incapacitation chemical agents and the means to
deliver them. Also, they have invested heavily in individual and
collective protection and decontamination equipment, and they train
with actual chemical agents; and
WHEREAS, in contrast with the Soviet Union during most of the 1970s,
the U.S. allowed its retaliatory capability to decline and has done
little to improve defense against the use of chemicals in wartime; and
WHEREAS, the ultimate goal in the area of chemical warfare is complete
and verifiable ban on the development, production and stockpiling of
chemical weapons, until such a ban can be obtained, the U.S. objective
should be consistent with existing treaties and international law, to
deter the use of chemical weapons; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that we call upon the Congress
to authorize and appropriate the necessary funds to support the U.S.
Army's efforts, as the DOD executive agent in matters of chemical
warfare defense, to embark on a realistic research, development and
acquisition program to deter the Soviet Union's use of chemical
weapons; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that we believe this program, which has at its core the
production of binary munitions, will improve our chemical defensive
ability while providing an incentive for meaninful arms control
efforts.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 150
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: STRATEGIC MOBILITY IMPROVEMENTS
WHEREAS, the U.S. strategic mobility forces are currently unable to
meet NATO reinforcement objectives or to project credible United States
forces to areas where our national interests may be threatened; and
WHEREAS, the Army's prepositioned equipment and war reserve stocks are
inadequate for many contingencies; therefore, mobility forces, both air
and sea, must be increased to provide flexible power projection; and
WHEREAS, the planned conversion of eight Navy SL-7 container ships to
roll-on, roll-off (RO/RO) configuration is essential and a high
priority must be given to research and development programs for surface
effect ships, which will project forces rapidly and complement
air-lifted forces in the future; and
WHEREAS, prepositioning material configured to unit set (POMCUS)
remains a key part of the strategic mobility picture, critical
shortages still exist in this area; and
WHEREAS, the development of two intermediate staging sites in the
Persian Gulf region is essential to improve the infrastructure for the
Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force because no combat force can perform
its mission if it is not at the right place, at the right time, with
the right material; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that we strongly urge the
Congress to authorize and appropriate sufficient funds to provide the
U.S. Army strategic mobility improvements.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 205
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: CRIME
WHEREAS, The American Legion recognizes that the prevention of crime,
maintenance of order and the creation of a safe environment are the
foremost responsibilities of American law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion and local governmental bodies are
concerned about the "Guardian Angels" and other citizen crime
prevention groups proper credibility; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion maintains that successful crime efforts
are founded on citizen participation; and
WHEREAS, citizen participation in crime prevention programs must be in
support of existing, structured law enforcement efforts; and
WHEREAS, law enforcement supported and sponsored citizen participation
programs must carry with them the appropriate accountability for the
actions of all involved; and
WHEREAS, citizen participation programs with no fixed accountability
cannot be condoned or supported by law enforcement; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that we continue to support
citizen participation in crime prevention programs which operate under
the guidance and direction of the appropriate local law enforcement
agency with proper accountability for the actions of citizens and
police officers alike.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 234
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: ENACT LEGISLATION MAKING ANY DISCRIMINATION AGAINST
EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONS WHO ARE OR BECOME MEMBERS OF
NATIONAL GUARD OR RESERVE UNITS ILLEGAL
WHEREAS, citizen soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen
and women participate in military training for the purpose of
protecting the community and nation; and
WHEREAS, the safety of America's interests at home and abroad depend
upon a strong, willing and committed Guard and Reserve component; and
WHEREAS, most members of Guard and Reserve organizations are veterans;
and
WHEREAS, employers and supervisors in industry and government must
remain aware of the importance of the Guard and Reserve in maintaining
a strong national defense posture and overcoming local disasters; and
WHEREAS, some employers systematically refuse to employ persons who
indicate that they have Guard or Reserve obligations for active duty
for training; and
WHEREAS, such discrimination by a minority of employers causes some
Guardsmen and Reservists to withdraw from service when eligible, or to
avoid revealing to their employers their obligations for Guard or
Reserve service; and
WHEREAS, the interests of national defense will be best served by
ending all such discrimination by employers against those with
continuing Reserve and Guard obligations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that we go on record urging the
Congress of the United States to enact legislation making any
discrimination against persons who are or become a member of a Guard or
Reserve unit illegal.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 259
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: ARMED FORCES APPRECIATION DAY
WHEREAS, the third Saturday of May is observed as Armed Forces Day to
carry out a program designed to point up the role of the Armed Forces
of the nation; and
WHEREAS, there is a great need to carry out a program designed to show
the appreciation of the citizens of the nation to the members of the
Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, the current Armed Forces Day program tends to depict the role
of the Armed Forces and fails to show appreciation to those who serve
in the defense of the nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that we request the Congress of
the United States and the Department of Defense to take action to
change Armed Forces Day to Armed Forces Appreciation Day; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, that a program be developed and carried out which would
allow the citizens of the nation to show full appreciation to those who
serve in the defense of the nation.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 264
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: MILITARY RETIREES
WHEREAS, when a person joins the Armed Forces of the United States, it
involves a contract wherein he agrees to serve for a specified length
of time; and
WHEREAS, during the period of service, he gives up many of his civil
rights and places himself under military regulations; and
WHEREAS, the pay scales, on the average, are lower than those in
civilian live for occupations of similar difficulty; and
WHEREAS, the serviceman is subject to many hazards and dangers as
evidenced by preclusion from regular life insurance policies even
during peacetime service; and
WHEREAS, he also is subject to many dehumanizing experiences in time of
war which can change his personality structure to the positive or
negative side; and
WHEREAS, after completing 20 or more years of service, he is given a
pension according to the pay grade and time served; and
WHEREAS, after all this sacrifice he is now being asked to relinquish
his pension if after discharge he obtains Federal employment and begins
a second career of a civilian nature; and
WHEREAS, after all this sacrifice and expenditure of career time, the
military retiree with a Federal job is called a "double dipper" which
is a deliberate, distainful phrase intended to lower his esteem in the
public eye by portraying him as filled with greed; and
WHEREAS, the average retirement pay is close to $750 per month, with
some above and some below this amount; and
WHEREAS, there is a total disregard for all of the sacrifices the
military retiree has endured in his contractual employment with the
government; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26 1982, that we request the Appropriations
Committees in both the House and Senate to permit military retirees to
retain dual compensation if they hold a federal job after their discharge
from the Armed Forces.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 269
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: MODERNIZATION OF U.S. AIRFORCE
WHEREAS, every major conflict since World War I has demonstrated the
need for air superiority in order to conduct successful ground combat
against an armed hostile force; and
WHEREAS, the Soviet Union now possesses the requisite number of
aircraft to potentially deny air superiority to the United States in an
armed conflict involving those two nations; and
WHEREAS, Soviet use of air power has allowed them to challenge U.S.
influence in areas of the world most critical to the security of the
United States; and
WHEREAS, our national survival and the security of our allies depend on
the ability of the U.S. to maintain air superiority in order to foster
the strategic airlift capability, the close air support capability, and
the strategic combat capability of the U.S. Air Force; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that we urge the Administration
and the Congress to act immediately to provide the necessary funding to
modernize the U.S. Air Force in order to maintain the most up-to-date
equipment available for close air support capability, strategic
airlift and air superiority roles assigned as the Air Force mission.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 272
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: AERIAL REFUELING CAPABILITY/KC-135 TANKER AIRCRAFT
WHEREAS, various Air Force analyses show that additional aerial
refueling capability is needed for optimum bomber penetration routes to
support the Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP); and
WHEREAS, the requirement for tanker support will increase when the
B-52Gs begin to carry Air Launched Cruise Missiles (ALCMs) externally;
and
WHEREAS, this strategic planning problem is compounded by the
requirement to refuel airlift and tactical aircraft for contingency
operations; i.e., NATO, Mid-East; and
WHEREAS, present aerial refueling requirements for combined SIOP and
contingency missions exceed the current capabilities to such an extent
that during simultaneous operations these misssions would be seriously
degraded due to tanker deficiencies; and
WHEREAS, there are various operational and environmental problems with
the KC-135 as currently engined, including limited thrust and fuel
offload capabilities, excessive engine noise, chronic take-off thrust
problems and gaseous emissions; and
WHEREAS, recent evidence also shows water requirements would be a
problem for those KC-135s involved with operations in scarce water
areas, such as the Mid-East; and
WHEREAS, re-engining the KC-135 with the CFM-56 engine will increase
fuel offload capabilities at the all refueling ranges, improve engine
thrust, reduce basing constraints, and save 180,000 gallons of fuel per
aircraft per year; and
WHEREAS, the re-engined KC-135 is six times quieter and substantially
less polluting than the current KC-135A; and
WHEREAS, the Air Force objective is to provide an acceptable level of
refueling support to strategic bombers, tactical fighters and
long-range strategic transports across a range of possible scenarios,
and, in view of political realties and uncertainties, plans must be
made to provide this refueling support without enroute basing; and
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 272
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: AERIAL REFUELING CAPABILITY/KC-135 TANKER AIRCRAFT
WHEREAS, various Air Force analyses show that additional aerial
refueling capability is needed for optimum bomber penetration routes to
support the Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP); and
WHEREAS, the requirement for tanker support will increase when the
B-52Gs begin to carry Air Launched Cruise Missiles (ALCMs) externally;
and
WHEREAS, this strategic planning problem is compounded by the
requirement to refuel airlift and tactical aircraft for contingency
operations; i.e., NATO, Mid-East; and
WHEREAS, present aerial refueling requirements for combined SIOP and
contingency missions exceed the current capabilities to such an extent
that during simultaneous operations these misssions would be seriously
degraded due to tanker deficiencies; and
WHEREAS, there are various operational and environmental problems with
the KC-135 as currently engined, including limited thrust and fuel
offload capabilities, excessive engine noise, chronic take-off thrust
problems and gaseous emissions; and
WHEREAS, recent evidence also shows water requirements would be a
problem for those KC-135s involved with operations in scarce water
areas, such as the Mid-East; and
WHEREAS, re-engining the KC-135 with the CFM-56 engine will increase
fuel offload capabilities at the all refueling ranges, improve engine
thrust, reduce basing constraints, and save 180,000 gallons of fuel per
aircraft per year; and
WHEREAS, the re-engined KC-135 is six times quieter and substantially
less polluting than the current KC-135A; and
WHEREAS, the Air Force objective is to provide an acceptable level of
refueling support to strategic bombers, tactical fighters and
long-range strategic transports across a range of possible scenarios,
and, in view of political realties and uncertainties, plans must be
made to provide this refueling support without enroute basing; and
(Res. 272-continued)
our air refueling force must be able to respond to Administration
concerns for a global response capability and the ability to support a
protracted conflict; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by The American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that we urge the Administration
and Congress to support the Air Force program to re-engine its KC-135
tanker force with new, quieter, fuel efficient engines which will
provide the capability in the years ahead to meet the refueling
requirements of our strategic, tactical and airlift forces.
THE AMERICAN LEGION
64th NATIONAL CONVENTION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 24-26, 1982
RESOLUTION 274
COMMITTEE: National Security
SUBJECT: M-X MISSLE
WHEREAS, the land-based Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) is a
cornerstone of our national strategic deterrent; and
WHEREAS, under the provisions of the interim SALT agreement, Soviet
strategic forces are numerically superior to those of the United States
and the Soviets deploy three times the missile throw-weight
of comparable U.S. forces; and
WHEREAS, the Soviet Union has initiated new ICBM prograns representing
a massive effort in the form of new missiles, new bus-type dispensing
systems, new Multiple Independent Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV)
payloads, new guidance systems, new type silos, new launch techniques
and probably new warheads; and
WHEREAS, all available evidence suggests that targeting our ICBM
silos continues to be high priority for the Soviet ICBM force; and
WHEREAS, in first strike capability by the Soviet Union would destroy
the balance of strategic weapons between us; and
WHEREAS, a Secretary of Defense has stated that "reducing the
vulnerability of the land-based ICBM force is the highest priority
strategic initiative in the Department of Defense five-year program;"
and
WHEREAS, the Air Force has undertaken programs to improve the accuracy
yield and survivability of its Minuteman missiles including improved
guidance and propulsion, Mark 12A increase the warhead yield and
hardening of the silos; and
WHEREAS, in the long run, the M-X missile provides the most promising
ICBM initiative for preserving essential equivalence; and
WHEREAS, survivability is a dominant concern in the update of our
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile program; now, therefore, be it
(Res. 274-continued)
RESOLVED, by the American Legion in National Convention assembled in
Chicago, Illinois, August 24-26, 1982, that the Administration and the
Department of Defense arrive at an early date on basing mode offering
the greatest possibility of survival; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Administration and the Congress be urged to provide
full support to Defense Department efforts to develop and deploy the
M-X missile as epeditiously as possible to insure that the U.S. does
not allow the Soviet Union to achieve a position of strategic
superiority inimicable to our national security interests.