American Legion Auxiliary - Department of New York
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National_Security

2008-2009

National Security
 

Now, more than ever, all members of this great organization can do something for our troops, the community, and your own families.

Under National Security, many different programs include support of our troops and their families. Participation in crime prevention programs, the knowledge of and participation in civil preparedness to name a few.  Let us all get involved in some way under this committee let us show Department President Sue, that The Department of New York can have 100% participation.

Below are just some of the many programs along with information on each one.  Visit these websites for more information.  Spread the information to your families, friends, your senior centers, boy and girl scouts, etc.  Many of these organizations are willing to help, they just need to be asked.  Have fun and remember to Report, Report, and Report.

Programs and Activities

 
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Coupon Clipping: This is a great way to get members involved in the unit especially with rising costs.  Ask members to cut coupons for our military families to be sent to both commissaries overseas and stateside.  Units and individuals can also purchase gift certificates from military commissaries for active military families.  For more information on this go to www.commissaries.com or call 1-800-877-4458.
 

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Operation Toasty Toes: Most of our members know about Operation Toasty Toes.  For our new members, it was founded by Irene Silliman of Madison, Ohio in 1977 as a gift for her grandson stationed in the Persian Gulf.  With the help of her friends, Mrs. Silliman sent 1000 pairs of slippers to her grandson’s entire unit.  Since then, Operation Toasty Toes has expanded to 17 chapters nationwide.  Some chapters make more than the slippers.  Click here for the pattern  along with the address of where to send them.  With the upcoming winter, this is a great project to pass along to everyone.  Make sure to count them and report your numbers.
 

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Neck Coolers: Another great project our members can make are neck coolers for our military personnel suffering from the extreme heat of the desert.  Why not get the Juniors and SAL involved in this rewarding project.  Ask your local senior center if they would like to help. Click here for Instructions. Neck Coolers are © and we are using the pattern with permission.
 

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Care Packages: Making up and sending care packages to our troops abroad is always welcomed.  Please make sure you send only approved items.  Check with the Post Office for approved items, mail requirements, and restrictions.  Packages must be sent to a specific person.
 

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Landstuhl Hospital Care Project: The Landstuhl Hospital Care Project is a non-profit organization that provides comfort and relief items for military members who become sick, injured, or wounded from service in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.  Donated items are distributed to military patients at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, the largest American military hospital outside the U.S., and to field hospitals in Afghanistan and Iraq.  The Website is www.landstuhlhospitalcareproject.org.
 

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Soldiers’ Angels:  is a (501)©(3) non-profit all volunteer organization founded in 2003 by Patti Patton-Bader, mother of a deployed soldier.  The Soldiers’ Angels mission is to provide aide and comfort to any of the armed forces and their families. This year they have a “Wrapped in Holiday Spirit” campaign to provide packages to more than 180,000 armed forces deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Visit their Website www.soldiersangels.org  for more information on this program.

American Legion and Unit Support

Units and individuals can help support their Legion family by participating in and organizing activities that are recognized under the American Legion. 

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Blood Donor Programs: are always welcomed by the American Red Cross.  Donations are always needed, particularly during wartime.  Now, approximately 10% of eligible people donate blood, leaving 90% who do not.  Speak with your Post and host a one-day blood drive.  Contact your local American Red Cross.  The best gift to give is the Gift of Life.
 

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ROTC & Junior ROTC: (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) is one of the best leadership courses offered in college and some high schools.  During classes and field training, students learn first hand what it takes to lead others, motivate groups and how to conduct missions.  If there is a local ROTC or Jr. ROTC in your area, get involved.  Present them with bonds, awards, medals, or certificates.  Invite them to march in a local parade.
 

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U.S. Savings Bonds:  Continue purchasing U.S. Savings Bonds as an investment in our country.  Bonds purchased by the Unit and given as awards and in presentations can be reported.  Personal purchases do not qualify for reporting.  U.S. Savings Bonds can be incorporated in many other programs in the American Legion Auxiliary.

Family and Military Support

During these times of deployment of our military, we can all do something to help.  Our troops need our support as well and their families.  I am sure every members in the American Legion Family knows someone serving our country, whether a family member or a friend.  Let us all show our support by doing our part.  Host an event at your Post. Below is a sample of ways we can get involved

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Month of the Military Child:  April is the month of the military child.  Do something special for them.  Remember them year round and especially during the holidays.
 

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National Military Appreciation Month:  This is the month of May.  Plan something special. For more information on this, visit the Website.   Website www.nmam.org
 

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America Supports you: is a Department of Defense program that provides opportunities for citizens to show their support for the U.S. Armed Forces.  The program was started in 2004 in an effort to highlight citizen support for our military and to communicate that support to the members both stateside and abroad.  For more information, visit their Website at www.americasupportsyou.mil
 

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Welcome Home Activities:  Find out when servicemen and women are arriving home.  Welcome them back at the airport with a welcome home banner and an American flag.  Say thank you, and salute them.  They deserve it.  Host a dinner at your local Post and present them with certificates of appreciation, honor them and their families.  Recognize these servicemen and women at your next parade.  There are many other ideas.  Be creative and most of all respect them.
 

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Blue Star Banner: Identify families with active military personnel in your community and provide them with a banner.  Some families have more than one family member serving.  You can present the banners at a meeting or special event.  Banners are available thru Emblem Sales
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Blue Star Mothers: was founded in 1942.  Their original goals were to bring sons home, ensure they received the benefits they deserved, help service members’ families, and help each other and to support one another.  They now include hospital work, rehabilitation and children’s welfare and civil defense.  For more information, visit their Website at www.bluestarmothers.org
 

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POW/MIA:  POW/MIA Remembrance day is September 18, 2009.  Continue to contact your local congressional representative regarding a full accounting of all Americans who are missing in action.  Conduct POW/MIA ceremonies at functions, meetings, etc. of the American Legion Family.  Host a candle light ceremony and invite the community to participate in the MIA/POW ceremony. The National League of Families Website is www.powmialeague.org

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"The Dispatch", an American Legion publication is one of the best sources of current information.  The cost of a subscription is $15/per year and may be obtained from: The American Legion DISPATCH, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206
 

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Let's Say Thanks: This website gives you an opportunity to send a free printed postcard to U.S. Military Personnel stationed overseas showing your support and appreciation for their service to our country.  www.letssaythanks.com
 

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Sesame Street Workshop: Talk, listen, connect is a series of two DVD’s designed specifically for children of military service members.  These DVD’s, are available through Military One Source, and are great tools for parents and children alike.  Units can purchase these and present them to active deployed families in your area. 
 

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Military One Source: Is funded by the Department of Defense, Military One Source is the online resource for active and recently retired members of the military.  This site also provides wonderful resources for those serving these families. Website www.militaryonesource.com
 

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Operation Military Kids: This is the Army’s collaborative effort with America’s communities to support the children and youth impacted by deployment.  This initiative, of which the American Legion Family is directly involved, was launched in April 2005.  Website www.operationmilitarykids,org/public/home.aspx
 

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U.S.O.: Since WWII, the USO has been a proud supporter of our military personnel at home and abroad.  This nonprofit organizations main mission is to support our troops by boosting morale and providing recreation-type services to the troops.  There are over 130 centers worldwide.  Donations are always welcome and needed.  Website www.uso.org
 

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Cell Phones For Soldiers: Was founded in 2004 by two teenagers from Norwell, MA. After reading a story about a soldier who ran up a huge phone bill calling home from Iraq, these two teenagers decided to help out.  They started by opening an account with $21.00 of their own money.  Since then, Cell Pones For Soldiers is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Their efforts have motivated people and businesses around the country to donate to this worthy cause.  Their goal is to provide every U.S. Soldier with a way to call home for free.  There are many drop off sites across the state.  They also have a pre-paid mailing label that can be printed off their website. This is a great project for teens and Legion Families to participate in.  It is a place to get rid of old cell phones and help our military at the same time.   Website, www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com

Civil Preparedness

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Citizen Corps: The American Legion Family is an affiliated partner of Citizen Corps.  Citizen Corps is coordinated nationally by the Department of Homeland Security and works closely with the Corporation for National and Community service to promote volunteer service activities that support homeland security and community safety.  Some programs under Citizen Corps are the following:
 

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CERT: The Community Emergency Response Team is a program administered by FEMA’s Community Preparedness Division.  CERT is a training program that prepares people to help themselves, their families and their neighbors in the event of a disaster in their community.  Through CERT, citizens can learn about disaster preparedness and receive training in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations.  With this training, volunteers can provide critical support by giving immediate assistance to victims before emergency first responders arrive on the scene.  CERT volunteers also support the community year-round by participating in community preparedness outreach activities, and distributing materials on disaster preparedness and education. www.citizencorps.gov/cert/index.shtm 
 

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The responsibility of community preparedness rests with each citizen and proper training is key to a safe and informed society.  Establish a combined effort with your American Legion Post and or community leaders to host a CERT program either in a Post home or community center.  Designate National Preparedness Month in September, your goal for CERT training to begin.  Media attention is crucial to success.  Community mapping is an excellent way to engage many levels of local government and citizens so no one is ever left behind in the event of a disaster as some areas may require special response efforts.  Teen CERT Programs involve our young adults in keeping communities safe.  Give them the opportunity to be a part of the community. 
 

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Fire Corps:  promotes the use of citizen advocates (volunteers) to support and augment the capacity of resource-constrained fire and emergency service departments at all levels; volunteer, combination, and career.   National Fire prevention month is October.  Plan a safety workshop at your home post and invite the community. www.firecorps.org
 

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Medical Reserve Corps: The Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps Program reports directly to the Surgeon General of the U.S. in the Department of Health and Human Services. This corps strives to improve the health and safety of communities across the country by organizing and utilizing public health, medical and other volunteers who want to donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies.  Volunteer MRC units accomplish this mission by supplementing existing emergency and public health resources during local emergencies and other times of community need.  www.medicalreservecorps.gov
 

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USA on Watch:  USA on Watch is the face of the National Neighborhood Watch Program.  Time tested practices such as “eyes and ears” training and target-hardening techniques continue to be at the core of the program.  As groups continue to grow, the roles of citizens have become more multifaceted and tailored to local needs.  USA on Watch empowers citizens to become active in homeland security efforts through community participation.  USA on Watch provides information, training, technical support and resources to local law enforcement agencies and citizens.  www.usaonwatch.org
 

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Volunteers in Police Service: (VIPS) The Volunteers in Police Service Program serves as a gateway to information for law enforcement agencies, and citizens interested in law enforcement volunteer programs.  The programs ultimate goal is to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement agencies by incorporating the time and skills that volunteers can contribute.  www.policevolunteers.org
 

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Ready Program Are You Ready: An In-depth guide to Citizen Preparedness (IS-22) is FEMA’s most comprehensive source on individual, family, and community preparedness.  The guide has been revised, updated, and enhanced in 2004 to provide the public with the most current disaster preparedness information available.  There is also a Ready Program for Kids, Business, and America.  Visit www.fema.gov/areyouready/
 

DEPARTMENT AWARDS

 COUNTY AWARD:

JANE CUNION PLAQUE:  To the COUNTY National Security Chairman doing the most outstanding work on the program.  Entry to include a narrative of the past year's work, not to exceed 500 words, completed National Security Report Form and related newspaper publicity and photos.  Cover sheet to include Name and Address of Chairman and Name of County.

 UNIT AWARDS:

IRENE TANNER PLAQUE: To the UNIT National Security Chairman submitting the most outstanding report of overall National Security Activities.  Report must be typewritten, not to exceed 1,000 words, double-spaced and contain a cover sheet with the Unit Name and Number, Unit Membership, and Name and Address of Chairman. News articles and photos may be included.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: To the UNIT National Security Chairman conducting the most Outstanding Special Project relating to any program and/or activity encompassed within the National Security Committee. Report to be typewritten, not to exceed 1,000 words, double-spaced.  News clippings, photos, and publicity may be included. Cover sheet to include Name and Address of Chairman, Name and Number of Unit and Name of County.

 Deadline Dates:
All award entries must be received by the Department National Security Chairman on or before May 10, 2009

NATIONAL AWARDS

MILITARY SUPPORT UNIT AWARD:

A citations plaque presented to a Unit in each division that reports the Most Outstanding Overall Program supporting military families with special emphasis on enhancing quality of life and helping them through times of family member deployment and/or injury (severely wounded). Entry must be typewritten in narrative form, not to exceed 1,000 words. May include pictures (no more than 5) and news articles. Entries must be received by Department Chairman no later than May 10, 2009.

ALA ROTC/JROTC UNIT PROGRAM CERTIFICATES:
Certificates presented to Unit chairman reporting the Most Outstanding Promotion of the ROTC/JROTC Program through the ALA in the department. A report form will be established shortly.  Entries must be received by Department Chairman no later than May 10, 2009.
 

Department President's Award

 

To the Unit that offers the best National Security program that demonstrates support of a military family in need. This family must have at least one (1) parent who is actively deployed at the time of the assistance. Support can be in any form, however, this award will go to the Unit that goes above and beyond monetary support.

Entries should be submitted in typewritten form not to exceed 1,000 words. Cover sheet must include Unit Name and phone number. Pictures, newspaper clippings, etc. can be included.

 

 

REPORTING PROCEDURE:

Forms are in (PDF Format Download Adobe Acrobat Reader free) and can be filled out using your computer keyboard. However, you cannot save data typed into any  forms unless you have the Full Version of  Adobe Acrobat software! Please print at least 2 copies of your completed form, mail one to the chairman, and save one for your  records. If you try to e-mail it without the Full Version of  Adobe Acrobat software, the chairman will receive a BLANK PAGE...Include hours spent, number of volunteers, the number of Units and the value of anything you do.  Mileage should be reported at $.35 per mile and included in the dollar values for activities.

Unit Chairmen: Please use the Unit Report Form and send it to your County Chairmen by November 1, 2009, March 1, 2010 and May 1, 2010.

County Chairmen: Please use the County Report Form and send it to the Dept. Chairman by November 10, 2010, March 10, 2011 and May 10, 2011.


National Security Chairman
American Legion Auxiliary
Department of NY

E-mail:

Note: For Chairman's physical address,  contact Chairman or  Department Office 

 

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Use your Talent for
our Troops

Operation Toasty Toes
Click here for the pattern 

Neck Coolers:
Click here for Instructions

REPORTING
One of the most important responsibilities of
Unit Committee Chairmen

is to report the activities and work
on their programs.
This comprises all of the work done by the more than 50,000 members in our Department.
The
Unit Chairmen report to the County Chairmen, who in turn
report to the Department Chairmen
.

The Department's report to National is the factor that makes the
outstanding reports at the National Convention.
 
Chairmen are encouraged to enter all contests.

     

Department Office
Telephone:
 1-800-421-6348 (518) 463-1162   FAX: 518-449-5406
112 State Street, Suite 1310, Albany, NY 12207
Secretary/Treasurer Juanita Lochner

 

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