County Election Results Ratified

The annual caucus of the Montgomery County Council took place this evening, Monday, June 22, 2009, at Wheaton Post 268, Wheaton, Maryland, with Out-going Commander Bob Ouellette, presiding. The following officers were elected for the coming Legion Year, 2009 – 2010.

The results of the MCC Caucus were ratified by the Southern Maryland District Caucus on Sunday June 28th, in Mayo, MD.

2009-2010 Officers of The Montgomery County Council

Commander: William L. (Will) Trotter (171)
1st Vice Commander: Peter B. (Pete) Esker (41)
2nd Vice Commander: Colleen Mulroney (86)
Finance Officer/Treasurer: Victor M. (Mike) Riston (105)
Chaplain: Levelle C. Ferrell (86)
Sgt-at-Arms: Eric Myrland (105)
Judge Advocate: Victor M. (Mike) Riston (105)
Historian: Michael Higgs (86)
Adjutant: Frank M. Carpenter (171) (appointed)

Department Executive Committee

1. James E. Mattingly (268)
2. Michael Williams (268)
3. Robert J. Ouellette (295)
4. Peter B. Esker (41)
5. Robert E. Ray (171)
6. Levelle C. Ferrell (86)

Delegates To The National Convention

1. John F. Frankenburg (41)
2. Mike Riston (105)
3. Eric Myrland (105)

Alternates to The National Convention

1. Robert J. Ouellette (295)
2. Levelle C. Ferrell (86)
3. William L. Trotter (171)

Continuing VA endoscope contamination problem unacceptable, says The American Legion

WASHINGTON (June 17, 2009) – The national commander of the nation’s largest veterans service organization is expressing outrage at continuing instances of VA medical personnel exposing their patients to infectious diseases.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General (IG) released a report Tuesday detailing a pattern of failure to adhere to cleaning and sterilization procedures involving endoscopic equipment, despite an earlier campaign to rectify the problem. The report, entitled “Healthcare Inspection – Use and Reprocessing of Flexible Fiber optic Endoscopes at VA Medical Facilities” was aired during a House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation hearing. It documented the results of recent, unannounced inspections at 42 Veterans Health Administration facilities nationwide.

“The report is very disturbing,” said David K. Rehbein, national commander of The American Legion. “It demonstrates a pattern of failure among medical personnel within veterans health facilities to acquire simple knowledge and follow uncomplicated procedures, thus possibly exposing vulnerable veterans to serious health risks.

House Subcommittee members have directed the IG to conduct re-inspections of VA health facilities in 90 days. “But these three months should not be construed as a period of time to work on these deficiencies,” said Rehbein. “Veterans are being treated at these facilities every single hour of every single day. No matter what the reasons for this laxness in patient safety may be -- inadequate training, poor supervision or lack of accountability -- the problems must be rectified immediately – not tomorrow, but today!

“Traditionally,” he continued, “the VA’s healthcare system has been lauded as the best in the world, and I believe it still is. It is imperative that this issue not be allowed to compromise that standard,” said the commander.

The latest IG report is the result of a nationwide review requested by U.S. Representative Steve Buyer (R-IN) after he learned in March that more than three thousand veterans at the VA Medical Center in Miami, Fla. had been potentially exposed to HIV as well as Hepatitis B and C during endoscopic procedures.

Even before the Miami revelation, inspections had revealed faulty reprocessing of endoscopic equipment at VA medical centers in Murfreesboro , Tenn. and Augusta, Ga. Among the Fla. , Tenn. and Ga. Facilities, it is reported, approximately 10-thousand patients were exposed to the inadequately prepared medical implements. In February of this year, the VA instituted an education program to implement what they called “stronger procedures and better accountability at VA health care facilities.”

“Apparently, the so-called stronger procedures and better accountability were not strong and better enough,” Rehbein said.

With 2.6 million members, The American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans service organization. The Legion traditionally works hand-in-hand with members of Congress, leadership of the Department of Veterans Affairs and other key stakeholders to assure appropriate funding and policy making on measures and issues affecting the military’s active duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel, veterans, and their families.

DCoE Outreach Center

Do you have questions about traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other psychological health issues involving yourself or a loved one?

Then you NEED to visit the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Injury (DCoE) Outreach Center.

The Outreach Center answers questions about psychological health and traumatic brain injury, 24 hours / 7 Days a week / 365 Days a year, from members of all the military services (including the National Guard and Reserve), veterans, families, healthcare providers, military leaders, and employers.

Call in your questions to the Outreach Center at 866-966-1020 toll-free or send an e-mail inquiry to resources@dcoeoutreach.org. There are more resources available at www.realwarriors.net

The Outreach Center provides valuable tools, tips, and resources. It is staffed by health consultants and nurses with advanced degrees and expertise in psychological health and traumatic brain injury issues.

In addition to answering questions, thier consultants refer callers to centers in other parts of the Department of Defense, other federal agencies and outside organizations when appropriate.
DCoE, which is part of the Department of Defense Military Health System, promotes resilience, recovery and reintegration of service members facing psychological health and traumatic brain injury issues. DCoE also works to advance research, education, diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

You’ll never find answers if you don’t ask questions. Remember, seeking support is an act of courage and strength. You are not alone.

New GI Bill

Apply Early For Your Benefits. The National Commander of the American Legion wrote the original GI BIll and the American Legion has been pushing the revision.WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that VA has received more than 25,000 claims for education benefits during the first two weeks that Veterans and servicemembers could apply online for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. “We are very pleased with the tremendous interest in the Post-9/11 GI Bill,” Patrick W. Dunne, VA’s under secretary for benefits, said. “The number of applications submitted in the first two weeks clearly shows the value and importance of this new benefit for Veterans.” The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. It provides eligible individuals with tuition payments to assist them in getting a college education. Many participants will also receive a housing allowance while they’re studying and a stipend for books and supplies. Under the new GI Bill, certain members of the armed forces may transfer benefits to a spouse or dependent children. With the large numbers of Veterans and servicemembers expected to apply for the new program, VA projects a 20 percent to 25 percent increase in the total number of participants in VA’s education programs. Qualified people will receive a “Certificate of Eligibility” and information about their benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Applicants may expect to receive their certificate within 24 days of submission. Under federal law VA cannot pay benefits until Aug. 1, 2009. The new education benefit is for Veterans, servicemembers, reservists, and National Guard members who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001. Veterans can also apply online through the GI Bill Web site at www.GIBILL.VA.gov. Additionally, paper applications are accepted at VA regional processing offices located in Muskogee, Okla.; Atlanta; St. Louis; and Buffalo, N.Y. Veterans who apply online and provide a specific e-mail address will receive an e-mail acknowledging receipt of their claims. The number of education benefits’ applications submitted in the first two weeks is more than three times the rate of benefit applications usually received through the Veterans Online Application system (VONAPP). VONAPP is used for all education benefit programs, as well as for submission of applications for VA disability compensation and pension benefits. As a result of this unprecedented volume, some applicants experienced slow response times or error messages on Friday, May 1. VA immediately increased system capacity, and by Saturday morning, May 2, system performance was fully restored. “Because of the large number of applications expected to be received, we encourage Veterans interested in attending school this fall to apply early online,” Dunne added.Additional information about the new program and VA’s other educational benefit programs can be obtained by visiting VA’s Web site or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (or 1-888-442-4551).

Sergeant James R. McIlvaine, Olney, MD KIA 4/30/09

Sergeant James R. McIlvaine, was killed in Iraq April 30, 2009 serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. James was born September 24, 1982 in Olney, MD to Joanne E. Ryan and the late Michael S. McIlvaine.

Sgt McIlvaine is survived by his wife Sheryl M. McIlvaine of Twentynine Palms, CA two children Michael T. McIlvaine and Alexa N. McIlvaine both of Twentynine Palms, CA, mother and step-father Joanne E. and Mike S. Ryan of Purcellville, VA, four sisters Shannon, Ally, and Katie all of Purcellville, VA, and Airen of Frederick, MD and grandparents William and Katherine Muncy of Ocean Pines, MD and Patricia DeSimone of Olney, MD.

He began school at Olney elementary and graduated from Massanutten Military Academy. He graduated as a member of the National Honor Society and was awarded a commission to Virginia Military Institute.

After High School, he joined the Marine Corps February 28, 2001 and attended boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina May 10, 2001. He married Sheryl M. Schneider August 5, 2001. While serving in the Marine Corps Sheryl and James had their two children Michael and Alexa.

James McIlvaine was a proud and honorable husband, father, son and Marine who will be honored at Hall Funeral Home, Purcellville, VA on Wednesday, May 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. with a memorial service at 8 p.m. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery May 12, 2009 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers and gifts the family requests donations to be mailed to Middleburg Bank P.O. box 2250 Purcellville, VA 20134. Make checks payable to Sergeant James R. McIlvaine Memorial Fund. Please visit the Hall Funeral Home Web Site at http://www.hallfh.com/ to express online condolences to the family.

Joyous May Day Comrades ;)

In a few more weeks this Legion year will be over. However, a couple of Posts still have not met thier goal for 2009. And thank you for a 100% County! SMD needs only 198 for 3 Star and is currently in 1st Place.

As we settle out our membership efforts, keep in mind membership will drive how many DEC Members MCC will get next year as well as where they will go. So please check your Membership Chairman's inbox and get those memberships turned in.

The Posts listed below need a total of 81 members to reach goal:

• Post 104 needs 9 members for 3 Star
• Post 105 needs 7 members for 3 Star and has credit for up to 12
• Post 171 needs 8 members for 3 Star
• Post 268 needs 57 members for 3 Star

Thanks to the 38 guests at the Golden Bull! I appologize if I was a bit wound up. There were way more in attendance at the regular County Meetings. So now that we know they can get out to a meeting, we should see everyone who was there more often.

See you at the SMD Reception for the Department Commander tomorrow at the SMD Youth Camp.

If you are sick stay home!

Respectfully, For the Veteran!

Bob Ouellette
Commander, Montgomery County Council

The American Legion Commander Responds to DHS Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The American Legion Commander Responds to DHS Secretary

INDIANAPOLIS (April 16, 2009) -- American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein issued the following statement today:

“I am glad that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has apologized for the language used in the report about ‘Rightwing Extremism.’ I look forward to meeting with her next week, putting this behind us and discussing critical issues involving Homeland Security and The American Legion.”

- 30 –

Homeland security chief apologizes to veterans groups

Picture (Device Independent Bitmap)WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano apologized Thursday after veterans groups were offended by a department report about right-wing extremism.

The report said extremist groups may try to attract veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also said extremists also may use the recession and the election of the nation's first African-American president to recruit members.

The American Legion was among those who objected to the report's mention of veterans.

"I think it is important for all of us to remember that Americans are not the enemy. The terrorists are," the American Legion <http://topics.cnn.com/topics/The_American_Legion> 's national commander, David K. Rehbein, said in a letter to Napolitano.

Napolitano apologized on CNN on Thursday morning.

"I know that some veterans groups were offended by the fact that veterans were mentioned in this assessment, so I apologize for that offense. It was certainly not intended," she told CNN's "American Morning."

She said the report was an assessment -- not an accusation -- and said she would meet with leaders of veterans groups next week.

She noted that the Veterans of Foreign Wars, which bills itself as the nation's largest combat veterans group, defended the report.

Glen M. Gardner Jr., the national commander of the 2.2 million-member VFW, said the assessment "should have been worded differently" but served a vital purpose.

"A government that does not assess internal and external security threats would be negligent of a critical public responsibility," he said in a statement.

The report mentioned numerous factors that could strengthen right-wing extremists, including anger over illegal immigration and the poor economy.

Yet it was the section on veterans that caused controversy among conservative politicians and some veterans. It said "the return of military veterans facing significant challenges reintegrating into their communities could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone-wolf extremists capable of carrying out violent attacks." It cited Timothy McVeigh, who returned from military service and went on to bomb the federal building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1995.

"Timothy McVeigh was only one of more than 42 million veterans who have worn this nation's uniform during wartime," wrote Rehbein, the American Legion commander. "To continue to use McVeigh as an example of the stereotypical 'disgruntled military veteran' is as unfair as using Osama bin Laden as the sole example of Islam."

The report, which was prepared in coordination with the FBI, was published last week. It was distributed to federal, state and local law enforcement officials. Mainstream media outlets picked up the story after it was reported by conservative bloggers.

Though the nine-page report said it had "no specific information that domestic right-wing terrorists are currently planning acts of violence," it said real-estate foreclosures, unemployment and tight credit "could create a fertile recruiting environment for right-wing extremists and even result in confrontations between such groups and government authorities similar to those in the past."

The report compared the current climate with that of the 1990s, saying a recession, criticism over outsourcing of jobs, and a perceived threat to U.S. power at that time fueled a "resurgence" of right-wing extremism <http://topics.cnn.com/topics/Hate_and_Extremist_Groups> .

However, it said, "Despite similarities to the climate of the 1990s, the threat posed by lone wolves and small terrorist cells is more pronounced than in past years."

It warned that the groups may use proposed restrictions on firearms and the debate on immigration as recruiting tools, and said the groups may try to reach out to veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh decried the report on Tuesday, saying, "There is not one instance they can cite as evidence where any of these right-wing groups have done anything," according to a transcript of his remarks on his Web site.

"You have a report from Janet Napolitano and Barack Obama, Department of Homeland Security <http://topics.cnn.com/topics/U_S_Department_of_Homeland_Security> , portraying standard, ordinary, everyday conservatives as posing a bigger threat to this country than al Qaeda terrorists or genuine enemies of this country like Kim Jong Il," he said, referring to the leader of North Korea.

Michael Savage, another conservative commentator, also criticized the report.

"What does Big Sis say these right-wingers are concerned about?" he wrote on his Web site, referring to Napolitano.

"Illegal aliens, the increasing power of the federal government, gun grabs, abortion and the loss of U.S. national sovereignty. In other words, anyone who is worried about preserving our borders, language, and culture is on Big Sis' watch list."

In a written statement Wednesday, Napolitano <http://topics.cnn.com/topics/Janet_Napolitano> said the agency is on "the lookout for criminal and terrorist activity but we do not -- nor will we ever -- monitor ideology or political beliefs."

She said she was "briefed" on the general topic, which "struck a nerve as someone personally involved in the Timothy McVeigh prosecution."

Napolitano said in her statement that she will tell Rehbein face-to-face that the Department of Homeland Security honors veterans and employs thousands of them, including Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute.

The Obama administration in January issued a warning about left-wing extremists. Both reports were initiated during the administration of former President George W. Bush.



Joe March
Director of Public Relations
The American Legion National Hqs.
700 N. Pennsylvania
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Office: (317) 630-1253
Fax: (317) 630-1368
Cell: (317) 748-1926