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The Department of France

AMERICAN

LEGION

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER Keith Abernathy On 29 May 2016 I will be in St Avold, France for Memorial Day and I truly hope to see a lot

of you there for the Ceremonies. I have ordered the Wreath that will be laid for the Department and 40/8.

I will transport both to St Avold. After I will travel to GR01 in Kaiserslaughtern for a while

and the travel to Frankfurt to welcome the National Commander on Monday Morning. I will be with the National Commander until 1 June and then he goes to Belgium to BE02. And I

go HOME.

We are getting very close to our Convention. I can tell you now that I will not be running for

Department Commander again. In my mind once is enough. I promised my wife that I would only be commander for one year and I’m sticking to my Promise.

The deadline for reserving rooms at the hotel in Belgium (can’t spell the town name) has been extended to 7 May 2016

for your convenience. The pay by date remains 15 June 2016. At present we have 18 signed up. I hope those of you that have not signed up will do so not later than 7 May. Remember you voted to go to Belgium now let’s go. I plan on having

a great time there. Hope to see you all there.

Keith Abernathy / Department Commander / Keithabernathy1942@yahoo.de

COMMANDER Keith Abernathy GR79 keithabernathy1942@yahoo.de

ADJUTANT Maxwell Rice GR79

colwichboy@yahoo.com

NECMAN John Miller GR1982

miller-roth@t-online.de

ALT. NECMAN Ronald Moore GR05

gypsy_moore@yahoo.de

VCAL Joe D. Brown GR79

vcalbrown50@gmail.com GR07 GR20 GR42 CH01

DK01 NL01 TH00(Thailand) Post9999 & New Post Development

VICE COMMANDER Lyndon Hudson FR01 lyndonandmargaret@yahoo.com

GR03 GR06 GR09 GR13 GR79 BE02

VICE COMMANDER Quincy Foster GR05

quincy@karssandra.com GR01 GR02 GR14 FR01

IR01 FR05 IR63

VICE COMMANDER John Shanahan IR01

jhshanahan@gmail.com IR02 IR03 IT01

PO01 GC01 SP292

VICE COMMANDER Casby Logan GR07

casbyj@hotmail.com GR05 GR30 GR45 GR1982

CHAPLAIN Jimmie Dale GR07 jimmiedale.87@gmail.com

HISTORIAN Michael Keating IR02 michael.keating@t-online.de

FINANCE OFFICER Gary Miller GR06

billsfan_gary@hotmail.com

SERVICE OFFICER Paul Claybough

GR1982 profsoldier72@yahoo.com

JUDGE ADVOCATE James M. Settle GR42

james.settle@kabelbw.de

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS Christopher Buchanan

GR1982 christoperbuch@hotmail.com

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Legion’s ‘commitment to

community service’ By Dale Barnett, National Commander

APR 08, 2016

I recently received a letter from Gloria Williams who lives in Powder Springs, Ga. She was unaware

of The American Legion’s “range of positive influence and the extent of the organization’s

commitment to community service” until a local family experienced an unfortunate tragedy – their 14-

year-old son drowned while on a school trip overseas.

The young boy was a Boy Scout and his troop met at American Legion Post 294 in Powder Springs.

According to Gloria, Post 294 members provided support to the boy’s family by hosting a dinner for

their loved ones after his funeral service.

“The generosity, kindness and support of Jerry Johnson (Post 294 commander) was amazing and

greatly appreciated,” Gloria said. “The actions of American Legion Post 294 were a spotlight on the

mission and grand purpose of your fine organization. This caring action is an example to the rest of

the Metro Atlanta community. Commander Barnett, I write this letter to commend Jerry Johnson and

Post 294 for so humbly and significantly carrying out the mission of one of the most outstanding

service organizations in our great country, The American Legion.”

Gloria’s letter is testament to the positive impact Legion posts have on their communities and why

my awareness walks are important – they serve as a reminder to everyone that the Legion is here

to support veterans, servicemembers, their families and the communities where they live.

With warmer weather on the horizon for many states, I encourage you to host a Walk for Veterans

event in your community to spread awareness about the Legion’s mission and support at the local,

state and national level. Remember, National Headquarters staff can assist you with planning and

promoting an awareness walk. For more information, contact Matt Herndon, deputy director of the

Legion’s Membership Division, by email mherndon@legion.org.

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DEPARTMENT VICE COMMANDER AT LARGE / MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN Joe D. Brown

My fellow Legionaries,

Auxiliary, and S.A.L.

Members.

Communication within the

Department. I challenge all of

us to do better job in this area, so that we can better

support and guide the Posts to accomplish the

Department missions. In addition, we need to

support each other, that is if you need help ask, I am

sure with the wealth of knowledge we have within

this Department someone is capable, and willing to

help in the Department of France .

This month was busy for me. The Department

Awards Committee was held this year in Walldorf

Morfelden where GR 05 have their Post meetings.

Department Commander Abernathy, VCAL

Brown, Vice Commander Foster, Vice Commander

Logan, Vice Commander Hudson and Adjutant

Rice attended. We only had 5 post award packets,

we hope next year the all posts will submit award

packets. The posts that submitted awards were

GR01-GR09-GR42-GR 79-GR1982.

I visited GR05 general membership meeting, was a

nice meeting.

I visited GR14 general membership meeting, was a

nice meeting

I visit GR01 Past Commander John Purdy in the

Heidelberg Hospital with Department Vice

Commander Foster and GR01 Vice Commander

Young and GR01 JA Chonko. He was looking well

and doing exceptionally well. He can now drink and

eat soft foods and may get to go home next week.

Keep him in your prayers. I Visited Department

Finance Officer Gary Miller at his home for legion

work. I Visited GR03 Commander George Hall at

his home for legion work.

Myself and Vice Commander Hudson and Foster

went to Brussels for BE02 annual general meeting,

elections and BBQ and I Recruited two new

members for BE 02 POST. We talked about the

National Commanders Visit to Brussels and the

Department Convention and Oratorical. The 1st

place winner was a repeat winner from last year,

Austin Muraille a, Senior at Brussels American

High School.

Boys State Chairman Chris Oneal needs donation

money for Girls and Boys State. So just help out if

you can.

Department Convention Reservation deadline is

Sunday, 01 May 2016

USO/RED CROSS BBQ…American Legion GR

01 will provide personal to man the grills on 30

May during the National Commanders visit.

The Following Post Made 100% for 2016

Membership year…GR 05-GR 06-GR 07-GR 09-

GR 14-GR -GR 20-79-GR 1982-BE 02 -GC 01-CH

01-POST 9999-FR 01-IR 01-IR 02-IR 03-NL01-

DK 01-TH 01…THANKS FOR MAKING 100%

FOR YOUR POST

We must remember the ideals of what the American

Legion stand for, justice, freedom and democracy.

We are here to support our veterans, their families,

our communities, widows and the care of our

veterans through the programs set out at the

National Level. Many of our Posts need to be more

involved with those programs. Post Commanders,

when you have your general membership meetings

you should display your POW-MIA table, the

American Flag and your Post Colors. We have posts

out there do not setup their meeting room properly,

or recite the Pre-Amble, Chaplain prayer, the

Pledge of Allegiance.

If you have a Legionaries in your Post that are ill,

in the Hospital or Deceased, please e-mail the

Department Adjutant and the Department Chaplain.

As always, remember if you need to contact me, I

am just an E-mail away vcalbrown50@gmail.com

,M-0170-1888034. In closing, please keep those in

harm’s way and their families, not only in your

thoughts but your prayers as well

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John Purdy GR14 General Membership Meeting

Awards Program Committee GR05

BE02

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DEPARTMENT VICE COMMANDER Quincy Foster

Greetings to all members

of every part of the American

Legion Family. I had the pleasure

of attending the 3rd Sons of the

American (S.A.L.) 5 March

2016 that was held in Walldorf,

Germany. It was another great

turnout, and many thanks go out to

VCAL Brown for hosting the

event and to him and VC Logan a fantastic BBG dinner

after words.

On the 19th of March I was able t attend the 3rd

Department DEC held in Ansbach, Germany which was

hosted by GR1982. I would like to thank each one of them

for an outstanding event and everyone that attended. It was

almost like standing room only. Great event!

On 9 April I attended the Awards Committee

meeting held in Walldorf , Germany. VCAL Brown

expressed how important it is for each post to take the time

to submit an Awards Package together each year. This is a

way of recognizing your post and its members for all the

work you have done throughout the year.

The 14th of April VCAL Brown and I attended

GR14's membership meeting in Buedingen. They also had

a nice turnout and it was to see some old and new members.

The 17th of April VCAL Brown, myself, 2nd Vice

Young (GR01) and Judge Adjutant Chonko went to visit

Past Commander John Purdy at the Heidelberg Hospital

after another throat operation. He was in good spirits and

doing well. It looks like he may be released in May. Please

continue to pray for him and we all wish him well.

I accompanied VCAL Brown and VC Hudson to

Brussels for the Post elections at BE02. That was another

good turnout. I would like to thank Post Commander

Schram and all the members for a warm welcome and a

wonderful Grill Party.

I have not been able to visit our newest post in

Ireland, IR01 yet. However, thanks to VC Commander

Shanahan who is also the Commander elect and Finance

Officer elect Ekstrom the post is up and running at full

speed.

Last month our Paris Post FR01 had the 97th

anniversary of the creation of the American Legion at Are

de Triomphe Paris. Paris Post FR01 continues to take part

and do community work throughout Paris. Please visit

them on their Facebook page or a American Legion

Department of France.org.

Post IR63 Dublin, Ireland was busy last month.

They held an Easter Raffle Appreciation funds raising. The

words of John F. Kennedy were the highlight. The First

was 500 Euro and the 2nd and 3rd was 100 Euro. They also

met with the Minister of defense, Simon Convey and the

Mayor of Waterford, John Cummins at the Tricolour

Celebration in Waterford City. You can also see more on

their site.

We continue t pray for those who are sick and

disabled, make God Bless you all!

Quincy Foster

Mobile: 049-(0)178398959

Email: Achange@qcfoster.com

Please send all input for the Department Newsletter to my email address at the latest

three days prior to the end of the month. If possible. Constructive suggestions to

improve the Newsletter are also welcome.

If you want to stay informed on what is happening with YOUR Department you can also visit

the following sites, www.AmerLegionDeptFrance.org / www.Facebook.com/ALDeptFrance /

www.legion.org/fodpal

Thank You…the Editor

David N. Greaux / davidgreaux@t-online.de

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Department Vice Commander John Shanahan Department Convention, 2016: Please make your plans right away to be part of the Department’s 2016 annual convention in Bruge, Belgium. This convention is our annual get-together to elect our Department officers, check on the membership of our Posts, evaluate how we’re doing, and promote the fellowship that’s the glue that holds our outfit together. Our host, Flanders Field Post BE-02, has worked hard to provide us with a very suitable venue and a programme that combines business with events to celebrate the local military history of the area. We have a fine social program that’s been organized and you won’t want to miss this event. Please contact Comrade Joseph Schram, Post Commander (details in this newsletter) and plan to be part of this important convention. Close Out or Our 2016 Membership Drive: You’ve all been working hard this year to make sure that our annual members renew on time. Our members are the key to the Legion – we exist to provide them with the services that they need. Gathering them all in each year is a key part of looking after them and ensuring that they have full access to veterans’ services. The last call for member renewals at 100% is May 11th and the Department needs all transmittals in by them. Please make sure that you and your membership team have all of your paperwork in before the date and let’s make this another 100% year

for the Department.

The American Legion Celebrates 100 Years of the Lafayette Escadrille: I had the wonderful opportunity to join with Paris Post #1 Commander Ed Canady, Adjutant Curtis Bartosik and fellow American veterans from both the Legion and VFW in Paris to be part of the joint French and American ceremony to honour the brave young pilots who brought their flying machines to France in 1916 and volunteered their services to France. They were known as the Lafayette Escadrille and they were the first Americans to use airplanes in aerial combat. The U.S. Air Force,

which traces its earliest roots to these brave fliers, was well represented at the event with the Secretary of the Air Force, a General Officer, and a large contingent of Air Force personnel, including the Air Force Band, Choir and Color Guard. We were treated

to fly-overs of squadrons of F-22’s, Mirage jets and a low pass from a B-52. The Lafayette Escadrille Memorial, now under the stewardship of the American Battle Monuments Commission, has been completely refurbished at a cost of $14 million and contains the last remains of 68 men who made up this brave flying corps. It is a must-see on your travel list. Ireland’s New Post IR-01 in Joint Ceremonies with the Irish Defence Force Veterans: April 18th is an important date on the calendar each year as Irish Defence Forces have adopted this date as their “Memorial Day” to honour lost comrades Tommy Barrett and Derek Smallhorne, murdered on peacekeeping duty in Lebanon 39 years ago. Post Adjutant Frank Ekstrom and Service Officer Shane O’Reilly carried U.S. and Legion colours and were joined by Mark and Maria Halpin for the day’s event. Our memorial events with Irish veterans are an important part of honouring the joint history between

our two nations.

With best wishes to all, For God and Country, John

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DEPARTMENT VICE COMMANDER Lyndon Hudson

Comrades, Accompanied by VCAL Brown and VC Foster, I conducted BE02's elections in Brussels, Belgium on the 23rd of April. Afterwards was an excellent BBQ hosted by the Flanders Field Legion Riders. All went well and everyone had a very good time. Also in attendance were guests from Post FR01 Paris which is my own Post and it's always a pleasure seeing them. Regards, VC Hudson

Not wasting any time or opportunities while in Brussels, VCAL Brown and VC Foster inculcated themselves in the

local community and made numerous friends, acting as an ambassador for our country and the American Legion; as we all should do.

I’d like to add that Post BE02 Flanders Field is working very hard on the upcoming Convention and they have some

really good things instore for us. I can’t wait! See you there!

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DEPARTMENT FINANCE OFFICER Gary Miller Just a recap from the 3rd DEC…The Department will raise the per capita per member from $19.50 to $21.50 starting on 1 July 2016 for The 2017 membership year. As you all may know, National raised their per capita per member From $13.50 to $18.50. The Department has not raised their per capita In the past 20 years, although National raised their per capita By $5.00, the Department is only raising theirs by $2.00.

Jimmie Dale…President “2016”

Who is eligible to join the Department of France Past Commanders Club?

PAST AND PRESENT Department Commanders, Department Vice Commanders At Large, Department Vice

Commanders, Post Commanders, SAL Detachment Commanders, SAL Squadron Commanders, Auxiliary

Department Presidents, Auxiliary Unit Presidents…so if you were just voted into office you are eligible to join

Initial dues for the Past Commanders Club is only $25.00

Renewal dues for the Past Commanders Club is only $10.00

Our next meeting will be in conjunction with the Department of France

Annual Convention 16 -19 June 2016

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE… David Greaux…PCC Secretary “2016”

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DETACHMENT OF FRANCE Squadrons: GR01, BE02, GR06, GR07, GR14, GR42, GR79, CH01

Lee Preston… Detachment of France Commander “2016”

Detachment Convention 2016

Saturday 04 June 2016

DJK Gaststätte

Josef-Reuss-Strasse7

97424 Schweinfurt, Germany

POC: David Greaux / dgreaux@t-online.de / 49-9721-86102 / 01715109356

Post Everlasting

George Davis Jr., passed away on Thursday, 07 April 2016 after a long history of medical problems. He will be cremated and laid to rest in the same cemetery as his father in the United States. He was a Charter Member of GR42 Legion and SAL. 04 August 1952 – 07 April 2016

Legionnaire James L. Smith, Charter Member of Post Gr 09 has been called to the High Command and reported to the Commander of us all on 9 April 2016.

R.I.P. Salute! Capt. Alfred G. “Fred” Platt, USAF Raven (Ret.) Commander, China Post 1. A.k.a.

Magnet Ass. 04 Feb. 1841 – 17 April 2016.

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1. American Legion Post BE02’s Election Results

On Saturday, 23 April, Flanders Field Post BE02 conducted their annual election of Post Officers. Department

of France Vice Command Lyndon Hudson officiated the election and gave the oath of office to the newly

elected Post BE02 officers. The 2016-2017 Flanders Field Post BE02 Officers are:

Commander: Joseph Schram

1st Vice Commander: Paul Haney

2nd Vice Commander: Tom Buckner

Chaplain: Josh Alo

Historian: Miguel Gonzales

Judge Advocate: Jeremy Clark

Finance Officer: Laura Buckner

Sergeant-at-Arms: Anthony Nasuti

2. American Legion National Commander’s Dinner

The Flanders Field Post BE02 would like to invite the US community to the America to the American Legion

National Commander’s Dinner on Friday evening, 03 June starting at 1830 at the 3-StarLounge on the USAG

Brussels compound. Please RSVP by 20 May to the 3-Star Lounge at reservations3star@yahoo.com. National

Commander Dale Barnett and National Auxiliary President Sharon Conatser will be guests of honor.

3. American Legion National Oratorical Contest

Austin Muraille, a Senior from the International School of Brussels represented the Flanders Field Post BE02

and the Department of France at the at the 2016 American Legion National Oratorical Contest in Indianapolis,

IN during the weekend of 16-17 April. Austin competed against 52 other outstanding orators from around the

USA for $18,000 scholarship. While the competition was fierce, the winner of the National Oratorical Contest

was Benjamin Crosby of Burlington, WA. The next Post level oratorical contest tentatively scheduled to be

held on Saturday, 28 January 2017.

4. American Legion Post BE02’s Boys State / Girls State Candidates

Congratulations to Shamus Phelan and Andrew Morrison from SHAPE American HS for being chosen as the

Flanders Field Post BE02's candidates for the 2016 American Legion's Boys State to be held at the Maryland

Boys State from Sunday June 19th thru Saturday June 25th at McDaniel College, Westminster,

Maryland

Congratulations go to Josie Whitaker from SHAPE American HS who was chosen by the Post BE02 Auxiliary

to attend the 2016 American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State program to be held at the Maryland Girls State

from Sunday, 19 June thru Friday, 24 June at Salisbury University, Maryland/

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Convention Update…The reservation deadline for the Department of France

Convention has been extended to Saturday, 07 May. Payment for the convention can be received as late as 15 June. The hotel will NOT accept any payment during the convention period. For a reservation form or information concerning the convention, contact Post BE02 Commander Schram atflanders.fields.post.be02@gmail.com. Sincerely, Joseph Schram/Commander Post BE02/+32 0479 178539

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Legionnaires from Commodore John Barry Post IR-03 joined with their Irish counterparts (Organization of National

Ex-Servicemen and Women. O. N. E.) on Sunday 24th April at Boyle, County Roscommon for a reading, by John Murphy, Chairman of ONE, of the Irish Declaration of Independence. The occasion was scheduled to exactly coincide

with the 100th Anniversary of the same Declaration, by revolutionary leader Patrick Pearse, at the General Post Office in Dublin in 1916. This event eventually led to Ireland gaining its independence from Britain. Veterans from the

American Legion and ONE laid wreath beside an effigy of Patrick Pearse.

MICHAEL NOONE - Adjutant, Post IR-03

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This month GR 09 participated in several events arranged by local German groups with the first being a visit to the Field

Marshall Erwin Rommel museum in Herrlingen, near Ulm. The Ulmer Traditional Artillery group, founded in 1906

organized the tour with a local residing tour guide who was familiar with the Rommel family during the period that they

resided in Herrlingen. Rommel’s grave, museum and monument erected at the location where he took his life are

frequently visited by Americans visiting Ulm.

Donnie Swearengin pointing out item of interest to Bill Beachy

Oliver Patrick debating whether to add another book to his collection

On 24 April Post Commander Aman joined the Weissenhorn German Army Reservists for a wreath laying ceremony at

the site near Weissenhorn where German fighter pilot Horst Melzig’s plane crashed on 24 April 1944 killing Metzig.

Metzig never saw combat as his place crashed while on a routine training flight. Aman was invited by reservist Ralf

Kull who was responsible for erecting the monument honoring the seven Americans who lost their lives when their B-

17 crashed 23 February 1945 at a near-by site.

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This is the 4th time for this charity party. Donations go to different Charities here in Heilbronn, Germany Area.

Meeting place is 74172 Neckarsulm, Pichterichstrasse at the fest platz.

Time 0930hrs / Convoy starts at 1200hrs / Arrival time to party 1300hrs

At the party all proceeds go to charity’s in Heilbronn. I have been to the last 3 events along with all my legion riders,

good time. End of party is around 1800 hrs. You need to bring no Toys. Great time for old and young, big program for

kids. If coming with your car you can go straight to Wertwiesenpark freibad Neckarhalde around 1300 and watch bikes

and other vehicles drive in. Last time we had around 800 bikes. You can watch also on you tube…Heilbronn Rainbow

Run.

Thank you, Don Chamberlain…Post Commander GR79

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an American holiday observed on

the last Monday of May, honors

men and women who died while

serving in the U.S. military.

Originally known as Decoration

Day, it originated in the years

following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans

observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and

participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer.

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World War II veteran honored for

service to American Legion By Max Massey |

Lincoln, NE (KOLN) - David Schuster served our country during World War II, and since he returned to his home

in 1946, he has been serving American Legion Post 140, for 70 years.

"Hardworking", "humble", "hometown hero" are just some of the ways the

people of Sterling, Nebraska describe 89-year-old David Schuster. A man who not only served his country, but also helped serve his American Legion for the

last seven decades.

His 71-year-long relationship with the United States military all started when he was drafted in 1945, World War II was still going on, and he was only 18-

years-old. Schuster remembers the day he signed up.

"He says 'what do you want to do?', 'you want to go into the army , navy,

marines, or what?' I says 'well maybe the navy, army it is'," said Schuster.

After training, Schuster was shipped out for the U.S occupation of Korea, where Schuster, now a technical sergeant and army engineer went to work .

"We built housing, we built bridges and made roads and things like that," said Schuster.

After his time overseas, Schuster returned home to Sterling, started his new life doing lots of different jobs, and getting married to Darlene and raising a family. Darlene and David have been married

65 years.

"We are just lucky to have him here, he has had cancer, lymphoma, four times, he is pretty strong," said Darlene.

Schuster just finished up his last round of radiation. His family, and friends, which seems to be all of Sterling, say he has

touched their lives in more way than one.

"He is just special in a lot of peoples lives, not just in the Sterling community, but in all of the communities in southeast

Nebraska," said Joe Pella of American Legion Post 140.

As for the 89-year-old, he is getting to the point where carrying flags in the patriotic parades, and helping out with old

work is becoming too difficult, but he says he has faith in his post.

"We got plenty of nice guys to take over," said Schuster

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Cincinnati Ohio

Site of the 98th American Legion National Convention

August 26rd to September 1st 2016

If you are planning on attending the 98th National Convention in Cincinnati OH (and I hope to see some new faces in Cincinnati) please e-mail me at dhaggan@sbcglobal.net with the following information,

THE DATE YOU WILL ARRIVE AND DEPART, THE PERSON YOU ARE SHARING A ROOM WITH IF ANY, AND ANY SPECIAL ROOM REQUIREMENTS.

The room cost per night is $155.61 all included. Cutoff for the reservation is 15 July 2016.

Hope to see you in Cincinnati

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40/8 GRANDE DU GERMANY

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux

Fellow Voyageurs Grande du Germany,

I would like to remind you of our Annual Election Promenade for the 2017 Membership Year. This year it will be hosted by Voiture 1524. It is planned for Saturday 7 May 2016. So keep a look out for

the ``Call To Promenade´´. I am looking forward to seeing many voyageurs there. And besides…``I

am always happy when you all get to see me´´!

Merci.

David Greaux - Cheminot Nationale 2016-2017MY - davidgreaux@t-online.de

Voyageur Young being pinned Voyageur of The Year for locale 1467 by newly elected Locale Chef de Gare Foster