Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 session of Evergreen Boys State and Evergreen Girls State.  This is a national program of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary to promote hands-on learning of the U.S. democratic form of government. 
 
Students ending their junior year of high school in 2016 are eligible to attend this week-long simulation after being selected, and funded, by local American Legion / Auxiliary Posts.
 
During the week, the citizens will be assigned to a fictitious city, county and political party in the state of “Evergreen.”  They will attend classes, hold meetings, and establish their own government at the city, county, and state levels.  Attendees also have the opportunity to earn several different scholarships, and earn up to four college credits just by participating.    
 
Evergreen Boys State will be held at the Warm Beach Conference Center in Stanwood, Washington, from 19-25 June 2016.  For details and application, see:
www.evergreenboysstate.org. 
 
Evergreen Girls State will be held at Central Washington University in Ellensburg from 12-18 June 2016.  For details and application, see:  www.walegion-aux.org/girlsstate.html.
 
Both Boys State and Girls State offers a fun, hands-on learning experience where you can meet new people and make life-long friends.  You’ll have the opportunity to meet elected officials and challenge yourself to learn and grow in ways you never knew possible.  It’s one of the most respected youth programs in the country, and this is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate.  Apply today to begin your journey.  It’s also a great way to start building your resume.  Each session is limited to 300 participants.  First come, first served. 
 
The Boys State program began in Illinois in 1935.  The Girls State program began much later.  However, both are now held in every state, every summer.  The list of alums is long and distinguished.

For more information contact:

John Crawford, Scholarship Committee Chair
(206) 542-8952

What happens when Hollywood turns its attention from war to the warrior and focuses on the lasting effects of armed conflict on veterans and their families?

Find out by taking this course at the Edmonds Community College Creative Resource Institute. 

In this cours, examine the role of the media in shaping public perception of veterans, and how the depiction of veterans in movies has changed over time. We will view “The Best Years of Our Lives” and examine the issues presented in the film in their historical context, as well as in comparison to issues veterans face today. The final session will feature a panel discussion with veterans from different periods, presenting a multi-generational view of how veterans’ issues and public perceptions have changed over time. Chris Szarek served in the US Navy for 20 years as a Seabee, retiring in 2009. After retirement, Chris earned a BA in communications and an MBA from UW. He currently serves as the director of the Veterans Resource Center at Edmonds Community College. No class May 25th. 4 sessions.

The new and revised 2016 National American Legion College application is now available and all prior versions are obsolete. The 2016 college will continue with the current focus on:

• How to be an effective leader in The American Legion
• How to develop a district/department level American Legion College
• The resolution process
• Parliamentary procedures (how to run a district meeting)

For the last two years, over 70 applications were averaged for 55 seats. And, last year a record number of departments had attendees. 

Any questions please feel free to contact me.

David W. Elmore, Assistant Director
Internal Affairs
317.630.1376

Anyone have an interest in running for District Commander, District Vice-Commander, or Department Officer please read OP 53. Please submit your resolution and documents before the end of March.
 
OP 53                       
DEPARTMENT AND DISTRICT OFFICER CERTIFICATION
 
All Legionnaires aspiring to be elected to Department leadership positions including District Commanders, District Vice-Commanders, Department Commander, Department Vice-Commanders, National Executive Committeeman, Alternate Executive Committeeman, Department Sgt-at-Arms, Historian, and Chaplain are to submit the following documents to the Department Adjutant within ten working days of announcing their candidacy.
 
a.   Post Resolution of endorsement
b.   DD Form 214 ( showing character of discharge)
c.   Prominent Legionnaire Questionnaire
 
Department Adjutant, Judge Advocate, Service Officer, and Finance Officer are to submit their DD Form 214 and Prominent Legionnaire Questionnaire ten working days after their appointment.
 
The Department Adjutant is required to certify each elected and appointed officer in according to National directives; “Pursuant to the action of the 13th Annual National Convention of The American Legion at Detroit, Michigan, September 24, 1931, I have examined the service record of each of the following officials who have been duly elected or appointed to serve the Department of Washington for the ensuing year:” and submit the appropriate National Certification to the National Judge Advocate.
 
Background checks are conducted on District Commanders, District Vice-Commanders and other candidates for Department Office who, by virtue of their positions, may be required to associate with children and “at risk” individuals, prior to the voting at Department Convention.
 
 
Thomas Conner
Department Administrator
Department of Washington
3600 Ruddell Rd SE
Lacey, WA 98503
360.491.4373
Fax: 360.491.7442

Post 234 Legionnaire William "Ben" Benson, volunteered 162 hours providing computer tutoring at Snohomish County senior centers. His service is unique among and a very special donation of time and expertise. Ben received special thanks from the Lynnwood Senior Center for his efforts. Thank you, Ben, for leading the way with community service!

To other members of Post 234:
If you volunteer in the community or for the American Legion or other service organizations, please click here to record your service hours.

​Saturday, the 20th of February at 13:00, there will be a District Round Table. The location is Post 43, Sedro-Woolley. 
Please continue to spread the word throughout your posts and attend if you are able. Some of the topics of discussion will be what took place at Midwinter and what can be done to help some of our fellow Posts who are having a rough time this year.

Respectfully,
 
Jerry Hughes
2nd District Commander

The Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP) provides a rigorous entrepreneurial learning and development opportunity for service-disabled veterans and those who have uniquely distinguished themselves in the military. It is designed for
veterans who are interested in starting a venture as a means to financial independence or that have an existing small business that they would like to grow.​

The VA Office of Inspector General’s February 11, 2016 report on the Veteran’s Crisis Line reflects issues found there as of the end of December 2014.  It is important for Veterans and our key stakeholders to know that VA undertook actions to strengthen Veterans Crisis Line operations long before publication of the inspector general report. The goal is to make the Veterans Crisis Line nothing short of a world class crisis response center.

​To read more, click here.