Don't forget that Tuesday, November 11 is Veterans Day. All Legionnaires, SAL and Auxiliary members are encouraged to get out and support their local veterans organizations as they work to commemorate this important day.

Today we are a nation at war. If you have never felt the need to attend or participate in your local Veterans Day program before, maybe this is the year to do so.

November 16-22, 2003 marks the 82^nd anniversary of American Education Week. The American Legion, a co-founder of American Education Week, has a long-standing interest and commitment to American education. The American Legion believes a strong education program is important and significant in maintaining American traditions and instilling in our young people a sense of personal obligation and responsibility.

This year's theme is "Great Public Schools for Every Child - America's Promise". This year's theme should remind each of us that we have a duty and a responsibility to see that our children are prepared to take up the roles of citizens and leaders in the years to come.

Make sure your Post sponsors some sort of event to mark the 82^nd anniversary of the founding of American Education Week. Show your community that The American Legion is involved, concerned and dedicated to the education of our youth.

Enclosed for Commanders is a copy of this year's American Education Week from The American Legion.

SD Public Broadcasting, in partnership with the Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls, will be hosting a screening of the ITVS film, "True Whispers: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers" as a part of the film and forum series, "Native Stories/Community Voices." The film will be shown on December 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Multi-Cultural Center, located at 515 N. Main St. in Sioux Falls. The screening will be followed by a special recognition of SD's Native American veterans of WWII, and a discussion forum led by local leaders.

South Dakota Public Broadcasting is extending an invitation to all Native American veterans of WWII to attend the film as their special guests. Please contact Sherri Blumer at SD Public Broadcasting, 1-800-456-0766, to find out more about the recognition event and how SD Public Broadcasting may facilitate your attendance.

Tuesday, November 11, at 8 p.m. MST (7 p.m. CST) will be the premiering of "Korea: Survivor Stories". The one-hour program includes dramatic stories like those of a member of the 26^th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon; a POW who spent 6 weeks in captivity; and a pilot who faced harrowing challenges during evacuations for the wounded. The program uses interviews, veterans' photographs, archival footage of the war and background on the conflict to bring the stories to life.

"Korea: Survivor Stories" includes interviews with veterans from across the state, including those who attended the 50^th Anniversary of the Korean War 2000-2003 Commemoration in Huron on July 27, 2003. In addition, SDPB crews traveled to Tyndall and Armour to interview those who served in Korea.

Dr. Robert Petzel, Network Director for VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23), has announced the appointment of Mr. Joseph Dalpiaz as Director of the Sioux Falls Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center effective December 15, 2003.

Dalpiaz has served as Director/Chief Operating Officer of the VA Black Hills Health Care System since October 2001. He is an accomplished VA executive, with extensive experience in team building and financial management. He began his VA career in 1985 as a social worker at the Lebanon, PA VAMC. He earned a Masters Degree in Social Work Administration from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA and is a graduate of Leadership VA (1995) and a 1997 graduate of a financial management program co-sponsored by VA and the Association of University Programs in Health Administration.

Mr. Peter Henry, will resume duties as Director of the VA Black Hills Health Care System. Mr. Henry served as Director of the VA Black Hills Health Care system from August 1996 to October 2001 at which time he was appointed Director of Extended Care and Rehabilitation Service Line for the VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23). Mr. Henry will retain those duties in addition to his assignment in the Black Hills.

The South Dakota American Legion Department Employment Committee Chairman, Donn Grandpre has announced that Palace Hotels, Lead, SD has been selected as the recipient of the SD 2004 American Legion Employer of the Older Worker Award.

Palace Hotels was nominated by B.R. "Bev" Hink, Commander of Homestake American Legion Post #31 in Lead. The nomination states that Palace Hotels has 105 employees, 37 of whom are over the age of 55. The General Manager, Mr. Bob Smith, feels his older employees bring good work ethics, learned in their youth, to the younger employees. The punctuality is much more reliable than younger employees. Palace Hotels promotes their older employees into positions where they can continue working and treat their senior employees with the utmost respect.

Palace Hotels will be recognized for their selection as SD American Legion's Employer of the Older Worker during the 2004 Department Convention which will be held at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Pierre in June 2004.

Letters of application and resumes are being accepted for the position of Department Veterans Service Officer for the South Dakota American Legion. The individual hired for this position will be responsible for conducting The South Dakota American Legion's Veterans' Outreach Program - for providing information regarding state and federal veterans' benefits to all veterans and their dependents in South Dakota. The position involves studying and explaining state and federal veterans legislation, regulations and procedures, and consulting with other governmental agencies to ensure the veterans and dependents are receiving the maximum level of assistance and benefits to which they are entitled. Individual hired will work directly for the South Dakota American Legion Department Adjutant out of the Watertown, SD State Headquarters Office. The position will also require performance of other administrative duties as assigned by the Department Adjutant.

This position is a full time position. The individual hired will be expected to travel and some hours may involve evenings and weekends. Overnight travel will be required on some occasions. When travel is required, vehicle will be provided or mileage will be paid. Other expenses involved in travel will be reimbursed. Salary is dependent upon education, knowledge and experience.

Minimum Qualifications: Must be at least a high school graduate, honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces and a member of The American Legion. Knowledge of veterans' benefits is beneficial, but will train. Individual hired must have public speaking ability. Applicant must have knowledge of general office equipment, computer skills, and a valid driver's license.

Resumes and letters of application should be sent to South Dakota American Legion, State Headquarters, Attn: Department Adjutant, PO Box 67, Watertown, SD 57201-0067.

Closing date for applications and forwarding of resumes is December 15, 2003.

Applications and resumes will be reviewed by members of the Rehabilitation Committee, the Department Commander, the National Executive Committeeman, and the Department Adjutant. After review and interviews, their recommendation will be presented to the Executive Committee in late January 2004. The start date for employment is expected to be March 1, 2004.

National Commander John Brieden of Texas has appointed or re-appointed 18 South Dakota Legionnaires to positions on national American Legion committees, commissions or councils according to National Executive Committeeman Paul Evenson of Renner.

• Larry L. Price of Redfield to a one-year term as Vice Chairman of the National Americanism Commission.
• Aaron Anderson of Veblen to a one-year term as a Vice Chairman on the Americanism Council.
• G. D. "Hoot" Gibson of Sioux Falls to a one-year term as a Vice Chairman on the Americanism Council.
• Richard MacDonald of Rapid City to a one-year term as a Vice Chairman on the Americanism Council.
• Mark Weinmann of Canton to a one-year term as a Vice Chairman on the Americanism Council.
• Ron Tolrud of White to a two-year term as a member of the Children and Youth Region 6.
• Paul Evenson of Renner to a one-year term as a member of the Foreign Relations Commission Liaison Committee.
• Gunner Baatrup of Virgil to a one-year term as a Vice Chairman on the Foreign Relations Council.
• Dennis Brenden of De Smet to a one-year term as a Vice Chairman on the Foreign Relations Council
• Glenn Kelley of Sioux Falls to a one-year term as a Vice Chairman on the Foreign Relations Council.
• Charles Kunstle of Corsica to a one-year term as a Vice Chairman on the Foreign Relations Council.
• Stan Gruneich of Flandreau to a one-year term as the National Commander's Representative to the Trophies, Awards and Ceremonials Committee.
• Donald Clarke of Wessington to a three-year term as a member and a three-year term as Vice Chairman of the National Security Committee.
• Donavon Mason of Platte to a one-year term as a member of the National Security Commission.
• James T. "Terry" Anderson of Wagner to a one-year term as a Vice Chairman on the National Security Council.
• Ron Millage of Philip to a one-year term as a Vice Chairman on the National Security Council.
• Philip Anderson of Piedmont to a one-year term as a Vice Chairman on the National Security Council.
• Darrel Haskell of Conde to a one-year term as VA&R Region 6 Vice Chairman.

Additional winners of Department Commander Wayne "Red" Vetter's special incentive to recruit new members ($50 savings bonds) are:

• Milton Adam of Rapid City Post #22 - Sept 26
• Davis Vogt of Piedmont Post #311 - Oct 3
• D.J. Rush of Philip Post #173 - Oct 10
• Merlyn Landmark of Sisseton Post #50 - Oct 17
• Davis Vogt of Piedmont Post #311 - Oct 24
• Delbert Petersen of Hayti Post #217 – Oct 31
• Francis Van Sambeek of Milbank Post #9 is the second winner of a $200 Savings Bond for paying his 2004 dues prior to Dec 31, 2003.

There are three drawings remaining for this incentive: Nov 12, Dec 9 and Dec 31.

The following additional Posts have attained 100% or better on their 2004 membership drives. Congratulations to the membership team workers from all of these Posts who have put forth the effort to ensure that their Posts attained goal for 2004. Thank you for your efforts.

Erwin Post #241, Colman Post #278, Carpenter Post #153, Grenville Post #267, Rosholt Post #48, Geddes Post #56, Agar Post #271, and Edgemont Post #172.

Posts interested in hosting the 2005 sporting events have until Thursday, January 15^th, 2004 to submit invitations to State Headquarters.

• The State Bowling Tournament will be held during three or four weekends in March and/or April 2005.
• The State Golf Tournament will be either the third or fourth weekend in June, 2005.
• Tentative dates for the Class "B" State Baseball Tournament are July 27-31, 2005.
• Tentative dates for the Legion State Championship Baseball Tournament are August 3-7, 2005.

To ensure that participating baseball teams take home some money to pay expenses, the State Athletic Commission requires that bidders for the baseball tournaments guarantee a split of $2,500 in the "B" Tournament and $7,500 in the Championship Tournament.

2004 membership stands at 19,902 or 74.77 percent of goal.