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Dear American Legion Members,
Membership dues will be the focus of the Emergency Department Convention that will take place during Mid-Winter Conference in January 2024. It has been over a decade since the last increase, and I believe it's time for us to consider the necessity of such a change.
Our service office plays a crucial role in supporting over 60,000 veterans, bringing in over $658,000,000 into Indiana. The emergency assistance grants, vital for many, are made possible through our dues; and programs like IVETS/CEWF thrive because of our contributions.
Your membership also has an impact on the younger generation—with over 30,000 Indiana Youth participating in our programs annually. This month alone, 14,580 Hoosier 4th graders are engaged in Flag education, thanks to the resources we provide—coloring books and comic books that instill a sense of patriotism and pride in our nation's future leaders.
Considering the current economic landscape, it is important to note that a dues increase hasn't occurred in over 10 years. To sustain the level of support and services we provide, a modest increase is not only justified but necessary. Rest assured; fiscal responsibility is imperative to us and over the past several years we have continually operated within 2% of our annual budget.
Your continued support is invaluable, and it is through collective effort that we can ensure the American Legion, Department of Indiana, remains a pillar of support for our veterans and their families. Together, we can navigate these challenges and continue making a positive impact on the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.
Thank you for your understanding and ongoing dedication to our shared mission.
The person or persons cannot purchase alcohol, from my understanding they would be a guest signed in by a member and only the member can make the purchase.
Unless laws have changed
Question? How are non veterans allowed to purchase food and alcohol in the canteens, lounges, bars, whatever the local posts call this special area without it being an open day per the State Excise?
D Stephens, SAL-PNC
Did you know that since leaving office in 2013, the Department of Indiana has funded Past National Commander James Koutz' attendance at our state convention and conferences to the tune of more than $20,000 even though he has not been an elected or appointed state officer during this timeframe? At the current per capita rate of $16.50 per member, this means that a post of 120 members has been solely paying for the last decade of travel to state meetings for James Koutz. -- Service Not Self
Some financial transparency of income and expenses listed by programs would help justify any rate increases. Are the funds we raise now insufficient? There is no information here to support this.
This post is written in first-person, "I believe it's time for us to consider the necessity of such a change.", yet an author is not revealed. Who is the author of this post?