Boys State Thanks

September 30, 2007

Dear American Legion Neal E. Fonger Post 179,

I would first like to thank you for allowing me the great opportunity to attend the Boys State program in Lansing this past June.  It was an awesome experience that I will never forget.  I am very glad that you continue to organize and fund this program, and I assure you that it is well worth it.  The experiences I had at Boys State were like none that I have ever had because of the unique scenario that we were put in having to run our own government.  This sets kids free to open up, interact, and take leadership that normally only adults would have.  The incredible atmosphere created by the great people and the focused purpose of Boys State made this experience all the greater.  Let me share with you a little bit of, what I did while participating in the mock government of the fictitious fifty-first state called Boys State .

I made an effort from the start to be as involved as I could be, knowing that I would only get out of the experience what I put into it.  I was involved in the election process as the secretary for the nomination convention of the “Federalist” party.  For this, I called the candidates running for different positions up to the stand to give their speeches.  I also kept track of how many votes each candidate received.  I was one of three election inspectors for my city, Washington City in McClelland County.  We basically ran the elections for our city.

 I ran for Senator, but lost.  Then I looked for a good position that I could be appointed to, and decided to be a defense attorney.  This was a fun job because you could do cases at the circuit, district, and supreme court levels.  I ended up doing two supreme court cases, and won them both!  I also worked as a representative for various companies, and talked to different cities about making deals with them.

 At the beginning of the week, I joined the Whirligig, the Boys State newspaper, as a writer to see how I liked journalism.  This ended up being one of the funnest things I did because I could write about almost anything I wanted, and it could be put in the newspaper for everyone to read.  I ended up getting five articles put in the paper.  Two of those articles were interviews.  One interview I did was with Mike Williams, the Commander of the American Legion Department of Michigan.  The other was with Ron Runyan, Co-Director of Michigan Boys State.  It was neat to be able to talk to the people that are in charge of the program and see what they thought about Boys State.

 The guys that were in my city were really great.  We had a ton of fun with each other throughout the week.  We did other activities such as basketball, quiz bowl, and volleyball, which were a lot of fun.  The kids in my city were real supportive of me when I was chosen to interview to go to Boys Nation.  I ended up being in the top six, but was not chosen to go.  Only two people got to go to Boys Nation.  I still keep in touch with some of the guys I met at Boys State.  I truly believe that it was the great people involved that made it such a great experience for me.

Thank you once again for giving me this great opportunity.

Sincerely,

MICHAEL SMITH

Career Law Enforcement Program

September 2006

Dear American Legion,

I appreciate the opportunity to attend the American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy of which you sponsored. 

The knowledge and experience that I have gained from the six days I spent at the MSP (Michigan State Police) Academy will never be forgotten.

Although it was tough, I learned that quitting is not an option, and that if you think you can, you will.  I started the week as just another seventeen year old, but throughout the week I quickly transformed into a young adult.

I would like to offer a sincere thank you to all who have made this event possible.  I now have an even greater respect for those in law enforcement, and will continue to pursue law enforcement as a career for me.

Sincerely,

Mark E. Andrews

Homeless Veterans Assistance

American Legion Department of Michigan

Dear Mr. Simmons,

We would like to thank you for participating in the 2006 Capitol Area Stand Down for Homeless Veterans.  With over 250 participants and 30 agencies the Stand Down was a great success again this year.

Your agency’s interest and involvement in this event helps provide our homeless community with the basic help they need to improve their current situation.  Many veterans were introduced to services at the Stand Down.  I was also proud of the advocacy we provided and enjoyed meeting all of you.

Again, thank you!  Without your help we could not have made this essential event possible.  We look forward to seeing you and your agency at next year’s Stand Down. 

Sincerely,

Kate Reed

Development Coordinator, Volunteers of America,

Michigan

(Jim Simmons is a Veterans Service Officer, Department of Michigan)

Headquarters Remodeling

On my visit to Department on December 19, 2007, it was my first chance to see the results of the remodeling that was done.

What was done far exceeded my expectations of what was accomplished.  It presents a far better way to showcase the American Legion whenever we invite politicians and other dignitaries to Department Headquarters.

I wholeheartedly endorse what was done and encourage everyone to come and see for themselves and take advantage of the open house during our Winter Meeting.

Congratulations

Lavern H. Spolarich

Adjutant, Chesaning Post 212

Mark E. Andrews

Mere words of “Thank you” for your recent gift of 500.00; facilitated by you and the Coalition to Salute America ’s Heroes seems inadequate. In these times of hardship and readjustment It amazes me when organizations like yours truly reach out to those most affected by the consequences of war; those who are casualties forever changed by wounds and a future of adapting and overcoming due to combat disabilities.

Many don’t consider that coming home you still have mortgages, student loans, auto repairs and the host of other living expenses that burden you, when your injuries force your unemployment and government assistance isn’t simply granted. I gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the American Legion -Department of Michigan, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Director John Nelson in submitting the application for this gift, Post 225 in Lansing for sponsoring my membership, and Commander Doug Strieter of Chassell Post in the Upper Peninsula for presenting me my gift and annual membership in the American Legion.

Since my wounding, I have submitted no less than five VA claims in the past 3 years to get my combat disabilities documented correctly. Times have been hard and government assistance as you know - is typically slow. I deeply appreciate your financial gift and salute each you for your out reach to me and other veterans of the Global War on Terrorism who’ve served and sacrificed their futures in Iraq and Afghanistan . Many of you are my personal Heroes and strong examples of advocacy and I am honored to join you. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Nation and for your many dedicated years of assistance to so many generations of veterans.

Yours in Patriotism & Service,

Joseph A. Tormala, SSG, WIA – DAV , USA (Ret.)