“We are pleased to see this resolved and can now maintain a focus on our core mission of honoring veterans at this new central Indiana location in the future,” said Cmdr. Jim May, The American Legion, Department of Indiana.

​The nearest location from Indianapolis to a national cemetery is in Marion, Ind., 85 miles northeast. The next closest veteran dedicated space is the state operated Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery located in Madison, Ind., 100 miles southeast of Indianapolis.

By John Crosby
​Photos by USAF

FAIRMOUNT, Ind., – American Legion Post 313 is scheduled to host a 50-year-to-the-day commemoration of a local heroes’ aerial combat actions over Vietnam and a “Salute to Vietnam Veterans” on Saturday, May 20 at 1 p.m.

Major Robert Pardo and 1st Lt. Stephen Wayne, a 50-year-member of Post 313, had their limits and resolve tested under pressure in a historic action popularly known as “Pardo’s Push.” Their actions changed history and the way the military operates today.

Pardo and Wayne were one of two F-4C Phantom jets on a mission to destroy a steel mill north of Hanoi, North Vietnam March 10, 1967. They were hit by anti-aircraft fire resulting in leaking fuel and heavy damage to both aircraft. Their wingman was forced to shut down his engines and was losing altitude at a rate of 3,000 feet per second.

Pardo and Wayne refused to abandon their comrades behind and chose to stay with the critically damaged aircraft. They reacted making an unprecedented decision to maneuver their nose under and make contact beneath their wingman’s aircraft, pushing and guiding it out of Vietnam airspace into neighboring Laos where all four could eject into safer territory.

The maneuver had never been attempted before and both aircraft were ultimately destroyed. But Pardo’s and Wayne’s quick decision saved the lives of all four pilots as they were rescued on the ground. Pardo’s Push has been featured on a number of documentaries including War Stories with Oliver North on the History Channel, and the Air and Space Smithsonian Magazine.

Later, on May 20, 1967, eight F-4C Phantoms faced between 16 – 22 enemy MiGs in air-to-air combat in two different battle areas. Four MiGs were downed that day. Pardo and Wayne were credited with one.

That same F-4C Phantom, two-seater-aircraft that Pardo and Wayne once flew in combat operations over Vietnam now sits proudly on display in front of Post 313. The paint scheme shows Tail Number 63-7623 and a red battle star on the engine intake signifying their confirmed kill of an enemy MiG, 50 years ago.

Pilot Stephen Wayne will speak at the ceremony which will also include a “Salute to Vietnam Veterans” in coordination with President Donald Trump’s announcement of National Vietnam Veterans Day via executive order on March 29, 2017.

The American Legion, Department of Indiana Cmdr. James B. May and former Department Cmdr. Ed Trice are also scheduled to speak.

For more information and for the full story of “Pardo’s Push” visit the Indiana Legion website at www.indianalegion.org/news/fairmount-legion-to-recognize-local-hero-pilot-in-vietnam-commemoration, or contact Post 331 Adjutant Steve Herniak at 765-661-5100 or by email at hurn65@yahoo.com.

If you have any questions, please contact the Indiana Legion Communications Director John Crosby at 317-416-5956 or by email at communications@indlegion.org
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By Tactical Air Network

The 10th of March, 1967 saw bright and clear skies over Vietnam. A steelworks facility at Thai Nguyen, thirty miles north of Hanoi, was brimming with activity while men with AK-47 rifles stood around, some smoking casually, while idly scanning the workers and occasionally glancing up at the sky. Scattered near the steel mill were more soldiers, some of whom stayed in close range to large hulking Soviet-built anti-aircraft guns pointed up, ready to fire at a moment’s notice.

Less than a hundred miles and closing fast was a formation of several US Air Force F-4 Phantom IIs and F-105 Thunderchiefs, loaded for bear. Their target- the mill, north of Hanoi, which served as the primary manufacturing plant for munitions and weaponry used by North Vietnamese forces in their fight against South Vietnam and the United States. Under the leadership of Air Force legend Colonel Robin Olds, this strike flight would unload their bombs on the mill, thus destroying a vital asset to the North’s war machine.

Flying in one of the strike flight’s Phantoms was Captain J.R. “Bob” Pardo, and his backseater, 1st Lieutenant Steve Wayne. It was Pardo’s birthday that day and he ordinarily didn’t fly on his birthday, but in the hustle and bustle of combat ops, he had forgotten. Flying nearby was his wingman, Captain Earl Aman, and Aman’s backseater, 1st Lieutenant Robert Houghton. These two Phantoms were slated to protect the jets of the main strike force from any enemy MiG fighter interceptors that would potentially show up and throw a wrench into the gears of the attack plan. If no MiGs were encountered, Pardo and Aman were given follow-up orders to drop their own sets of bombs on the mill as well.
​

​Diane Donald, sponsor of the Virginia-class submarine Indiana (SSN 789) and wife of Adm. Kirk Donald (U.S. Navy, Ret.), smashes a bottle of wine across the Indiana's hull to christen the sub, while Vice President Mike Pence looks on.

Story and photos by John Crosby
Communications Director,
​The American Legion, Department of Indiana​

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., – The USS Indiana, a Virginia-class fast attack nuclear powered submarine was christened during a ceremony held with Vice President Mike Pence, Senator Joe Donnelly, and the Honorable Sean Stackley, acting secretary of the Navy, in attendance at the shipyard of Huntington Ingalls Newport News, Va.
 
The American Legion, Department of Indiana was represented by Cmdr. James B. May, attending the weekend’s events and learning how the Hoosier state can support the USS Indiana and her crew in the future.
 
“Our Legion Family in Indiana have an opportunity to adopt the USS Indiana, and her the men and women who serve aboard her,” said May.
 
The time-honored tradition of becoming an honorary plank owner gives Hoosiers the opportunity to contribute to the U.S. Navy’s newest submarine, named after the great State of Indiana, as she represents all Hoosiers all over the world.
 
“I encourage you all to visit USSIndiana.org to learn more about how you can support,” said May. “Let’s show the United States Navy and the sailors aboard the USS Indiana some Hoosier veteran hospitality.”
 
Construction on the USS Indiana began in 2012, with 4,000 shipbuilders participating. The U.S. Navy's 16th Virginia-class, fast attack submarine is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy later this year.
 
The Virginia-class submarines’ nuclear reactor fuels the 7,800-ton and nearly 380-foot-long boat throughout its planned life so it will never require refueling. It will be capable of attacking targets ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and can conduct covert, long-term surveillance of land, said the Navy. 

​By SHERRY VAN ARSDALL sherry.vanarsdall@goshennews.com
 
MIDDLEBURY | Goshen News – Two Middlebury Boy Scouts sponsored by American Legion Mark Wilt Post 210 laid a wreath at the base of the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach during the 2017 Normandy Camporee in Colleville-sur-Mer in France April 23.
 
David “Jake” Cushwa Jr., 12, and Wyatt Miller, 11, of Boy Scout Troop 7 in Middlebury attended the Camporee along with their fathers, David Cushwa and Chris Miller, who are leaders with Cub Scout Pack 770 and Boy Scout Troop 7.
 
“It meant a lot to me,” Jake said, about laying the wreath. “These guys gave their lives for our world to be better.”
 
Jake and Wyatt placed the wreath in honor of veterans served by Post 210 because the Scout units are chartered by American Legion Post 210 in Middlebury, Chris Miller said.

Indianapolis – The American Legion, Department of Indiana James Evans Post 341 in Cicero, Ind., is hosting a ribbon-cutting, dedication ceremony on Monday, May 29 at 11 a.m. for their newly constructed Veterans Memorial Wall at the Red Bridge Park in Cicero.
 
“Our purpose of this wall is to honor all who have served and who are serving and who will serve in the future,” said Post 341 Commander Joseph “Jody” Brown. “We are honored to be able to recognize our servicemen and women and all of the veterans who have proudly served our country and our community.”
 
Construction of the wall has been a community effort. Local businesses contributed significantly to cover the materials including 2400 bricks, 170 concrete blocks, 260 linear feet of rebar, 8 tons of sand, 40 bags of mortar and 7 yards of concrete. A local construction company is in charge of building the memorial.
 
The 36-foot wall will have on its face five, 21-inch circles, each with the logo for the five branches of the armed forces. In addition there will be two 24-inch by 21-inch plaques honoring the American Legion and American Legion Riders Post 341 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post of Cicero, Ind. Behind the wall will stand three flag poles displaying the American flag in the center, the POW/MIA flag and the Indiana state flag. These will be illuminated dusk to dawn. Across from the wall on the east side of the circular walkway will be a black granite bench with a back attached that will have engraved images representing each of the five branches of the military. The plaques on the wall will also be black granite, imported from India, engraved by a local artist.
 
The Cicero VFW, Legion Riders and the Legion each donated money toward the cost of the wall. In addition, our local citizens and businesses rallied to help raise the $19,000 needed to completely fund this project.
 
“This memorial will serve as a legacy for the Cicero American Legion Post 341 and the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter for decades to come,” said Brown. We are very proud of this project and the privilege we have of not only representing the American Legion and VFW, but also honoring our servicemen and women.”
 
 
The public and media are invited for this momentous ribbon cutting ceremony on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29 at 11 a.m. at the entrance of Red Bridge Park located at 697 W Jackson St, Cicero, IN 46034. For more information contact Post 341 Commander Brown at 765-292-2148 or call the post directly at 317-984-4441.
 
   If you have any questions, please contact the Indiana Legion Communications Director John Crosby at 317-416-5956 or by email at communications@indlegion.org 
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Indianapolis – The American Legion, Department of Indiana Post 341 in Cicero is hosting the 2nd Annual Battle Ride, on Saturday, May 20 to raise funds for Operation Comfort Warriors.
 
Proceeds will benefit veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, the signature wounds of the Global War on Terrorism, through The American Legion’s program Operation Comfort Warriors. A Check will be presented to Past National Commander of The American Legion, Indiana’s own Jim Koutz. Koutz helped develop this national program during his command year and continues to advocate for it in Indiana.
 
See the attached flyer. To pre-register, or for additional information, visit www.battleride.org
 
Registration
Registration can be done online by visiting www.battleride.org or in person the day of the ride from 8 – 10 a.m. at the ride’s start point, Renegade Classics, 9546 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, Ind., 46250. Registration costs $20 per rider and $10 per passenger. Kickstands up at 10:15 a.m.
 
Route
The ride is expected to last approximately five hours, covering more than 100 miles starting at Renegade Classics in Indianapolis. Riders will travel through Indianapolis, Carmel, Lebanon, Sheridan, Cicero, and Westfield, ending at the Northside Indianapolis Harley Davidson for an after-ride celebration and fundraiser.
 
Celebration at Northside Indy Harley Davidson
A post ride celebration will be held at the final destination, Northside Harley Davidson from 3 – 6 p.m. at 4146 E. 96th Street, Indianapolis, Ind., 46240. Raffles, a silent auction, a bike show and live music will help to raise more funds for OCW.
 
Media
Media is welcome and encouraged to participate in the ride and celebration. Contact Ride Captain David Baughman at 317-517-4161 for more information.
 
Operation Comfort Warriors
Operation Comfort Warriors is dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded, injured or ill military personnel by providing them with comfort items not usually supplied by the government.
 
All of OCW’s administrative and marketing costs are paid from Legion membership dues so that 100 percent of all donations go directly to purchasing comfort items for troops. Items include specially designed exercise equipment for the wounded, camaraderie building outdoor excursions and loose fitting garments for veterans recovering from wounds.
 
This national program was developed by Indiana’s own James Koutz during his term as national commander of the 2.2 million member American Legion in 2012-2013. Koutz received a $3,000 donation from the Battle Ride last year at the Tipton County Courthouse.
 
"I want to thank you Legion Riders for everything you do, getting out there and raising money for our American Legion programs, especially Operation Comfort Warriors," said Koutz. "It's a program that is dear to me and over the years the Legion Riders have proved that they raise more money out there than anyone."
 
Ride Captain David Baughman said he expects to double that number this year as the ride continues to gain momentum. Contact Ride Captain David Baughman at 317-517-4161 for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact the Indiana Legion Communications Director John Crosby at 317-416-5956 or by email at communications@indlegion.org 
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Photos by JOHN CROSBY

​Story by ALLEN LAMAN
alaman@dcherald.com

JASPER | Dubois County Herald — The American Legion Department of Indiana’s Hoosier Boys State program isn’t your typical summer camp. No canoes. No campfires.

Instead, the program, hosted by American Legions nationwide, immerses young men in a week of theory, organizational experience and practical application of the democratic process and form of government. This year’s Hoosier Boys State will take place from June 11-17 at Trine University in Angola.

“Basically, in a nutshell, it teaches young men how to form a government at the city, county and the state level,” said Daniel B. Lawson, children and youth program chairman at American Legion Post 147 in Jasper. “It’s a hands-on experience. It’s not necessarily classroom or instructional, it’s strictly hands-on.”

Lawson said the boys will learn how to form election committees, create delegates and engage in other important aspects of forming governments. The event’s website adds that the participants will actively work together to win elections, propose laws, negotiate bills and enforce the legislation and procedures established from the local up to the state level.
Other activities during the weeklong event include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs.

The program is open and offered at no-cost to current high school juniors who will return to school next fall for their senior year. Lawson said Post 147 raised enough funds from local businesses and organizations to sponsor 14, possibly 15, local high school juniors to attend the program this year. So far, 10 total delegates have been selected from Jasper High School and Northeast Dubois High School.

Lawson said he’d like to fill the remaining spots with young men from any high school in Dubois County.

“The people that donate money to me, they don’t want to see that money in a bank account,” Lawson said. “They want to see kids going to Boys State.”

In a press release penned April 11, Lawson noted that the campus of the university is well-equipped to care for the more than 600 boys who attend Hoosier Boys State every year, with state-of-the-art housing facilities, a local hospital, athletic facilities and more.

The release goes on to say that the 75 qualified and motivated staff members present at the event are individuals drawn from the Indiana educational community, professional career areas, Trine University and the American Legion.

Those interested in filling the remaining spots are encouraged to contact Lawson at 812-661-2440 or by email at dble754@gmail.com. To learn more about Hoosier Boys State, visit www.hoosierboysstate.org/us.
​
American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a separate but similar program for young women called Girls State. The Indiana Girls State convention will be held June 18-24 on the Trine University campus.