Section 1 a “Blueprint” for the 21st Century Purpose

Important Information: Effective January 1, 2004 - All Term Life plans were transferred to Reliastar Life Insurance Company. Insured members were informed of this change in October.

MARSH AFFINITY GROUP SERVICES

West Des Moines, IA 50398

Another plan available to members and spouses is Birthday Life, underwritten by Union Fidelity Life Insurance Company, located in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. This plan is a guaranteed-issue, whole life plan combined with accidental death insurance. The benefits do not decrease and premiums paid at entry age do not increase, as the insured grows older. No medical exam is required.

Guaranteed renewable for life, Legionnaires and spouses age 45 through age 80 are eligible to enroll in this plan, which builds cash values and offers a loan provision. The age limit in Washington and New Jersey is lower than age 80. Contact Union Fidelity for details.

The plan provides a limited death benefit, for the first two years, for death from natural causes and provides full benefits during that period for accidental deaths. Full benefits in any event are payable after two years. For more information, contact Union Fidelity at the following address and phone number:

Health Care Plans

1.) A variety of major medical plans, called “Market Basket”, which allows members (Legion and SAL) to call and request quotes on major medical insurance.

2.) Small Business Group Insurance- provides quotes on major medical coverage for small employer groups of 2-50 employees. Additional options offered for employees are term life, accidental death, long and short-term disability and dental. Remember, these plans are for employees of the small business group- not the general membership. Posts and Departments with 2 to 50 employees could also use this plan.

3.) Dental Insurance- this is an indemnified insurance plan with a full schedule of benefits, for members and their dependents, including SAL. For more information, call 1-877-886-0110.

The American Legion has approved a National TRICARE Supplement Program for active duty and retired military members and dependents.

The program is designed to meet the needs of active duty and retired military members who may be referred to civilian facilities for care. It includes an active duty and retired version. A combined brochure is available from the Administrator. Information on the plan has previously been distributed to Departments.

This program can also provide an important tool for Posts and Departments that desire to recruit members on or near military bases or retired military personnel.

For additional information, questions, or quantities of brochures, call 1-800-542-5547. The American Legion TRICARE Supplement Program is underwritten by Hartford Life Insurance Company and Administered by Marsh Affinity Group Services, of West Des Moines, Iowa. Please Note: (These plans are not available in all states).
The American Legion Discount Prescription Program

An important benefit for American Legion, Sons of The American Legion (SAL) and The American Legion Auxiliary members and dependents is The American Legion Discount Prescription Program designed by Seabury & Smith and administered by RxAmerica. The program was approved nationwide by the National Executive Committee at its October 1995 meeting. We are pleased to announce that the Department of Maryland entered the National program in 2003, after their own program was terminated. We are also pleased to inform you that CVS pharmacies have re-entered our pharmacy network.

The program has two components: a network of retail pharmacies and a mail order service. It’s easy to use. Members simply present their current American Legion, SAL, or Auxiliary membership card at the pharmacy when purchasing a prescription to receive the discount. For mail service, obtain a mail order request form from the local Post or by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-770-8014, complete the mail order form and send it to: RxAmerica,

P.O. box 960125, Fort Worth, TX 76161-9863. The mail service is guaranteed to be more cost-effective than AARP mail service.

Most of the time members can save as much as 20% or more on prescription purchases. In cases when members appear not to save, it is usually when the drug is already on sale as a loss leader. Loss leaders are drugs priced well below retail, sometimes below cost, to lure customers into the pharmacy. However, the Legion Discount Prescription Program assures that members pay the lowest price in the network pharmacy for that drug on that particular day--the lesser of the two.

Members have actually experienced an average savings of about 19% nationally. This amounts to more than $47 million in savings for Legion, SAL and Auxiliary members thus far. Continued utilization will increase savings even more.

Travel Service, Additional Hotels, Internet Service, and Auto Services. Be watching the Magazine or Dispatch for additional information.

The American Legion invented the drum corps, and perfected the beauty, excitement, and preciseness of the modern parade. We’ve been America’s unquestionable leader and staunchest supporter of amateur

musical drill units since 1921. It behooves us to maintain this leadership, and we can with proper organization and support at the Post level.

Uniformed groups are American Legion “display cases” so to speak. At Post, Department or national level, they advertise and dramatize The American Legion’s size, scope and substance to everyone within sight and sound. They afford everybody involved a sense of accomplishment, and a great deal of satisfaction and enjoyment and, to both, are one of the finest opportunities for Post public relations.

Every Post can participate in uniformed group activities if it so chooses. Take your choice with categories available; one must surely meet with the approval of your Post’s membership. If a drum corps or band can’t be managed, try a color guard or firing squad. If these don’t appeal, go to work on the organization of a chorus, or just a quartet. If the natural bent of your Post is toward youth activities, sponsor a junior unit of some type.

There is a National Convention competition in the following categories: 1) Senior Color Guard—Military Closed (American Legion Members Only), 2) Senior Color Guard—Military Open (Auxiliary, SAL, Mixed Members), 3) Senior Color Guard—Open Class (Legion, Auxiliary, SAL, Mixed Members), 4) Senior Concert Band Contest.

The American Legion Emblem Sales has available a wide variety of merchandise including American Legion and Auxiliary decals, uniforms, gifts for outgoing officers, bookkeeping materials, gifts, fashion apparel, etc. The American Legion Emblem Sales distributes merchandise catalogs to every Post Commander, Post Adjutant, and Unit President. Additional copies can be obtained by calling toll-free at 1-888-453-4466. Or, visit our web site on the World Wide Net at www.emblem.legion.org.

Additionally, The American Legion Emblem Sales has been delegated, by the National Adjutant, the task of administering use of the emblem on manufactured goods. The name and emblem of The American Legion are registered service marks in the U.S. Trademark Office and are protected by criminal and civil enforcement provisions of federal law (18 U.S.C. S 705 and 36 U.S.C. SS 21704 and 21705). However, by authority of May 1947 Resolution Number 71, the National Organization may grant permission to use the name and emblem in accordance with Resolution Number 71, other Resolutions and U.S. Trademark Law. In order for permission to be granted, a request must be submitted in writing, through Department Adjutant who will forward the request to The American Legion Emblem Sales. The following information must be included with the request: 1) name and address of requesting Post, 2) name and address of manufacturer, 3) description of item to be manufactured, 4) quantity to be manufactured, 5) cost each, 6) assurances that the item is made in the United States, 7) purpose of which item is to be used (must be for Post use, not purchased for re-sale). Authority may then be granted on a one-time basis only; additional orders require new authority, and the manufacturer must not produce more items than that being ordered.

The American Legion Emblem Sales is pleased to serve you regardless of your requirements. During your continuing activity in The American Legion, you will find this service division of valuable assistance in carrying out the programs of your Post. See the next page for the official form to use.

The use of the emblem by an individual Legionnaire is limited to the wearing of the official insignia and to the possession of authorized jewelry or merchandise bearing the insignia.

The name and emblem of The American Legion are registered service marks in the U.S. Trademark Office and are protected by criminal and civil enforcement provisions of federal law (18 U.S.C.S. 705 and 36 U.S.C.SS 21704 and 21705). By authority of May 1947 Resolution 71, the National Adjutant or his designated representative (Director, The American Legion Emblem Sales), may grant limited permission to use the name and emblem in accordance with Resolution Number 71, other Resolutions and U.S. Trademark Law. In order to gain permission for limited use of the name or emblem, complete the form provided on the next page and forward it to your Department Headquarters, attn: Department Adjutant. Your Department Headquarters will forward the completed form to The American Legion Emblem Sales. Please note that the member or Post purchasing the merchandise must request permission and permission is granted directly to U.S. Manufacturers only.