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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-05-2018 VAB MinutesMLIF SEBAST�_ I HOME Of PELICAN ISLAND VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2018, 3:00 PM CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN ST, SEBASTIAN, FL Chairman John Haskins called the Veterans Advisory Committee meeting to order at 3:01pm. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Present John Haskins, Commander of the VFW Russ Pacowski, Commander of the American Legion Andrea Coy, member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Barney Giordan, Member of the American Legion Butch Dawson, Alternate Member of the VFW Neil Baumgartner, Member of the VFW Absent Jerry Liucci, Alternate Member of the American Legion Also Present Scott Baker, Public Facilities Director Margarita Hernandez, Parks Administrator Cathy Testa, Recording Secretary 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION by Ms. Coy and a SECOND by Chairman Haskins to approve the December 4, 2017 minutes with corrections passed with unanimous voice vote. 5. OLD BUSINESS The Parks Administrator announced that a meeting was held with staff and the Lions Club about the logistics and the order of the 4ch of July Parade. Staff will meet again with them on February 16th to finalize the course of action for the parade. The selection of the Grand Marshal was not discussed at the previous meeting. They discussed possibly changing the roles and responsibilities for the parade. The Parks Administrator said she will have an update for the Committee at the April 2"d meeting. Ms. Coy said that no matter who organizes the parade they should not have a say in the order of the parade. Veterans Advisory Committee Page 2 Meeting of February 5, 2018 6. PUBLIC INPUT Steven Betancourt agreed with Ms. Coy by saying it's a parade and the military should come first no matter who organizes it. Chairman Haskins welcomed Steven Betancourt saying he is new to our area and is interested in involvement with the community and the veteran's organization. 7. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Giordan reported to the Committee that he was approached by a Council Member who asked if the veterans could obtain permission from the National Headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri for a loan of a military tank to possibly place in Riverview Park. He read a draft of the letter that would be sent out for the request and asked for discussion from the Committee. (See attached) Ms. Coy printed out a copy of the program's policies and procedures. She said there is a lot that needs to be done to make this project happen. The Public Facilities Director asked the Committee if the VFW or the American Legion will be the sponsor or are they asking for the City to be the sponsor. Chairman Haskins asked to put this discussion on hold until they all have the opportunity to research the policies and procedures. Once the Committee Members are ready, he will ask for a meeting with the Public Facilities Director to discuss the project. The Public Facilities Directors said he does have some concerns with the City's liability, ongoing maintenance and safety issues if this were to be placed in Riverview Park. 8. MEMBERS MATTERS Mr. Dawson reminded the Committee that the new VFW Service Officer, Robert Gonzales, has been hired by the county full-time to assist veterans with claims. Ms. Coy announced the Four Chaplains Ceremony will be held at Riverview Park Saturday February 10th at 1pm. Mr. Giordan said the Honor Guard will attend the ceremony on Saturday and a bus will be provided for them. Chairman Haskins wished everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. The VFW is sponsoring a steak dinner on Saturday and welcomed everyone to attend. Veterans Advisory Committee Meeting of February 5, 2018 Page 3 The Parks Administrator asked to include, "Relationship with VFW, American Legion and the City Manager" on the next agenda when the City Manager will be able to attend. 9. OTHER MATTERS --None 10. ADJOURN With no further matters Ch irman Haskins adjourned the meeting at 3:20pm. /Y:airman John Haskins Date COMMANDER U.S. ARMY TANK AUTOMOTIVE AND ARMARMENT COMMAND ATTN: AMSTA _ FRM WARREN, MI. 48397- 5000 RE: MILITARY EQUIPMENT REQUEST COMMANDER: THE V.F.W., POST 10210 AND AMERICAN LEGION POST 189, SEBASTIAN, FIORIDA HAVE A REQUEST FOR AVAILABLE MILITARY TAN? OR SIMILAR UNIT. THIS REQUEST IS FOR INSTALLATION AT OUR CITY 0? SEBASTIAN RIERVIE�" PARK LOCATED FACING THE INDIAN RIVER. INDIAN RIVER COUNTY IS A VETERAN POPULATED COUNTY .OUR CITY PARK CONTAINS A LARGE MEMORIAL REMBERING VETERANS WHO SERVED IN W.W. Y & 2 AND SUBSEQUENT CONFLICTS. THE PARK ALSO HAS A LARGE WATER FOUNTAIN PRESENTATION• HONORING " THE FOUR CHAPLINS ". OUR REQUEST IS TO INCREASE THE PARKS MILITARY HISTORICAL PRESENTATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC. ALL NATIONAL REMBERANCES ARE CELEBRATED DURING THE YEAR INCLUDING VETERANS AND MEMORIAL DAYS. ACTING COORDINATOR FOR OUR REQUEST IS BARNEY P. GIORDAN, A VETERAN, RESIDING AT 442 PETERSON ST., SEBASTIAN, FL. 3295A ddR THANKS FOR YOUR ASSISiAi\Gi; ON TFIS REQUEST. v (z� �1�1 �C�ZI (� 14✓�evtc�ti 1—e�cw �o�`I-��` VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS NO ONE DOES MORE POLICY AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONDITIONAL DONATION OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT, CEREMONIAL RIFLES AND BLANK AMMUNITION TO VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS Regulations, procedures, and prices for obtaining blank ammunition, surplus rifles, and other military equipment available for donation are subject to change without notice. Be advised all requests for surplus military equipment must first go through the Kansas City, MO National Headquarters office to verify the legitimacy of the post making the request. The VFW National Headquarters is only authorized to handle requests from chartered Veterans of Foreign Wars posts in good standing. Once verification has been made, the VFW National Headquarters sends requests to the appropriate agencies for processing. When requests are made to Congressional offices or other military departments, without the proper verification and endorsement, the acquisition process is greatly slowed down. Separate letters must be sent for each type of equipment being requested. If both rifles and ammunition are needed, separate requests should be forwarded to the VFW National Headquarters as two different agencies, the Joint Munitions Command in Rock Island, IL and the US Army TACOM Life - Cycle Management Command in Warren, MI will be handling the items. Requests are to be made on post letterhead and contain the following: • Post name and number • Address (not a PO Box number) • Post Commander, Adjutant or Quartermaster must sign request. These are requirements set forth in new policies and procedures established by the Army. Any correspondence lacking any of these items will be returned to the post causing a delay in processing. Posts are reminded equipment donated by the Department of the Army to Veterans of Foreign Wars posts remain the property of the United States Army. Transfer of any equipment obtained through the Ceremonial Rifle and Static Display Program is unauthorized without the written permission of the United States Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM). 'I' Posts receiving surplus equipment, rifles, static display items, etc. can expect periodic (ceremonial rifle inventories are conducted at the time of issue and every three years or as requested; static displays are conducted at the time of issue and every year or as requested) inspections to assure accuracy of information provided by the donor and compliance with the terms of this Conditional Deed of Gift, proper storage and handling, etc. This program is at no cost to the government, and even though posts may have to pay (or have paid) for handling, shipping, packaging, crating, etc., the items are really just "on conditional loan" from the Department of the Army. Visit the Army Donations Program website at: hftps://www.tacom.army.mil/iisc/donations/ BLANK AMMUNITION A written, formal request must be completed and signed by the current Post Commander, Adjutant or Quartermaster, one of who needs to be the contact person. Include that contact person's residential mailing address (street number) and phone number, not the Post's and an email address if available. Address the request to the Adjutant General, VFW National Headquarters, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. The approved request is forwarded by National Headquarters to the Commander, US Army Joint Munitions Command in Rock Island, IL for processing. The .30 blank ammo (1,240 rounds) is sent in 2 metal cans in a wooden box. The quantity is limited to two boxes and provided free with no shipping charges. Clips are also available. They are issued in multiples of 25 (100 is the maximum). Between 6-8 weeks after Rock Island processes the request, the ammo is shipped FEDEX Ground from Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, Independence, MO. The recipient will be notified of the tentative ship out date by letter from the US Army Joint Munitions Command in Rock Island, IL. Normal FEDEX Ground delivery is between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Prefer the ammunition be shipped to a residence and not to the post. A signature is required upon delivery. If absolutely necessary to be delivered to the post, an Officer's signature is required. This will be addressed on a case -by -case basis with the US Army Joint Munitions Command. Blank ammunition is authorized for use in United States Army issued ceremonial weapons ONLY. Ammo is not authorized to posts who receive rifles through any other source. The use of ammo obtained from sources other than the US Army Joint Munitions Command is prohibited as it may result in damage to the rifles. More importantly, it could cause harm or serious injury to the user. NOTE: US Army Joint Munitions Command will contact TACOM Army Donations Office to confirm that the organization's rifles are from the program and all records are current. RIFLES Under the provisions of Title 10 United States Code (USC) 4683, the Secretary of the Army, under regulations prescribed, may conditionally lend or donate excess M-1 rifles (not more than 15), slings, and cartridge belts to any eligible organization for use by that organization for funeral ceremonies of a member or former member of the armed forces, and for other ceremonial purposes. The Veterans of Foreign Wars is only authorized to handle requests from chartered VFW posts in good standing. The Army Donations Program Office in Warren, MI is responsible for issuing and management of rifles for ceremonial use. Title 10 USC 4683 allows conditions to be imposed on the use of the rifles as may be necessary to ensure security, safety, and accountability. The Secretary may impose such other conditions as considered appropriate. A Veterans of Foreign Wars post with more than 15 ceremonial rifles is required to return to the US Army the balance of the rifles in order to be in compliance with federal law. If this situation exists, the Veterans of Foreign Wars post will request disposition instructions from the Army Donations Program. No further ceremonial rifles or ammunition will be issued until the Veterans of Foreign Wars post is compliant. A Veterans of Foreign Wars post wishing to obtain rifles for ceremonial use should forward its request through the VFW National Headquarters. Address the request to the Adjutant General, VFW National HQ, 406 W. 341' St., Kansas City, MO 64111. The request should be on post letterhead with a street address (not a PO Box number), contact person with telephone number, and the number of active organization members. It should be signed by the Post Commander, Adjutant or Quartermaster. State the number of rifles desired up to a maximum of 15. The request is endorsed by National Headquarters stating that the post is chartered and in good standing and eligible to participate in the ceremonial rifle program, then forwarded to US Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, Attn: AMSTA-LCL-IWD, M/S: 419D, 6501 East 11 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48397-5000 for processing. 3 1 ? t _ An email address is: usarmv.detroit.tacom.mbx.ilsc-donations(a)mail.mil. The Donations office may be reached by calling (586) 282-9861. Email requests cannot be processed, as the signed original must be forwarded. Once TACOM receives the endorsed request, forwarded by the VFW National Headquarters Office, processing will begin and an eligibility package will be sent to the post. This package will include the checklist and forms required for completion by the Post Commander, Adjutant or Quartermaster. Return the original forms to TACOM. Presently it takes approximately ninety days for rifles to be shipped after receipt of the eligibility requirements from the post. Currently, M1 Garand rifles are available for ceremonial use on a conditional basis. These rifles are shipped from the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Normal Overnight FEDEX Ground delivery will be Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Ceremonial rifles remain the property of the United States Government. The rifles cannot be loaned, sold, transferred, or given to anyone else without the written approval of the Army Donations Program office. If for any reason the post no longer requires the use of the conditionally loaned rifles, submit a written request to the US Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, 6501 East 11 Mile Rd., Attn: AMSTA-ICL-IWD , M/S:419D, Warren, MI 48397-5000. NEVER return any weapons to TACOM. In most cases, the Army Donations Program Office will have prepaid shipping labels provided to assist with the return of rifles. After the returned rifles are received, provide a copy of the receipt to TACOM for validation of the return. In turn, they will send a letter to absolve the post of the responsibility/accountability for the returned rifles. If rifles are no longer in the possession of the post, it is a requirement to state what happened to them. Either a notarized statement signed by the commander describing the circumstances surrounding their loss and the action(s) taken to recover the rifles or a police and/or fire report is required. Send this information to TACOM for review. After review, a determination is made as to the liability for the missing/lost/stolen rifles. The post will be notified if reimbursement costs are required. A triennial inventory is required once every three years or upon request from the date of issue. Care and maintenance of the conditionally loaned rifles is the responsibility of the post. 41 P i,c Slings are not provided through the Army Donations Program Office. The Post may order them from Amherst Arms or Fulton Armory. Contact Amherst - Arms at 941-475-2020 or www.amherst-depot.com or Fulton Armory at 301-490-9485 or www.fulton-armory.com. The Army does not endorse any specific commercial source for rifle accoutrements. STORAGE AND SECURITY OF CEREMONIAL RIFLES Storage of the ceremonial rifles is at the discretion of the post as long as they comply with local/state/federal regulations. Organization provides storage location on completed Certificate of Arms Storage form submitted and on file. If there is a change, notify TACOM in writing. DAMAGED OR UNSERVICEABLE M1 RIFLES If M1 Garand rifles are no longer functioning, the post is required to have a licensed gun dealer or an armorer certify the serviceability of each weapon in question. The post must provide a report by model, manufacturer, and serial number detailing what is wrong with each rifle and how much it costs to fix it with respect to shooting blank ammunition. TACOM will determine if the cost to repair exceeds the cost to refurbish and ship replacement rifles to the post. If it does not, the post is required to pay for the repair costs. POLICY AND PROCEDURE FOR ACQUISITION OF COMBAT EQUIPMENT FOR DISPLAY AND MONUMENTAL PURPOSES The Army Donations Program office may also conditionally provide obsolete or condemned Army combat equipment under the provisions of Public Law 100456, Title 10 United States Code 2572. Equipment is for static display only and is not in working condition. This program does not have jeeps or vans for driving. Jeeps are no longer available to the public. All requests for tanks, field artillery pieces, mortars, etc., should be directed to Adjutant General, VFW National Headquarters, 406 W. 34"' St., Kansas City, MO 64111. This headquarters is only authorized to process requests from Veterans of Foreign Wars posts. Requests are to be made on post letterhead and contain the following: post name and number, address (not a P.O. Box number), name of contact person with telephone number and number of active organization members in the post. All requests must be signed by the Post Commander, Adjutant or Quartermaster. Conditional donations of obsolete, condemned combat equipment for display are made at no expense to the government. The costs for construction of a display site limited demilitarization and removal of radiological material (when applicable), release and transportation costs, must be paid by the requesting organization. (Do not prepare a pad until notified in writing by the donations office.) Once the VFW National Headquarters receives the request for a piece of equipment, it will be verified that the post is chartered, in good standing and eligible to participate in the program. The request is forwarded to the Army Donations Program office at TACOM in Warren, Mi. The VFW National Headquarters does not have any forms or information as to what is available. Once TACOM receives the request, they prepare an official packet and send it to the post. The post then reviews all rules, regulations, requirements, and can make a final decision if the equipment is still desired. Unfortunately, at this time, Army equipment is not readily obtainable for use as a conditional static donation. It is recommended your post submit the initial eligibility requirements to the donations office to remain in an open status for a period of three years. If an asset does not become available within three years, the request is cancelled and your VFW Post will have to reapply. The post has the responsibility to maintain and display the Army asset in such a way that honors and upholds the image of the United States, our military forces and the veterans. The post is required to submit an annual certificate and a photograph of the displayed item on the anniversary date of the conditional issue. In the event your organization no longer has a requirement to display the item, you are required to contact the donations office for turn in procedures. Posts are not authorized to loan, sell, transfer, move, abandon or give the asset to any other individual or organization. �V TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE 1) It is not necessary to notify TACOM when transferring rifles to another Post. True False 2) How often is it required to turn in the Ceremonial Rifle Inventory to TACOM? A. Every year from date of issue B. Every ten years from date of issue C. Every three years from date of issue D. It is not necessary to send an inventory list 3) How much blank ammunition is distributed? A. As much as you need B. Six boxes C. Twelve boxes D. Two boxes 4) Clips are also available through the Joint Munitions Command. _True False 5) 1 can order military jeeps and/or vans to drive in parades. _True False 6) Blank ammunition can be ordered for personal rifles. _True False 7) What is the procedure if the rifles are no longer in the possession of the Post? A. There is no procedure B. Contact the police/or fire dept. if required C. Contact TACOM D. Band C 71r,i_ ANSWER KEY 1) False - Ceremonial rifles remain the property of the United States Government. The rifles cannot be loaned, sold, transferred or given to anyone else without the written approval of the Army Donations Program office. 2) C — A triennial certification of ceremonial rifles is due every three years to TACOM from the date the rifles are issued. TACOM will provide the form(s) with instruction at the time of issuance. Failure to update this form every three years can delay blank ammunition requests. The same procedure applies to posts reporting static display equipment only the form/certification and photograph is due every year. 3) D - .30 blank ammo (1,240 rounds) is sent in 2 metal cans in a wooden box with no shipping charges. 4) True - Clips are issued in multiples of 25 (100 is the maximum). 5) False - Equipment is for static display only and not in working condition. Jeeps are no longer available to the public. 6) False - Blank ammunition is authorized for use in the United States Army issued ceremonial weapons only. 7) D - If rifles are stolen or in a fire, get a report from the police/fire department and forward to TACOM with a notarized statement signed by the Commander describing the circumstances surrounding their loss. If rifles are lost, send the notarized statement signed by the Commander only. 8111.i,c SURPLUS MILITARY EQUIPMENT Regulations, procedures, and prices for obtaining blank ammunition surplus rifles, and other Military equipment available for donation is subject to change without notice. The Department of the Army has made major changes. Be advised all requests for surplus military equipment must first go through the Washington, DC, National Headquarters Office to verify the legitimacy of the post making the request. The Washington Office is only authorized to handle requests from chartered American Legion posts in good standing. Once verification has been made, the Washington Office sends requests to the appropriate agencies for processing. When requests are made to Congressional offices or other military departments, without the proper verification and endorsement, the acquisition process is greatly slowed down. Separate letters must be sent for each type of equipment being requested. If both rifles and ammunition are needed, separate letters must be sent for each type of equipment being requested. If both rifles and ammunition are needed, separate requests should be forwarded to the Washington Office as two different agencies, Rock Island, IL and Warren, MI will be handling the items. This is a change from past handling procedures. Requests are to be made on post letterhead and contain the following: Post name and number, Address (not a P.O Box number) Telephone number for all members in the post (another new change) Post commander or adjutant must sign request. These are requirements set forth in new policies and procedures established by the Army. Any correspondence lacking any of these items will be returned to the post causing a delay in processing. Posts are reminded equipment donated by the Department of the Army to American Legion posts remain the property of the United States Army. Transfer of any equipment obtained through the Surplus Program is unauthorized without the written permission of the United States Army Tank -automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). Posts receiving surplus equipment, rifles, static display items, etc. can expect periodic inspections to assure accuracy of information provided by the donor and compliance with the terms of this Conditional Deed of Gift, proper storage and handling, etc. This program is to be at no cost to the government and even though posts have paid for handling, shipping, packaging, crating, etc., the items are reallyjust "on loan" from the Department of the Army. BLANK AMMUNITION American Legion posts needing blank ammunition for ceremonial purposes can be assured of the best possible service on requests, if they comply with the following instructions: 1. Direct a letter of request on post letterhead with an address (not a P.O. Box number) and a telephone number to Executive Director, Washington Office, American Legion National Headquarters, 1608 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20006. 2. Ammunition is now provided free of charge. Please do not send any checks or money orders. 3. It is preferred the ammunition be shipped to a residence of an officer and not to the post. Provide a home delivery address in your written request along with a phone number for that residence. 4. At the present time, the only storage facility handling blank ammunition is in Missouri; orders will be shipped from there. You should receive a letter indicating your order has been processed along with a tentative ship out date. Orders are usually received within 5 working days after shipment. Federal Express will not call you to let you know they are on the way to deliver. A signature is required upon delivery. No orders should be left at the door without a signature. 5. Upon receipt of the above information from a post, the Legion's Washington Office will place an endorsement on the request stating it is a chartered post in good standing and eligible to participate in the Veterans' Program. The request, with endorsement, will be forwarded to Rock Island, IL for processing. No further correspondence should be necessary. Presently, it cannot be estimated how long it will take for ammunition requests to be filled. Requests will be handled in turn as to when received and when ammunition is available. Do not put multiple requests (ammunition, rifles, static display equipment) in the same letter, as each request must be sent to a different agency. You can request clips through Rock Island, IL with your ammo request. State this in your request. Clips are provided free of charge. FACTSHEET Issue of Cartridge Caliber 30 Blank and Clips NOTE: Only authorized organizations that have been issued weapons through the Ceremonial Rifle Program at the US Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command in Warren., MI are authorized to order and receive blank ammunition and/or clips. If you have privately owned weapons or borrow weapons from another organization, your organization is not eligible to receive blank ammunition and/or clips through this program. The use of ammunition obtained from sources other than the Joint Munitions Command is prohibited as it may result in damage to the rifle. More importantly, it could cause harm or serious injury to the user. NOTE: This office will only respond to requests for Caliber .30 blank ammunition or clips from an officer of the organization. Your request for forms to order blank ammunition and/or clips can be by letter, fax, phone call, or email. Request for forms must provide home mailing address, phone number of officer, post number, and city/state where the post is located. Forms are sent to the residence of the officer and not to the post. A new form needs to be requested each time you need to order blank ammunition and/or clips. Address your request for issue of AMSJM Form 725-2 to: Commander Joint Munitions Command ATTN: AMSJM-CDS Email: follanddQafsc.army.mil I Rock island Arsenal Rock Island, IL 61299-6000 (309) 7824608 or Toll Free 877-233-2515 Fax: (309) 782-7292 or (309) 782-1776 Prefer to ship ammunition to the residence of an officer, not to the post. Ammunition is sent 1,240 rounds (2 metal cans in a wooden box). Quantity is limited to 2 boxes (2,480 rounds) of ammunition. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY/CHECKS. AMMUNITION AND CLIPS ARE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE (NO SHIPPING AND HANDLING). ALL CHECKS/MONEY WILL BE RETURNED. Allow 6-8 weeks delivery after Rock Island receives and processes your order. All ammunition will be shipped via Federal Express (FEDEX) from Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, Independence, MO. Normal FEDEX delivery will be Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm An officer signature is required. RIFLES Under the provisions of .Public Law 1028, Title 10 United States Code (USC) 4683, the Secretary of the Army, under regulations prescribed, may conditionally lend or donate excess M-1 rifles (not more than 15), slings, and cartridge belts to any eligible organization for use by that organization for funeral ceremonies of a member or former member of the armed forces, and for other ceremonial purposes. The American Legion is only authorized to handle requests from chartered Legion posts in good standing. The Army Donations Program office at Warren, MI is responsible for issuing and management of rifles for ceremonial use. Title 10, USC 4683 allows conditions to be imposed on the use of the rifles as may be necessary to ensure security, safety, and accountability. The Secretary may impose such other conditions as considered appropriate. An American Legion post wishing to obtain rifles for ceremonial use should forward its request through the Washington Office of The American Legion. The request should be on post letterhead with an address, not a P.O. Box number, a telephone number, a contact person, the number of active organization members, and should be signed by the post commander or adjutant. State the number of rifles desired up to a maximum of 15. Failure to include any of these requirements will cause the letter of request to be returned to the post. The request is endorsed stating that the post is chartered and in good standing and eligible to participate in the ceremonial rifle program. It is forwarded to Headquarters, US Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, Attn: AMSTA-LC-LSDD, MIS: 419, 6501 East 11 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48397-5000. An e-mail address is: donations(a.tacom.armv.mil. The command may be reached by calling 1-800-325-2920, ext. 48469 or 45371 or visit their Website at: www.tacom.armv.miUceremonial rifle. E-mail or fax requests cannot be processed, as the signed original must be forwarded. Once TACOM receives the endorsed request, forwarded by the Washington Office, processing will begin and an eligibility package will be sent to the post. This package will include the checklist and forms required for completion by the post commander or adjutant. Return the original forms to TACOM. The sooner the forms are completed and returned, the quicker the request will be filled and rifles sent to the post. Presently it takes approximately ninety days for rifles to be shipped after receipt of the elieibility requirements from the post. The American Legion National Headquarters has no forms to send to posts. The only thing done by the Legion is to verify on the request the post is eligible. Currently, surplus Ml Garand rifles are available for ceremonial use on a conditional basis. These rifles are shipped from Springfield, Inc. located in Geneseo, Illinois. Ceremonial rifles remain the property of the United States Government. The rifles cannot be loaned, sold, transferred, or given to anyone else without the written approval of the Army Donations Program office. If for any reason the post no longer requires the use of the conditionally loaned rifles, submit a written request to the US Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, 6501 East 11 Mile Rd., Attn: AMSTA-LC-LSDD, M/S:419, Warren, MI 48397-5000. The post is provided with shipping instructions for defective or unserviceable rifles. NEVER return any weapons to TACOM. Transportation for the return of the rifles is at the expense of the post After the rifles are returned, provide a copy of the receipt to TACOM for validation of the return In turn, they will send a letter to absolve the post of the responsibility for the returned rifles. If rifles are no longer in the possession of the post, it is a requirement to state what happened to them. If the rifles were lost or stolen prior to 1980, a notarized statement signed by the commander describing the circumstances surrounding their loss and the action(s) taken to recover the rifles is acceptable. For rifles lost, stolen, damaged, etc., after 1980, a police and/or fire department report is required. Send this information to TACOM for review. After review, a determination is made as to the liability for the missing/lost/stolen rifles. The post will be notified if reimbursement costs are required. A triennial inventory is required once every three years from the date of issue. Care and maintenance of the conditionally loaned rifles is the responsibility of the post. Slings are not provided through the Donations Program Group Office. The post may order from Amherst Arms or Fulton Armory: Amherst Arms, PO Box 1457, Englewood, FL 34295. Their telephone number is: 1-941- 475-2020. The address for Fulton Armory is: 8725 Bollman Place # 1, Savage, MD 20763. Their telephone number is: 1-800-878-9485. STORAGE AND SECURITY OF CEREMONIAL RIFLES Storage of the ceremonial rifles is at the discretion of the post as long as they comply with local/state/federal regulations. DAMAGED OR UNSERVICEABLE RIFLES If rifles are no longer functioning, the post is required to have a licensed gun dealer or an armorer certify the serviceability of each weapon in question. The post must provide a report by model, manufacturer, and serial number detailing what is wrong with each rifle and how much it costs to fix it with respect to shooting blank ammunition. TACOM currently has an informal agreement with the Civilian Marksmanship Program to perform this service at no cost to the post. However, if no one volunteers to inspect, clean, repair the MI Garand rifles, the post must contact a licensed weapons expert TACOM will determine if the cost to repair exceeds the cost to refurbish and ship replacement rifles to the post. If it does not, the post is required to pay for the repair costs. POLICY AND PROCEDURE FOR ACQUISITION OF COMBAT EQUIPMENT FOR DISPLAY AND MONUMENTAL PURPOSES The following organizations are presently authorized to acquire through donation obsolete, condemned surplus combat equipment for decorative and/or monumental purposes: Municipal Corporations Soldiers' Monument Associations State Museums An incorporated museum, operated and maintained for educational purposes only, when charter denies it the right to operate for profit. A post of The American Legion A local unit of any other recognized war veterans association Equipment is for static display only and is not in working condition. For instance, this program would not have jeeps in condition for driving or other movable vehicles. Equipment in working order should be obtained at military R&R activities or at bases with surplus sales. All requests for tanks, field artillery pieces, mortars, etc., should be directed to the Washington Office of The American Legion, 1608 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20006. This headquarters is only authorized to process requests from American Legion posts. Requests are to be made on post letterhead and contain the following: post name and number; address (not a P.O. Box number); Telephone number and name of contact person; number of members in the post; and all requests must be signed by the commander or adjutant. Donations of combat equipment for display are made at no expense to the government. The costs for handling, demilitarization, where applicable, and transportation, must be paid by the requesting organization. The method of transportation may be chosen by the receiving organizations if such choice is economically advantageous and the item to be transported does not exceed weight or measurement limitations established by State Highway Departments if truck transportation is indicated. Once the Washington Headquarters receives the request for a piece of equipment, it will be endorsed stating the post is chartered and in good standing and eligible to participate in the program. The request is forwarded to the proper agency at TACOM in Warren, MI. The Washington Headquarters does not have any forms or information as to what is available. Once TACOM receives the request, they prepare an official packet and send it to the post. The post then reviews all rules, regulations, requirements, and can then make a final decision if the equipment is still desired.