Words from the Adjutant
Morning to all. Yesterday, 4th Division Commander Ken Dorsett experienced a situation with the mother of a young member wanting to renew his dues. She had received a phone call from a hacker stating his name was Lewis Elam and proceeded to ask for credit card information to pay for the dues. First of all, "WE DO NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS FOR PAYMENT OF DUES". This is an immediate RED FLAG. Once the lady declined, this hacker became belligerent and started using profanity and harsh words toward this lady. Commander Dorsett then received a phone call from this lady and that is how I became aware of the situation. Gentlemen, please pay attention to any calls like this. I believe that since most of us use the on-line system of paying dues, the hackers are finding ways to infiltrate the national data base for membership. What worries me even more, is that your Squadron's bank account is also out there. I am asking each one of you to first, spread the word concerning this email and next, check your bank accounts regularly to make sure the hackers have not gotten into your account. If and when I receive more information, I will send it out to everyone. We are all in this together, so we all have to protect each other's back.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
Updated SDR list: 4/26
Here is an updated list of SDR forms I have received through 7:00 AM Friday, April 25, 2025
2, 17, 19, 21, 36, 37, 43, 50, 54, 57, 58, 75, 76, 83, 92, 99, 111, 119, 120, 127, 143, 172, 179, 205, 226, 231, 242, 243, 245, 248, 267, 275, 297, 310, 315, 317, 319, 321, 336, 339, 361, 424, 426, 430, 439, 443, 447, 453, 472, 488, 490, 517, 522, 533, 554, 569, 593, 597, 598, 602, 618, 626, 635, 649, 654, 667, 817 and 838.
That makes 68 reports
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
Updated SDR list: I am in the process of composing the next newsletter for the Detachment Convention Call. I will be in Austin Memorial Day weekend (Saturday May 24) putting together the newsletters. If any Squadron, District, District Commander or Detachment Officer/Committee Chair would like to put something in the newsletter, please get it to me by May 12. Please make sure your writing is legible as I will not re-write your article. All newsletters will be mailed to the Commander's I have on file (includes newly elected Commanders through May 12). If anyone wants to drop by Department Headquarters that Saturday in May and contribute a little help plus have a little fun, please do so. I should be in Austin by 10:00 that Saturday morning and we should be complete by 4:00 that afternoon. Things have been really hectic lately in the Adjutant's Office and I hope that I am taking care of and handling all of your issues (good or bad). The PUFL program continues to exceed expectations and hope everyone in the Detachment uses this program to the fullest extent possible. Our finances have taken a little hit due to the goings on at the White House, but I am praying for a good rebound. Please continue to work on membership for 2025. It would special to see Detachment Commander Alva hit 100% by Detachment Convention this July.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
As most of you know, the Detachment approved a resolution at last year's Detachment Convention for $5,000.00 to be donated to the active YMCA Centers at the 2 military bases stated above. In 2024, we donated all $5,000.00 to the YMCA Food Pantry at Fort Cavazos for turkeys at Thanksgiving. In addition to that donation, SAL Squadron 573, Harker Heights, took the lead in requesting and receiving donations for school supplies for the Armed Services YMCA Harker Heights. It was a huge success, and I cannot even remember the total amount of donations that were received to purchase these school items.
This year, 2025, Harker Heights Squadron 573 and Roy Fowler has again taken the lead in requesting and receiving donations for the 3rd Annual Armed Services YMCA Harker Heights School Supplies fund raiser. Along with this project, 4th Division Commander Ken Dorsett has taken the lead, along with Odessa Squadron 430, in requesting and receiving donations for the Armed Services YMCA El Paso School Supplies fund raiser, going on at Fort Bliss in El Paso. Both gentlemen have requested donations in the amount of $7,000.00, for each base, be made to this outstanding endeavor. All donations must be made by May 31, 2025. I have already sent out a flier for Fort Cavazos and I am including a flier in this email for Fort Bliss.
Finally, at this year's 2025 Detachment Convention, we will be donating the $5,000.00 as stated in our budget, $2500.00 to each military base, to be used for the turkey give away at Thanksgiving. However, as I understand the process, the total funds needed for both bases will run around $18,000.00 ($9,000.00 to each base). If we take away our Detachment donation, the Detachment of Texas will need to raise approx. $13,000.00 to cover the cost of the turkeys at Thanksgiving. Everyone's help is needed to sustain this great project. Remember, without our Father's and/or Mother's service, there would be no SAL. 4th Division Commander Dorsett has made this fund raising a personal goal of his for the next few months. There will be more discussion at the Detachment Convention, or if you need further assistance/information, please contact Roy Fowler for Fort Cavazos or Ken Dorsett for Fort Bliss.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
Updated SDR list: 4/21
2, 17, 19, 21, 36, 37, 43, 54, 57, 58, 75, 76, 83, 92, 99, 111, 119, 120, 127, 143, 179, 205, 226, 231, 242, 243, 245, 248, 267, 275, 297, 310, 315, 317, 319, 321, 336, 339, 361, 424, 426, 430, 439, 443, 447, 453, 488, 490, 517, 522, 533, 554, 569, 593, 597, 598, 602, 618, 626, 635, 649, 654, 817 and 838.
Total of 64 reports.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
Updated SDR list: 4/17
2, 17, 19, 36, 37, 54, 57, 58, 75, 76, 83, 92, 111, 119, 120, 127, 143, 179, 226, 231, 242, 243, 245, 248, 267, 275, 310, 315, 317, 319, 321, 336, 339, 361, 424, 426, 430, 439, 443, 447, 453, 488, 490, 517, 522, 533, 554, 593, 597, 598, 602, 618, 626, 635, 649, 654, 817 and 838
Total of 58 Squadrons that have submitted their 2026 SDR.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
Here is an updated list of SDR forms I have received through noon today 4/14/25.
2, 17, 19, 36, 54, 57, 75, 76, 83, 92, 111, 120, 127, 143, 179, 226, 231, 242, 243, 245, 248, 267, 275, 315, 319, 321, 336, 339, 361, 426, 430, 439, 443, 447, 488, 490, 517, 554, 593, 598, 602, 618, 626, 635, 649, 654, 817 and 838.
That makes 48 reports
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
I have attached a blank copy of the 2025 CSR. If you fill one out on-line, please print out a copy and send to me. If you fill out this copy, please send me a copy before mailing to National. Once I have received all copies (by end of June), I will forward to National. If I do not receive a copy of your completed CSR, your Squadron/District will not be eligible for any Detachment Awards. To all members of this email group, please send this email down to all Squadrons/Districts that may not be on this group email. Your help is appreciated
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
2025 Consolidated Report
Please read the attached news clip from National Headquarters. Pass it down the line.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
Leadership Update
Here is an update on received and filed SDR's through 9:00 AM, 4/10/25. There will be no more updates until Monday.
17, 19, 36, 54, 75, 76, 92, 127, 143, 179, 231, 242, 243, 245, 267, 275, 315, 319, 321, 336, 339, 430, 439, 443, 488, 517, 554, 593, 598, 618, 626, 635, 654 and 838
I also have 602 but need to put on new form. That makes 35 Squadrons that have submitted their form to me, not counting the Squadrons that submitted their form directly to National.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
Morning to all members with the Detachment of Texas. I am reaching out to all SAL members, District Commanders, Detachment Officers and friends of the Detachment, concerning the candidacy of Thom Skelley for the high office of SAL National Commander for the year 2026-2027. As everyone knows, when you run for an office of this magnitude, it takes a large amount of funds to put on a campaign of this type. I am asking each of you, and please spread the word throughout the Detachment, to do what you can to help raise funds for the "THOM SKELLEY FOR NATIONAL COMMANDER 2026-2027 CAMPAIGN FUND". Any amount of donation, personal, business and/or American Legion Family related, will help. Please do not send cash! Please make all checks and money orders payable to either FRIENDS TO ELECT THOM SKELLEY or RAY HARTLINE and mail all contributions to Ray Hartline, 614 Rains CR 1531, Point, TX 75472. Thank you. I will be sending more emails as time elapses and will provide updated information concerning this enormous task of fund raising and getting our great friend, Thom Skelley, elected.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
4/5/2025
To all members, please see below, read carefully and disseminate to all members. Your help is appreciated. To the Americanism Committee, get on board with this information, work it and present it in an email as soon as you can. This should be one of your programs in your Committee to work on. VA & R, this may be another topic/program to discuss. Reach out to the Americanism Committe and join forces. Now is the time for all of us to step up, get involved and work our Committees to the max!
National Emergency Fund (NEF) and Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) Information
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
3/28/2025
Please read carefully. These are further instructions from National Headquarters. Please send this email to all Squadrons withing your Districts/Divisions. Thank you.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
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From: Internal Affairs Division
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2025 5:07 PM
Subject: 2026 Post and Squadron Data Reports - update (3-27-25)
Greetings,
All preprinted 2026 Post Data Reports (PDRs) and Squadron Data Reports (SDRs) have all been shipped to the respective department headquarters office. Please review the attached revised 2026 PDR - SDR instructions memo and as a reminder the PDRs and SDRs do not need to be returned to national headquarters if there are no changesalong with the PDR & SDR forms for updates only if needed. These update forms should only be used if a replacement form is needed
Thanks in advance for your attention to this matter, let us know if you have any questions!Please read carefully. These are further instructions from National Headquarters. Please send this email to all Squadrons withing your Districts/Divisions. Thank you.
Squadron Data Report Instructions
Squadron Data Report
3/28/2025
Please see the attached document for your review and printing. If any Squadron/District/Division participates in ALFD and completes the attached form, please forward the Detachment Adjutant a copy of the form for Detachment reporting purposes. Thank you.
American Legion Family Day
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
3/20/2025
This email concerns the upcoming Fall DEC at the Austin Southpark in September.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
From: Marriott Guest Relations
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 4:30 PM
To: knwink@msn.com
Subject: PLEASE READ: Important Information Regarding Your Stay at the Austin Southpark Hotel
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March 19, 2025
Dear Kevin Winkelmann,
Confirmation number: xxxxxxxx
Effective March 20, 2025, the Austin Southpark Hotel will no longer be associated with Marriott but will continue operations as the Austin Southpark Hotel. Your reservation and rate will be honored at the property.
ACTION REQUIRED:
Prior to March 6, 2025, if you wish to cancel your reservation or seek alternate accommodations; utilize www.marriott.com or within the Marriott Bonvoy App.
Any questions regarding your reservation after March 6, 2025, must be directed to the hotel at (804) 520-5880.
For guests wishing to utilize Marriott gift certificates or gift cards, this property will be unable to accept these as a method of payment beyond March 19, 2025.
MARRIOTT BONVOY MEMBERS:
Since the hotel will no longer be affiliated with Marriott, points and Elite night credits will not be earned. Membership amenities and benefits will not be honored.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us directly at Global.GuestRelations@marriott.com.
Sincerely,
Marriott Guest Relations
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
3/18/2025
The 2026 SDR is being mailed out, from Department Headquarters, starting today. The form is being mailed to the same address as were your 2025 Membership Cards. Please keep an eye out for this form and follow the instructions. I need all, and I mean ALL, Squadrons to cc me whether you submit a new form and/or if there are no changes. This is very important. Thank you.
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Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
3/18/2025
Here is my question, your response is important. Whay if we set up an account where all donations can be sent and then mail out the individual donations to each entity as requested by the sender of the donation? For example, if a squadron donates $1,000.00 (one check) and request that it be divided into 4 donations to 4 entities, then the donation account sends out 4 separate checks. This way we can keep a more detailed report of what is being sent out as donations. I look forward to your replies and comments.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
3/6/2025
I have attached the list of appointments for the various Committees for 2025-2026. This has been completed with candidate Ken Dorsett's approval and help. As you can tell, we have made some changes. We have eliminated the Convention City Committee (since we are going to have all 3 meetings in the same hotel for the next 5 years) and also the CWF Committee (combined with Children & Youth). Starting in 2025, the candidate for Detachment Commander will chair the Membership since this should be a priority for him and the immediate Detachment Commander will chair the Finance Committe since he has now learned about our expenses. There will be more changes coming and I will continue to send you emails for your response, agree or disagree and your comments. I would like to have all of these changes completed before our Detachment Convention. There will be no need for By-Law changes since these are all in-house procedures. I look forward to everyone's response and if possible, try to have your comments to me by March 11, 2025. Thank you.
2025-2026 Appointments
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
3/2/2025
I would personally like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year Morning to all members with the Detachment of Texas. I am reaching out to all SAL members, District Commanders, Detachment Officers and friends of the Detachment, concerning the candidacy of Thom Skelley for the high office of SAL National Commander for the year 2026-2027. As everyone knows, when you run for an office of this magnitude, it takes a large amount of funds to put on a campaign of this type. I am asking each of you, and please spread the word throughout the Detachment, to do what you can to help raise funds for the "THOM SKELLEY FOR NATIONAL COMMANDER 2026-2027 CAMPAIGN FUND". Any amount of donation, personal, business and/or American Legion Family related, will help. Please do not send cash! Please make all checks and money orders payable to either FRIENDS TO ELECT THOM SKELLEY or RAY HARTLINE and mail all contributions to Ray Hartline, 614 Rains CR 1531, Point, TX 75472. Thank you. I will be sending more emails as time elapses and will provide updated information concerning this enormous task of fund raising and getting out great friend, Thom Skelley, elected.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
1/2/2025
I would personally like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and I hope that your New Year's Eve was fun but safe. I look forward to seeing everyone in about 2 plus weeks at our Mid-Winter Conference.
We have a lot of work to get done and hopefully good ideas and good news to bring to the meeting. I will be sending out a flier/notice of our Detachment Commander's Homecoming event coming up on February 15, 2025. You should be seeing the flier either Thursday or Friday.
If anyone needs any assistance with Membership or other areas of the SAL, please feel free to contact me. One item to remember, especially for the Committee Chairmen, there will no using the phrase, " NO REPORT".
Let's get focused and make this the best Detachment at National.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
12/24/2024
Members of the Detachment, I know everyone gets excited and wants to fill out the CSR and send it in to National Immediately. Please slow down! Wait until after Memorial Day, if you can, to fill out the form. PLEASE REMEMBER, you must send me a copy if you want your Squadron and/or District to be in the running for our Detachment Awards. If I do not receive your CSR, National will not send me a copy. PERIOD! District and Division Commanders, please spread this information to all Squadrons in your area
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
10/7/2024
Morning to all members of the Great Detachment of Texas. This past weekend, a delegation from the Detachment of Texas attended the SAL National Executive Committee meetings in Indianapolis. Learning, knowledge and fun was had by everyone. There was also a meet and greet night for our candidate for SAL National Commander Thom Skelley. The food and decorations, prepared and placed by Ray and Ann Hartline, were absolutely fantastic. The entire delegation helped with the decorations, serving of the food and cleanup, less yours truly.
Now, the important and good news. The SAL National Committee and Commission list was presented, at the close of Sundays meeting for the upcoming 2025 year. Here are your Detachment of Texas members:
Juan Torres—-------National Internal Affairs Commission (2026)
George Alva—------National Legislative Commission (2027)
Eddy Seegers—----National VA & R Commission (2025)
Tom Arista—--------National Children & Youth Committee (2025)
Gary Winters—-----National Convention Committee (2025)
Ray Hartline—-------National Convention Committee (2025)
Lewis Elam—---------National Membership Committee (2025)
And of course, our candidate for SAL National Commander 2026-2027
Thom Skelley
Congratulations to all of these outstanding individuals on obtaining these positions. If any other members would like to join some of these Commissions/Committees, please let me know as soon as possible. You must commit yourself from 1 to 3 years, depending on what Committee/Commission, by attending 2 meetings in Indianapolis and the National Convention each year. You must also deliver to me a SAL resume and the Committee/Commission you would like to serve on. If you have any questions or need further information, please reach out to me via email or text (817-994-7394).
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
9/16/2024
In the Blue Book, please make the following correction:
Nick Arcevo
9th District Commander
2209 22nd Ave N
Texas City, TX 77590
409-996-5415
nickridesamlr2@gmail.com
Thank you.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
9/16/2024
To all, I will be in our Detachment Office on Friday, from approx. 11:30-1:30 (hours may change) if anyone needs to stop by to discuss any ongoing items, make copies or just to visit and chat. Thank you
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
9/2/2024
I was in Austin over the weekend and have retrieved the remainder of the PUFL Dual Member cards. I will be processing then and mailing out the cards over the next week. I ask for your patience. There were only 4 newsletters returned and have been sent to their perspective American Legion Post. If anyone needs further information or help, please feel free to contact me. On behalf on Detachment Commander George Alva and myself, we hope everyone has a safe and fantastic Labor Day Holiday. Remember, the Fall DEC is in 3 weeks. All rooms at the old Omni have been booked under the block. There will be no special guest at this meeting. If you were one of the newly elected Detachment Officers and are waiting on your new cap, they are going in the mail today.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
9235 Mcdade
Houston, TX 77080
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
8/28/2024
It has come to my attention that there are some PUFL applications out there that have the wrong name and address for submitting. If any of you, and I know Squadron 504 has some, have a PUFL application with Steve Slaughter's name and address on it, dispose of them now. They are not to be used at any time. The only address to be used is mine. Otherwise, your application will be returned.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
9235 Mcdade
Houston, TX 77080
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
Note from Webmaster
I have scanned the website and can find only the correct version of the PUFL Application. If you have found it via the web please email me at thumper_mia231@yahoo.com and let me know where you foound it.
From Department Headquarters:
From this day forward, all dues that are paid for, 2024 or 2025, are now $17.00. Even though 2024 was $15.00, you now must pay $17.00.
No options.
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
Many of you have asked about a report that shows dues rates.
Below is a new report for the departments to monitor post/squadron dues rates. It ultimately answers the question: "Has the post's new dues rate been recorded by national?"
If your Squadron is unsure of whether National has the correct dues listed, contact me. Please do not call Department, I will handle request for you.
Thank you,
Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant
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