sociation has provided an award of $1,000 to be given to a science teacher in the secondary school system of the country who is deemed outstanding.

Annual dues are as follows: regular membership, $7.50; group membership (20 members), $150.00; sustaining membership, $500.00.

The organizer and first president was Col. Herbert K. Bear. The present president is Mr. Glenn A. Hutt.

ARMED FORCES COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS ASSOCIATION 1624 Eye Street, N. W., Washington 6,

D. C.

The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association was organized on 1 May 1946 as the Army Signal Association and on 28 July 1947 was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia. Shortly thereafter it was enlarged to include the Navy and Air Force, and the name was changed to Armed Forces Communications Association. In November it adopted its present name, to indicate the new and enlarged field in which many of its industrial and military members are engaged.

The Association endeavors to maintain and improve the cooperation between the Armed Forces and industry in the design, production, maintenance, and operation of communications, electronic, and photographic equipment in time of peace as well as in time of war, and to preserve and foster the spirit of fellowship among former, present, and future service and industrial personnel in these fields.

The organizers envisioned a strong body of American citizens from both industry and the military which, through the combined efforts of its members, would make certain the security and preparedness of our nation. To this end the Association provides: (1) individual membership in one of AFCEA's chapters here or abroad, providing contacts between industry and military personnel for the valuable exchange of ideas and information; (2) membership by some 200 firms in the communications-electronics-photography field, thus forming a nucleus of the most highly trained men in their field, who stand ready to

give advice and assistance to the Armed Forces on research, development, manufacturing, procurement, and operation of military equipment; (3) a program of assistance toward the development of adequate reservoirs of scientists and engineers of the future, by sponsoring student chapters, and stimulating interest in this field among high school students; (4) awards to ROTC cadets who have shown high scholastic achievement in electronic studies; and (5) a monthly magazine, Signal, the oldest military-industrial periodical in communications-electronics, which is devoted to disseminating the latest information through timely articles and national advertising from the communication-electronics-photography field.

Captain W. B. Goulett, USN (Ret.), is Executive Vice President. Colonel W. J. Baird, USA (Ret.), is editor of Signal.

Individual membership, including a 12-month subscription to Signal, is $5.00. Student membership is $2.50. Nationals of other countries are eligible as foreign associate members. Group membership is $125 or $250 according to the size of the company.

ARMY AND NAVY LEGION OF VALOR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

316 Courthouse, Pittsburgh 19,

Pennsylvania

To perpetuate the ideals of patriotism and loyalty, the Army and Navy Legion of Valor was founded as the Medal of Honor Legion on 23 April 1890 by a group of those who had won the Congressional Medal of Honor in the Civil War or the Indian campaigns. In 1918 the organization admitted to membership those who had received the Army's newly created decoration for extraordinary heroism, the Distinguished Service Cross. Simultaneously the present name was adopted. In 1933 those who were awarded the Navy Cross for acts of heroism were declared eligible for membership. Incorporated by Public Law 224, 84th Congress, in 1955, the Legion of Valor now ranks as one of the oldest veterans' organizations in the United States.

Since its inception the Legion has sought to assist the Services in perpetu

ating the memory of deeds of valor and self-sacrifice on the field of battle, on the seas, and of recent years in the air, performed by those whose recognition has been one of the nation's two highest decorations for heroism, whether conferred by the Army, Navy, or Air Force. In the belief that patriotism is stimulated by the living example of such men, this organization has kept alive the tradition of heroic service by its local activities, its annual convention and memorial services, and the publication of its monthly General Orders.

The nature of this organization militates against its ever achieving great size. Today only 1,800 holders of the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and Navy Cross are enrolled. A Corporation Agent, Ensign Patrick T. Ryan, Navy Cross, USN (Ret.), 3904 Benton Street, Washington, D. C., maintains the liaison with Congress required by Public Law 224. National officers serving for 1958 are: Commander, Col. David Hardee, Raleigh, North Carolina; Vice Commander, Lt. Col. Glenn Doman, Philadelphia, Pa.; Adjutant, Lt. Ben Prager, Pittsburgh, Pa.

ARMY AND NAVY UNION, USA 1048 Kling Street

Akron 1, Ohio

The Army and Navy Union was organized in 1886 and incorporated 31 March 1888. It was the first service organization in the United States, and is the second oldest veteran organization.

The fundamental object of the Union is to continue national defense and national security. In addition, it seeks to promote, foster, encourage, and perpetuate fraternal comradeship among all those who have seen service in the Armed Forces of the United States; to continue the high ideals of patriotism, loyalty, justice, and service to this country and to educate all others in these principles; to uphold, guard, and protect the honor and integrity of our Constitution, our National Government, our flag, and the principles they represent; and lastly, to maintain constant vigilance against forces that might have as their intention the destruction of our present form of Government through sabotage or subversive activities.

All persons who are applicants for membership in the Army and Navy Union either must have received an honorable discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States of America or must be serving in some unit of the Armed Forces.

The Union has a distinctive badge that, by acts of Congress in 1894 and 1907, "may be worn in their own right, upon all public occasions of ceremony by officers and enlisted men of the Army and Navy of the United States who are members of said organization." Organized nationally, the Union is subdivided into departments and branches. It publishes a monthly newspaper, Army and Navy Union, USA, News.

The National Commander is Lawrence H. Fariello of New York City. The National Adjutant is Joseph P. Burger of Akron, Ohio. The National Paymaster is Clarence A. Eberle of Akron, Ohio. The National Historian is Mayor James M. Callahan of Victor, Ohio.

ARMY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION United States Military Academy West Point, N. Y.

The Army Athletic Association, established in 1892, conducts, in the name of the Superintendent, United States Military Academy, business relating to intercollegiate athletics at the Academy. It is administered by the Athletic Board, composed of the Director of Athletics, the Commandant of Cadets, three permanent professors, and the Graduate Manager of Athletics who is the Secretary without vote. Subject to the approval of the Superintendent, the Board has supervision and control over all intercollegiate athletics. It also controls all expenditures of funds.

The Association membership is limited to graduates of the Academy, cadets, and ex-cadets who served more than six months at the Academy. Prior to 1927 a limited number of nongraduates were admitted each year; however, because of increase in size of entering classes, it became necessary in 1927 to adopt the present limitation. Membership cannot be inherited or transferred.

ARMY COOPERATIVE FIRE
ASSOCIATION

Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

The Army Cooperative Fire Association was organized in 1887 by a group of Army officers at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Their purpose was to offer insurance against fire losses to personal and household effects regardless of station or duty, and at actual cost to members. They hoped to avoid the many restrictions then prevalent in other policies.

Today the Association is open to regular commissioned or warrant officers, and to reserve officers or warrant officers on extended active duty. Officers of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard are eligible for membership. A retired member is permitted to maintain his membership as long as he lives. Widows of members are permitted to transfer membership in their own right, and to maintain insurance coverage with the Association as long as is desired. Membership as of 1 January 1958 was 33,988.

The Association is controlled directly by its members, who elect an Executive Committee of five active duty officers, stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where the home office has been maintained since organization. The Executive Committee passes on all claims, supervises investments, and directs a yearly audit of all accounts by certified public accountants, in addition to other responsibilities incident to government of the Association.

The insurance offered is designed for extreme flexibility of coverage for personal property and household effects wherever located. It applies automatically to property in transit; in government, commercial, or private storage; or in use in duty or residence locations in any part of the world, at no increase in rate.

Two coverages are offered. Basic Coverage A insures against damage by fire; lightning; smoke; flood; other water damage; earthquake; explosion in any structure containing the property; hail; windstorm, including hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones; and for transportation damage in common government carriers on land, sea, or air, including sinking, burning, stranding, collision, derailment, overturn, crashing or ditching of the carrier, from general average or salvage charges,

or

from loss of property to include uncrated goods, crates, packages, or containers, in custody of the government for shipment, or storage, or in commercial storage, or while in custody of a public carrier under bill of lading, van company contract, or other shipping receipt or baggage check. Those who desire to supplement Coverage A may add Optional Coverage B, which insures for: theft; mysterious disappearance; burglary; larceny; hold-up; pilferage; sabotage; malicious mischief; spilling of liquids; collapse of building; riot; civil commotion; damage by aircraft and automobile; chipping or cracking of stones in jewelry; and for other hazards not named. A standard $50.00 deductible applies from the total of any indemnity for loss caused by any Coverage B hazard.

The member holding Coverages A and B possesses the equivalent of the civilian commercial personal property floater at a much lower initial or net cost basis. Exceptions to the coverage include automobiles, aircraft, other gasoline propelled or operated vehicles, boats, and animals. Exceptions or limitations to coverage are as prescribed in the Constitution of the Association, and can be altered only by vote of the membership.

The member holding Coverage A will pay annual assessments at an initial rate of 40¢ per $100 of insurance until the prescribed reserve is attained. The Coverage A reserve is the member's equity-his contribution to working capital. At current loss rates, the member will pay approximately five assessments at the initial rate, after which, having attained the maximum required reserve, he will be charged only for his share of operating expenses and losses paid by the Association in each year. At the end of the first year of membership each new member is charged $2.50 for the building fund as prescribed by the Constitution of the Association.

Losses suffered by the Association have varied from year to year, with consequent changes in rates. At the end of 1957 the member's Coverage A rate charge, after creation of full reserve, was 15¢ per $100 of coverage. In the seventy-one years since organization, the approximate average annual Cover

age A loss and expense assessment has been 17¢ per $100 of insurance. For the fifteen year period 1942-1957, average annual Coverage A assessment has been 13¢ per $100 of insurance.

Coverage B is charged at an initial rate of 40¢ per $100 of insurance. Dividends are returned at the end of the first year, on renewal of coverage.

A member may at any time increase or decrease his coverage in accordance with changes in the value of his property.

The claims procedure employed by the Association is unique. The member lists the items and values on which indemnity is sought, which are then examined and certified by an Advisory Board consisting of not more than three members of the Association or persons eligible for membership. Commercial adjusters are normally not required, thus saving much in expense while expediting settlement of claims on a just and equitable basis. The Executive Committee reviews and approves the settlement of each claim in accordance with the Constitution, and in conformity with standard insurance practice.

The President is Col. Maxwell A. Tincher. The Director is James W. Holman.

ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF (AER)

Department of the Army

Washington 25, D. C.

Army Emergency Relief (AER) is a nonprofit organization which was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia on 5 February 1942 to relieve distress of members of the Army and their dependents. All Army commanders charged with conducting AER operations, all officers of the Corporation, and such individuals as may be elected thereto are members. There are no dues.

All members of the Army on active duty and their dependents, and retired personnel of the Regular Army and their dependents, are eligible for assistance. No official or semiofficial funds have ever been used to provide such assistance; all of AER's funds have been donated voluntarily by the Army and its friends. Annually it replenishes its

resources by a fund-raising campaign conducted within the Army; this is supplemented by unsolicited contributions from individuals and organizations outside the Army. Since the income from its reserve is sufficient to cover completely its expenses, all contributions received are available for assistance.

AER policies and procedures are made known to Army personnel through Army Regulations.

Financial assistance is immediately available to all Army personnel on duty at Army installations, both in the Continental United States and overseas. Army personnel stationed in a civilian community may obtain assistance by applying to their local Red Cross Chapter or to the nearest Army installation. It is rendered either (1) as a loan without interest, payable in small monthly installments; (2) as an outright grant; or (3) as a combination of loan and grant, dependent upon the ability of the recipient to repay without causing undue hardship. Emergency need is the controlling factor, usually caused or aggravated by the exigencies of the military service. Approximately $41⁄2 million is disbursed annually for such assistance to about 40,000 members of the Army or their dependents.

General Maxwell D. Taylor, Chief of Staff, US Army, is Chairman of the Board of Governors; General Wade H. Haislip, US Army, Ret., is the President; Major General Edward F. Witsell, US Army, Ret., is the Director.

ARMY MUTUAL AID ASSOCIATION Fort Myer

Arlington 11, Virginia

The Army Mutual Aid Association was organized in 1879 by a group of Regular Army officers for the purpose of insuring the lives of Regular Army officers. Prior to its organization, commercial insurance companies either refused life insurance to such officers or charged extra premiums for what was then believed to be the hazardous character of the military profession. The experience of the Association helped to disprove this concept, with the result that, in peacetime, career Army officers other than those on flying status are accepted at standard rates

by the highest quality commercial life insurance companies.

The Association is a cooperative and mutual institution, controlled and directed by its officer members. It employs no paid agents, and the Board of Directors serves without remuneration. Death benefits are paid (by telegraph or cable if desired) immediately upon notification by The Adjutant General of a member's death.

An outstanding feature of the Association's work is its help in preparing the Government and insurance claims for the bereaved parents, widows, and children of its members. This service, by trained and experienced personnel, assures the dependents of members that they will be fully informed concerning their rights to all Government allowances, both now and in the future.

The Association issues ordinary life, 30 payment life and 20 payment life policies in $3,000 certificates, with the limitation that no member may be insured for more than $6,000. Regular Army officers and career Reservists are eligible for membership, which may be maintained upon separation from the service, regardless of cause. On 1 January 1958 there were more than 33,000 certificates outstanding, and the Association's reserve totaled over $20,000,000.

General Wade H. Haislip, Ret., is President of the Association; Major Kenneth F. Hanst, Jr., Ret., is Executive Vice President and Secretary; Captain William G. Thomas, Jr., Ret., is Treas

urer.

ARMY RELIEF SOCIETY

30 West 44th Street

New York 36, N. Y.

The Army Relief Society was founded and incorporated in New York City in 1900 by Army and civilian women, to furnish advice and financial assistance by volunteer groups to widows and orphans of Regular Army personnel.

In its original charter it is specified that "The Army Relief Society will provide relief in cases of emergency for dependent widows and orphans of officers and enlisted men of the Regular Army of the United States, active or

retired. It will aid in securing employment for such beneficiaries and will solicit and create scholarships and supervise educational opportunities for such beneficiaries."

The Society was affiliated with Army Emergency Relief in 1940. In 1946 it entered into an agreement, since made permanent, under which it receives a share (currently 10%) of the proceeds of the Joint Fund Campaign conducted annually by Army Emergency Relief at Army installations. Under the agreement the Society makes no appeal to the public for funds, and no longer solicits scholarships. Unsolicited contributions, special gifts, and legacies from members, Army personnel, and friends augment the income from the Joint Campaign and from the Society's invested capital, and make it possible for the financial aid and scholarship programs to be carried on.

The work has been greatly expanded since the founding of the Society. Temporary assistance is available to Regular Army widows to tide them over until benefits start coming; aid is given to Regular Army widows who, because of illness, age, or inability to work, are in financial straits; and scholarships (beginning at the college level, or for preparation for the Service Academies) are awarded to promising candidates who are orphans of Regular Army personnel.

Any person contributing $1 or more annually to the Society becomes a member. Life membership is granted upon payment of $100.

The President is Mrs. H. J. Casey. The Executive Secretary is Mrs. Mildred B. White. The retiring President is Mrs. Clarence Townsley.

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY

West Point, N. Y.

The Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy, incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in 1891, was organized at a meeting of graduates held at the College of the City of New York on 22 May 1869. The suggestion for the Association was made in a letter written