Volume XIV Number 5 10 November 2010 FREE

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1 Ask a Vet Today! A non-profit official publication of: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Check out the next edition of the Around the Pacific newsletter coming this month! Volume XIV Number 5 10 November 2010 FREE Commitment to Service Commander: Comrades, VFW National Website Have you looked at the new website of VFW.Org? As a Quartermaster entering new members you probably have had some issues with APO addresses. Transfers also have caused some problems as well as method of payment. Slowly National is getting the bugs worked out. They mention you can go to the website and there is a tutorial. The access is there but nothing displays. Comments have been sent to National from multiple departments and the IT Department is working to get all the problems resolved. Once the bugs are cleared, it appears to be a much better website than the old website. Visit and let them know any problems you have. Just hit the contact us and explain the problem. Recruiting According to National statistics, DPA is 19 members behind our recruiting pace of With the approved DPA Admire program for 2010 in place to assist recruitment, we should be ahead of last year. We want to bring in those new members early in the recruiting year so that we have the opportunity to develop them into long term members. Members that see the VFW as assisting veterans and our local communities, members that want to remain a part of the VFW and hopefully our posts. Dig in, let s get those new members and involve them in your local post activities! Build relationships! Communicate to these new members! A big VFW Cheer goes to Posts 9985, 9876, 11575, and 124 for attaining 100% or better in recruiting. Also congratulations to District V for exceeding 100% in membership early in the year. This is some accomplishment considering there are no military facilities located in District V. A few other Posts are close behind them, with five other posts exceeding 95% and two districts over 95%. Don t slow down or hesitate, keep bringing in new members to assist with local post activities. As veterans we should be reaching out and expressing our appreciation to the men and women serving in the U.S. military. If your Post has not adopted a military unit yet you still have time comrades. If there are no military units in your area, show your Commitment to Service and adopt one that is deployed away from their home. NMS Chairman Ken Swierzewski is standing by to assist with your endeavors for activities for these units and military member appreciation events. Mid-term C of A With the C of A just around the corner we are in the midst of meeting deadlines for numerous community programs, completing Post and District Inspections and attending various ceremonies in our local communities, a real busy time of the year for our Posts. Post 2485 and District 7 have prepared a great mid-term program. I encourage as many of you as VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 1

2 possible make the effort to come and meet the new JVC in C of the VFW. John Hamilton is a very dedicated VFW person and has spent a great part of his life supporting veterans in his community and Department. At the C of A our Budget Committee and Council will do our utmost to represent the interests of our membership. Membership means much needed income to support our programs. We need to find a responsible balance with recruiting, program support and maintaining a balanced budget. The dates for the Mid-term Council of Administration meeting have been published. The meeting is at the Oasis Hotel in lovely (?) Angeles City, Philippines. If you are not a Council member we still encourage you to come and participate, learn more about how your Department operates and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow VFW members from around the Pacific. Become involved and support VFW goals and activities at post, district and department levels. Committee Support Comrades, we are a Department of Veterans Supporting Veterans. A Team of Districts and Posts working together supporting VFW programs. At any level of our organization we cannot leave it up to one or two members to recruit and to accomplish multiple programs. We need to encourage more members to get involved either on a regular or ad hoc basis. How do we get more participation? - Recognizing our members for their support of VFW programs and their Posts. - Our community service program activities. - Service Officer Activities - helping deserving veterans, widows and orphans at the local, district and Department levels. - Educational and Charitable activities in our communities. There is always a lot of emphasis on recruiting. For the VFW to remain EVERGREEN, we must recruit and RETAIN new members. The focus cannot be on just recruiting to hit a target; we need to retain members to carry on VFW programs and to fill officer and committee positions to keep our posts viable. The best thing to bring the mission to mind is to look at our Congressional Charter: The purpose of this corporation shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable and educational; to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the government of the United States of America and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom; and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies, whomsoever. You are all working hard to keep your posts active. I thank you for your commitment to service. Yours in Comradeship, James E. Oden IF YOU DON T ASK - THEY CANNOT SAY YES! How many people did you meet today? How many of them did you ask to join? VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 2

3 Dear Joseph, A Message from the VFW Commander-in-Chief Richard Eubanks Please allow me the opportunity to assure you that our mission of service is the driving force behind everything we do. Recent political endorsements by a separate organization have called that assurance into question, and as VFW national commander, the responsibility falls on me to ensure that any questions you may have about the integrity of the VFW are answered. First of all, I am deeply sorry because many of you were disappointed, angered or felt betrayed following the endorsements made by the PAC. The process used by the PAC was clearly biased toward the incumbent and as a result, patently unfair. Again, I want to stress that the PAC is a separate organization from the VFW and I also want to make it clear that the VFW does not and will not enter the political arena nor ever embroil itself in partisanship by providing endorsements for political candidates. As VFW national commander, I have taken significant steps to correct the negative impact this situation is having on the Veterans of Foreign Wars and to regain the trust you have so explicitly placed in our organization. As Commander-in- Chief, I propose to offer a resolution to amend the by-laws at the 112th National Convention for the purpose of dissolving the PAC. Meanwhile, under the authority granted to me, I have withdrawn all PAC appointments effective October 15, 2010, thus effectively rendering the PAC inoperable. The VFW-PAC was created by VFW members and not by VFW national leaders. This was exercised through the VFW convention as the governing body of the organization. As such, it is only the delegates at the convention who can determine the continued existence of the PAC. The confusion surrounding the relationship between the VFW and PAC disrupted our delivery of services to those who deserve it most--our service members, veterans and the families of both, who depend on us. Words cannot express how truly sorry we are for the concern and frustration you experienced. This is especially saddening because the VFW was founded on the promise to ensure that no veteran will ever again be left to care for themselves. We are also committed to you, and I am hoping the immediate corrective steps I have taken will enable you to regain your confidence in us. I invite you to learn more at Nothing is more important than fulfilling our mandate of service and regaining your trust. Yours in Comradeship, Richard Eubank Commander-in-Chief John W. Stroud - a candidate for National Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief John W. Stroud is a candidate for National Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief , Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. He will be the first Nevadan to be elected to this office. John served in the U.S. Air Force from , retiring in the rank of Master Sergeant, First Sergeant. His VFW eligibility is from his service with the 51 st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, His awards include four Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Force Commendation Medals, three Air Force Achievement Medals, six Air Force Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Defense Service Medal. In 1997, John joined VFW Post in Las Vegas, NV, where he became a life member. He was a two-time All State Post Commander in 1999 and 2000, and in 2002, was named All American District Commander. In VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 3

4 2003, he transferred his life membership to VFW Post 2313 in Hawthorne, NV. He earned All American Department Commander status in He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. John also earned an Associate of Science Degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, an Associate of Science Degree in Airway Science from the Community College of the Air Force, an Associate of Science Degree in Personnel Administration from the Community College of the Air Force and an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from Saint Leo College. John is a Life Member of the Military Order of the Cootie, American Legion, Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks and the VFW National Home for Children. In 1996 he was named as the 99 th Support Group First Sergeant of the Year at Nellis Air Force Base, NV. John was the first post Viet-Nam era veteran in Nevada to hold the office of State Commander. He has held numerous VFW National appointments and served on several VFW National Committees as a member and Vice Chairman. He is currently the Chairman of the VFW National Veterans Service Committee. John and his wife Mary reside in Hawthorne, Nevada, America s Patriotic Home. They have five grown children and ten grandchildren. Senior Vice Commander: Comrades, VETERANS DAY. For many people this is just another holiday off from work, but this is our day. Encourage co-workers, veterans and non-veterans alike, to participate in Veterans Day activities and be sure to thank our veterans for their service to our country. Try to include active duty servicemen in your Veterans Day programs and encourage them to join the VFW. They will all be veterans one day. RECRUITING. There were some problems with National s on-line membership submissions last month. Hopefully all the bugs are worked out and everyone has their new members entered. Please try and submit all members right away. The cut-off date for Early Bird rewards is 30 November. Posts 9985; 9876; 11575; 12074; and 124 have all reached or exceeded 100%! District 5 has reached 100%. Quite a few other posts are within reach of that goal as well. Keep recruiting. A steady recruiting program will help you avoid a big push at the end of the year. NATIONAL AWARDS. Please remember that each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects emergency services persons, law enforcement officers and firefighters to receive National Awards. Posts should submit a candidate for these awards to Department SVC by January 1, (If you can bring your nominations to CofA that would be great.) The Department will select a single candidate for each award and submit those to VFW National Headquarters by February 1, Documentation required for all candidates should include the following: Nomination letter containing the candidate s name, title, address, telephone number and identifying the award for which the individual should be considered. One page resume of the candidate s overall background. One page resume of the candidate s background in their respective field. One page listing of the candidate s accomplishment and awards in their field. Photograph (preferably a head shot) of the candidate. On a final note, Bernie Kenna has informed me that he will be unable to serve as Webmaster next term. Bernie really brought the Department to a new level. He developed and maintained our great website and gave us an outstanding presence on the internet. His community service database is a great tool, powerful and with ease of use. Thank you Bernie, yours will be hard shoes to fill. Please let me know if there is anyone who can take over the job. I hope we can have a smooth transition. Thank you all for your service to your communities, our country and the VFW. Yours in Comradeship, Barry Hirshbein VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 4

5 Junior Vice Commander: Comrades, We WERE doing pretty well with our CSRs until this month. There was only one Post who changed a ZERO month from the past into a positive month. For the month of October though, we have not reported very well at all. Commanders and Adjutants, if you check your , you will see an I sent out requesting a hard push this last month so our report to National would be a good one. I m sorry to say though that it won t be so good since less than half of our Department s Posts reported for the month of October. Comrades, the proof is in the pudding. You can see by the chart below who is active in reporting their work. Comrade Bernie has kept the database free of errors this year making it SO EASY to input CSRs. The only excuse is no internet connection and that should be a very temporary problem. Post May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr We can still keep the goal of no ZEROs by CofA. We do GREAT community work every day, so all we have to do is input the events into the database. For the first half of the year our department has the following statistics: Miles Traveled: 144,488 Volunteers: 8,883 Hours: 35, Gifts: $116, Buddy Poppies Bought: $ Buddy Poppies Sold: $14, If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, PLEASE let me know: jvcdpa@vfwdeptpacific.org. Thank you again for your all of the work that you do and feel free to call on me. YIC and Service, Darin Combs VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 5

6 Adjutant: Greetings Comrades, The midterm Council of Administration in Angeles City, Philippines, is fast approaching and I urge all council members and anyone caring to attend the C of A to hurry and make your reservations. All information is available on the Department website. This year s VIPs will include the Junior Vice Commander in Chief, John E. Hamilton. If you are a committee chairman and you will not be attending the mid-term Council of Administration, please me your report so I can make it available at the C of A. I would like these no later than 24 November as I will be departing for the Philippines on the 27 th. Also, please have your VOD/PP Chairmen forward their report to Department Chairman Bradford so he can make the report to National on time. Chairman Bradford s address is vodppdpa@vfwdeptpacific.org. The minutes of the outgoing council, incoming council and Department Convention were posted the beginning of the month for your review. I will be updating the General Order and Memorandum this weekend so you will have a lot to read. As always, your Department Office is here to help you with any questions or problems you may have. I look forward to continue working with all of you and assisting Commander Jim to keep our Commitment to Service. Be safe, take care and I ll see you in the Philippines. Yours in Comradeship, Richard A. Keeley VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 6

7 Quartermaster: Comrades, The question has come up regarding how much allowance will be given for POV use. The rate is $0.50 per mile. For those of you who prefer kilometer driving, the rate is $0.31. YIC, Tony Power Judge Advocate: Comrades, in this issue I ll discuss the Post Relief Fund (hereinafter, fund) and its purposes as there have been some questions concerning usage of the fund currently and in past months that need to be clarified. The fund is established by Posts, which acquire money normally from selling Buddy Poppies and other moneys that may be solicited or donated for veteran relief purposes. The funds procedures for are outline in the National Manual as shown below: RELIEF FUND National Manual of Procedure, Section 219 The quartermaster of the Post will be the custodian of the relief fund and will expend monies there from, as direct by the Post, for the following purposes: (a) Aid, assistance, relief, and comfort of needy or disabled veterans or members of the Armed Forces and their dependents, and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans. (b) Maintenance and expansion of the VFW National Home for Children and other facilities devoted exclusively to the benefit and welfare of the dependents, widows, and orphans of disabled, needy or deceased veterans or members of the Armed Forces. (c) Necessary expenses in providing entertainment, care and assistance to hospitalized veterans or members of the Armed forces. (d) Veterans rehabilitation, welfare, and service work. (e) To perpetuate the memory of deceased veterans and member of the Armed Forces, and to comfort their survivors. (f) To foster true patriotism through historical and educational programs. (g) Remission of dues of sick, needy or disabled members. (h) Necessary expenses to support the relief fund such as the purchase of Buddy Poppies. Relief funds may be invested in approved securities but shall not be loaned to the Post or other units or transferred from the relief fund in any manner or under any guise. FUND USAGE The official usage of the fund is given above in Section 219, which relates to fairly specific guidance. However, sometimes comrades read into what is presented to meet their needs, as difference situations occur. With that said, the following are some areas that have been questioned in the past and currently about the usage and expenditures of the fund: Payment of dues The Post may remit dues of sick, needy or disabled members from the fund. This should not be construed to mean that you can use the funds for early bird or free membership programs as it has to be used only for members that are sick, needy or disabled. Youth Activities Funds may be used for these youth activity programs if they are considered to foster true patriotism through educational programs, such as the VOD and Patriotic Pen contests. Fund Support Any necessary expenses to support the fund such as purchasing Buddy Poppies may utilize the fund. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 7

8 Clark Cemetery If a Post desires to donate moneys to support the cemetery for perpetuating memories of deceased veterans buried at Clark Cemetery or any other cemetery where veterans are buried, it may use this fund. Just remember, if you lay a wreath using flowers or Buddy Poppies at a veteran s gravesite, you can donate to support that cemetery in its upkeep if the membership so desires. MAP The Post may consider using the fund under Section 219, paragraphs (a) and (c) if the event is for hospitalized Veterans and their Families. However, if you are doing a function for a normal unit, then it goes beyond the scope and purpose of the fund. Please refer to the Commander s Manual under Programs ~ National Military Services (NMS) for instructions on the MAP. Some programs where the fund may be used are the Matching Funds Events and Emergency Financial Assistance that requires matching funds by the Post. Also, on any MAP event it may be best to use moneys from the General Fund first and if necessary utilize the fund depending on the event and revenue available. The key word here is "necessary", so the Post membership must vote on expenditures from the fund in each case and record in their minutes. Disaster relief outside Department The fund may be used for disaster relief if moneys are utilized for aid, assistance, relief, comfort of the needy or disabled veterans or members of the armed forces and their dependents, and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans. Funds for hurricanes/typhoons/earthquakes outside the Department area may be used as long as the funds are earmarked for those in need of relief as mentioned above. An example of disaster relief usage outside the Department area was when the Commander-in-Chief asked Posts to use the fund to donate at least $1 per member for relief in the case of Hurricane Katrina for needy veterans. Also, recently National Headquarters requested donations for the Haiti earthquake disaster to assist veterans and their families affected by the quake. VFW National Disaster Relief Fund The VFW National Disaster Relief Fund, which is a matching fund program that may be used by Department when; 1) a natural disaster occurs within a Department s geographical area and 2) specific funds are requested and matched by donations from within the Department. If this event should occur the fund may be used for relief of Department veterans and their families in order to request additional matching funds from National. (Note: The Department s Guidelines and Procedures for National Disaster Relief Policy may be found on the Department Website page by going to the Judge Advocates Page and click on the sub-link titled Natural Disaster Relief Policy.) I have confirmed the aforementioned information in usage of the fund with the Administrative Operations at National Headquarters and they clearly indicated that Posts should adhere to Section 219 for the purposes of the fund at all times. The above are only a few areas that comrades have had questions about usage of the fund and I m sure there will be more questions that may confront Posts in the future. So, if you have any questions concerning the fund please review Section 219 and apply common sense with rational in order to ensure that the fund is utilized for what it is intended. FUND QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS The following are a few recently asked questions of interest with answers rendered: Question: The Post will be conducting a Buddy Poppy Drive on Veterans Day and the local school JROTC unit has traditionally participated in this event. However, this year when asked to participate the JROTC responded by requesting a share of the donations collected for their own use. E.g. of use, they have suggested; 1) initiating a VFW Scholarship for most deserving senior cadet going on to college and 2) a sum of money to cover some college applications fees for needy graduating seniors. So, can the donations collected from the Buddy Poppies Drive be split with the JROTC? Answer: Technically, the Post cannot share proceeds collected from poppy distribution with anyone. However, there is nothing to keep a Post from making a donation to the JROTC unit in any amount they deem appropriate as a youth activity. (See section 219 (f)) Question: How come when reviewing the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure I came across another Section 704 titled Relief Fund that has similar fund purposes to Section 219, why are both in the by-laws and manual? Answer: This is a good question and was addressed at the last National Convention with a proposal being made to delete Section 704 in Article VII Miscellaneous Provisions. However, the proposal was defeated. The rational for retaining Section 704 is to give guidance to other units such as Districts and Departments on the funds purposes. The only big difference in the sections is that Section 219 has added a sub-paragraph on buying poppies. Question: Can Buddy Poppy money be used for the MAP program? Answer: According to Section 219, paragraphs (a) and (c) funds from poppy distributions can be used for aid, assistance, relief comfort, entertainment and educational programs supporting veterans, service members and their dependents. All VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 8

9 initiatives of the National Military Services Programs: MAP, Operation Uplink or Unmet Needs provide these services therefore meet the qualification for the use of monies from the fund. Question: Can the Post use the fund to pay first time members dues returning from Iraq and Afghanistan? Answer: Yes, if considered a hardship and directed by the Post membership. This concludes my article comrades, so if there are any further questions on the fund purposes or other matters concerning by-laws and procedures feel free to contact me at advdpa@vfwdeptpacific.org or bill.wichman@msa.hinet.net. Please remember Commitment to Service for the VFW and Department of Pacific Areas. God bless you comrades and God bless America. THE JUDGE S LAW SAYING: Yours in Comradeship, Bill Wichmann Chaplain: Comrades, Let us remember during this month of "Thanksgiving" all of our veterans that have served and given their lives for their country and brothers and sisters in-arms and for our Marine brothers and sisters past and present that celebrate the Marine Corps birthday at the threshold of Veterans Day. Pray with me. Veterans Day, November 11th; A Prayer We ask for blessings on all those who have served their country in the armed forces. We ask for healing for the veterans who have been wounded, in body and soul, in conflicts around the globe. We pray especially for the young men and women, in the thousands, who are coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan with injured bodies and traumatized spirits. Bring solace to them, O Lord; may we pray for them when they cannot pray. We ask for an end to wars and the dawning of a new era of peace, as a way to honor all the veterans of past wars. Have mercy on all our veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Bring peace to their hearts and peace to the regions they fought in. Bless all the soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen who served in non-combative posts; May their calling to service continue in their lives in many positive ways. Give us all the creative vision to see a world which, grown weary with fighting, Moves to affirming the life of every human being and so moves beyond war. * Hear our prayer, O Prince of Peace, hear our prayer. Amen. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 9

10 USMC Birthday, November 10th * THE MARINES PRAYER Yours in Comradeship and Service, Tom Darkus Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. AMEN. Surgeon: Cold Season is Here Well my fellow VFW comrades, it s time again to help you live a longer, healthier life. Everyone catches colds occasionally, but there are some things we can do to lessen frequency and severity. When you start to feel a cold coming on, listen to your body -- it is telling you to slow down. Make sure you get plenty of rest, eat well, drink lots of water and VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 10

11 the number one preventive thing you can do is Wash Your Hands Often. Unless you have other medical issues, a cold is only a cold and doesn t warrant going to a doctor. Most over-the-counter medications can take care of the common cold symptoms; antibiotics are not required and are ineffective. Some simple things to keep in your home medicine cabinet: Tylenol/acetaminophen; Aspirin (not for children under 12 years old), cough syrup (Robitussin), Motrin/Ibuprofen and vitamins never hurt, especially Vitamin C during the cold season. Stay well during these winter months! And so is Osteroprosis! Osteoporosis is another concern of mine this month, because over the years we have all put stress on our bodies and joints and may start to feel the pains of osteoporosis. Most of us have some idea of our blood pressure, cholesterol level, weight -- but we are ignorant about our T-score. This score does not refer to golf, but rather to a person s bone density and susceptibility to a fragility fracture -- we are talking about Osteoporosis. It affects 50% of women and 25% of men at some time in their lives. It is debilitating, reduces a person s freedom of movement and leads to high incidences of hip and spine fractures. Until recently most people thought that osteoporosis was an old person s problem, we now no differently. To find out your bone mineral density (BMD) you should ask your doctor to do a BMD test. It takes about 20 minutes and is painless. This test will give you valuable information to combat this disease. It doesn t matter whether you are in your 40 s or 70 s, it is still not too late to modify your diet, exercise plan (start one?) and your lifestyle, in order to improve your bone density. There are three things that help make strong bones: calcium, Vitamin D and daily exercise. There are some warning signs: 1. A broken bone: it doesn t mean you have it but it could be a sign, especially if it happened after a minor fall or during normal activities. 2. Back pain/spinal deformities: back pain that doesn t quit 3. Loss of height: if you have spinal fractures, this could lead to multiple fractures and cause a decrease in height and getting that curvature of the spine or the so-called Dowager s Hump. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 11

12 To help build our bones, we need to do a couple of things, such as a diet high in calcium, take Vitamin D supplements and daily physical activity. For children, that means at least 60 minutes a day and 30 minutes a day for adults. This doesn t have to be in one block of time, but cumulative throughout the day. Walking is a simple activity and the cost is zero. Wishing you continued good health and look forward to seeing y all our upcoming C of A. YIC, Doc Higgins Ask someone to join today! Safety Chairman Risk of Cooking-Related Fires Doubles on Thanksgiving Day Thanksgiving Day brings to mind the enticing aroma of family favorites and the nerve-fraying marathon of cooking for the holiday feast. Yet, a cooking fire can turn a joyous celebration into a family tragedy. Cooking is by far the leading cause of residential structure fires on Thanksgiving Day nearly double that of a normal day. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), each year nearly 4,300 fires in the United States occur on Thanksgiving Day causing an average of 15 deaths, about 50 injuries, and nearly $27 million in property damage. Remain vigilant in the kitchen when cooking this holiday season. To help prevent cooking fires follow these safety tips: Install and maintain smoke alarms. Never disable them. Never leave food cooking unattended; turn off the burner if you have to leave. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Develop and practice a fire escape plan. Stay alert keep your holidays fun and festive. Yours in Comradeship, Shawn Watson Junior Past Department Commander: Greeting Comrades of the Pacific, First of all I want to wish everyone a successful Mid-Term C of A in December. I am currently undergoing medical treatment at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center for a condition that precludes my attending this year. It is not life threatening, VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 12

13 but my Health Care Provider advised me not to interrupt the treatment he is providing as it would be detrimental to what he is trying to achieve in improving my condition. There are many very important items of business for the Council to attend to this year. One is our Budget, another is Membership and an important program dear to all of us is the Department Service Officer Program for our comrades across the Pacific Areas. Membership was provided a boost when the Council approved a Department ADMIRE Program. Even with that our membership is basically where it was last year, when we did not have ADMIRE. Membership is the foundation of our income through the payment of dues. This income is what supports our many programs, including the big budget item supporting our DSO activities in the Philippines serving veterans. So, as I stated there is significant work for our elected officers at the C of A, as well as time to mingle together building comradeship. Yours in Comradeship & Service, Jim Malott From the Inspector: Greetings Comrades, Well Gents, we are into November now. This is the month we need to wrap up our inspections, so we will have them done by the C of A. The following Inspections have been completed and received: District I COMPLETE District II NONE District III 8180/10216/10223/District III District IV - COMPLETE District V 9876 District VI 1509/2917 District VII 2485/9892 That still leaves 16 Posts and 4 Districts to go. Kudos to District I and IV on being complete. Some of you have informed me that your inspections were completed, or would be completely shortly. But until you send me a copy, I cannot check you off. As you can see, I have received absolutely nothing from District II. PDC Teets did sent me an saying the District was completed and 1054 would be competed on would be completed on 1 NOV. District VI has advised their remaining 2 would be completed late NOV. Inspectors are again reminded to advise me, via , when they have scheduled their respective inspections, so I can keep track of where we are at; and to each inspection when it is finished. Utilizing the forms on the website is a simple and an easy way to do this. And remember, I am only an away if you have any questions. Yours in Comradeship, Jerry Prinz inspdpa@vfwdeptpacific.org Alt: retiredwestpacsailor@gmail.com VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 13

14 From the Certified National Recruiter: Comrades, First, as always, I would like to say thank you for all you do for our nation s Active Duty Personnel, Veterans, and families! Retention is a strong focus for this VFW year. WOMEN S VETERANS CHAIRPERSON APPOINTED Welcome aboard to Stephanie Herndon, our new Department of Pacific Areas as our Woman's Veteran's Chairperson. I think she will make a huge impact on the program and thank her in advance for her support of our female veterans! This program is a recruiting tool, however it is also a mentoring and counseling service as well. The ladies in the VFW need to feel empowered and take an active role. Some of the men may also need someone to talk with as the VFW has been somewhat male orientated for a long time. Some Posts may not have many female members yet and may not understand their concerns if any. What is your retention plan? This is a great time to get your recruiting teams together to make phone calls, write letters, or even knock on doors wherever possible. Get with your Adjutants and Quartermasters and they will give you a list of all your unpaid members in your area with their address and in some cases their phone numbers and addresses. Lets see what we can do to make contact with them. There are 206,552 paid in 2010 not 2011 also 61,584 paid in 2009 who have not paid since. Third dues notices are going out around the week of the 22 November FYI There are 7,657 Posts in the VFW. - 3,513 Posts with no new members. - 4,255 Posts with no reinstates. - 2,594 Posts with no growth, No new or reinstates. - 6,414 Posts with no new life members Posts need 10 or less to be 100%, yielding 13,331 members. I know we can make good things happen NEW RECRUITING TENTS ARE AVAILIABLE FROM NATIONALS The new VFW recruiting tents are now available and are great for recruiting and information booths! To order: Stay the course! Roll up your sleeves, put on your War Faces, and keep recruiting!! Share your recruiting successes along with failures. It might help others. If you have a great idea that worked for you, share it with me, and I will pass it along to the other Districts and Posts. If there is anything you need to make your recruiting year a success, please contact me. I always value your feedback. If you need any assistance or advice, please feel free to contact me. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 14

15 CNR Good hunting! Yours in comradeship, Joseph F. Mortimer, Jr. Certified National Recruiter Department of Pacific Areas Synonymous with volunteerism and community service, membership in the VFW is a way for veterans to continue to make a difference. Pacific Areas Pen Chairman: and Third Place will be selected. Winners will be announced and awards will be presented PAP CHAIRMAN: Send entries to the PAP Chairman at the information below: Through My Commitment to Service, How Can I Make a Difference for Veterans Comrades, It is that time again!! What is the Pacific Areas Pen? - Conducted throughout the VFW Department of Pacific Areas (DPA), the Pacific Areas Pen (PAP) Essay Writing Contest competition is open to all VFW members in good standing of the Department of Pacific Areas and gives ALL VFW members an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on the VFW with the prospect of winning First, Second, or Third Place for their efforts. Winning essays will be published in the Around the Pacific Newsletter. - The Commander, Department of Pacific Areas chooses the year s theme. The contest entries are submitted directly to the DPA PAP Chairman. A judging committee will be formed at the DPA Annual Convention or Mid-Term Convention and winners for First, Second, Mailing Address: Address: Joe Mortimer VFW DPA PAP Chairman PSC 477 Box 32 FPO AP recdpa@vfwdeptpacific.org THEME: The theme for Mid-Term Competition is: Through My Commitment to Service, How Can I Make a Difference for Veterans DEADLINE: The completed essay and entry form must be received by the PAP Chairman before 01 December See details on entry form front and back on next pages. GOOD LUCK TO ALL CONTESTANTS! Yours in Comradeship, Joseph F. Mortimer, Jr. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 15

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18 Clark Cemetery Committee Chairman: Comrades, If you would like to receive a copy of this report, you can download it from the VFW Post 2485 website at Yours in comradeship, Larry Heilhecker Roving Ambassador Hello Comrades, Greetings from the Rocky Mountain State of beautiful Colorado. I m hoping everyone is doing okay and that we are checking on our Comrades who may not be doing or feeling well. Just checked the Department website for C of A sign ups and actually seen some unfamiliar names and that s a good thing. Of course, I look forward to seeing everyone next month. Comrades, I have a busy two weeks surrounding the C of A. First I m going to Yokota to visit family, take a drive down to Camp Zama to check on PDC Dave Teets, the C of A, back to Tokyo and then a two day trip to Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, return to Tokyo and then back home to Colorado Springs. The position I was hoping for at Kadena was posted sooner than I thought, so I ll go over for a mini-interview. My friend who is currently occupying the position departs in March My fingers are crossed, Comrades!!! Hopefully I can stop by to see Willie T, Dennis, Stan, and the gang if they re back from the C of A. Now, I know and understand that many of you are just as busy as I am. But what I do hope is to see as many of you next month and if not, my thoughts will be with you wherever you maybe. You are all Comrades and you know I love ya. In closing, I m wishing you a happy Veteran s Day as we recognize all who have served in the greatest Armed Forces of the world!! May God bless you, your families, our military, and the good ole U.S.A. Yours in Comradeship and Service, Kevin E. Mitchell VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 18

19 VFW National General Announcements VFW National Home for Children Every Day is Veterans Day at the National Home This week, Americans celebrate Veterans Day, a day to honor and thank those among us who have served our country and protected our freedoms. Watch a special message of thanks from some of our preschoolers. < At the VFW National Home for Children, we celebrate Veterans Day every day. We honor our nation s veterans by caring for the families and children of those who have served our nation. Your support allows us to continue that mission. < Thanks for another great year! Life Members celebrate, look ahead during 2010 Annual Meeting. Watch the National Home Year in Review video. < Donna Knapper of New Hampshire and Dave Havely of Indiana were formally installed as president and vice president of the VFW National Home for Children Board of Trustees last month during the National Home s Annual Meeting of Life Members. Trustees Jim Mueller, Cindy Peto and Al Cantu, Jr., were also installed. Mueller is newly elected to the board while Peto and Cantu were elected after being appointed to fill vacancies on the board in The Annual Meeting was a chance for National Home Life Members and guests to reflect on the past year and look to the National Home s future. Outgoing President Ray Warren reflected on his year as president and how much the families and children it serves have touched his heart, while new president Donna Knapper shared her vision for the coming year. Outgoing Trustee Dorothy Verrill was also honored for her service to the National Home. Her son was on hand to accept a tribute on her behalf. A large group attended the Annual Meeting, including more than sixty people from the Department of New Hampshire, who had chartered a bus to the National Home in a show of support for President Knapper. The New Hampshire group also had the chance to tour the campus and visit the New Hampshire house during their visit. Thanksgiving plate cards still available. If you haven t had a chance to purchase some of our new Thanksgiving plate cards < this is your chance! Even those you won t be spending Thanksgiving with will appreciate the sentiment expressed on these simple, elegant cards. < This Thanksgiving, let your family and friends know how much they are appreciated while showing your gratitude for the soldiers and veterans who have served our nation with special dinner plate cards from the VFW National Home for Children. Learn more. < Read more on our blog: < * Residents enjoy stargazing with NASA visitor * Wisconsin/Missouri Fall Festival brings Halloween preview * Fire safety hot topic for toddlers and preschoolers * Kansas photo mystery leads to the National Home Tip: Don't miss out on future updates from the VFW National Home for Children. Add info@vfwnationalhome.org to your address book and never miss a message. VFW National Home for Children 3573 S Waverly Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI Phone: Fax: info@vfwnationalhome.org <mailto:info@vfwnationalhome.org> Privacy Policy < Preferences < Copyright VFW National Home for Children. All Rights Reserved VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 19

20 See how you can help: If you make a donation, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster. The VFW Military Assistance Program (MAP) is the outstretched hand between the VFW and active duty, Guard, and Reserve military units. MAP offers grants to VFW Posts who participate in military unit functions, such as sponsoring "Farewell and Welcome Home Activities," "Family Readiness Group" events, or other sponsorship ideas. MAP also links with VFW s Operation Uplink and Unmet Needs programs to create an allstar team of military assistance. MAP and Operation Uplink have provided more than 200 computers to set up Internet Cafes where service members families may their deployed loved ones. In addition, MAP has forged partnerships with various service providers, including aimed at providing the transitioning service member with relocation and employment assistance. For more information log on to: The Unmet Needs Program is set up to alleviate stress during such hardships. Since 2003, the VFW Foundation - with the generous help of corporate sponsors like Vermont American Power Tool Accessories - has provided millions of dollars of support to Americans serving in harm's way. But, as the risks to our country increase, so do the needs of these families. Your donation will go a long way toward helping with everyday, but critical, expenses such as Mortgage assistance, rent, home repair, vehicle repair and maintenance, appliance repair, groceries, transportation expenses, medical expenses, and much more! While our military troops are working to keep us out of harm's way, the Unmet Needs Program is attempting to do the same for their families. Remember, 100 percent of your donation will benefit the program. Will you help? For more information or to give online, please log on to: Launched in 1996, Operation Uplink is an innovative program that provides free prepaid phone cards to active-duty military personnel and hospitalized veterans. Through the generous support of VFW and Ladies Auxiliary VFW Posts and members, and other caring citizens, Operation Uplink has already distributed over 7,000,000 prepaid cards, representing more than 105,000,000 minutes of phone time. This program provides an easy way for individuals and organizations to make an immediate difference in the lives of these troops. To give online, please log on to: Become a Life Member of the VFW National Home. Applications are available online. For more information or to give online, please log on to: VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 20

21 Post-9/11 GI Bill Information Post-9/11 Fact Sheet Since 1997, the VFW has been lobbying Congress to update the 20-year-old peacetime Montgomery GI Bill with 21st century tuition realities. The VFW did this by testifying at more than 40 congressional committee hearings, through hundreds of VFW Legislative Committee member visits to every House and Senate office in Washington and within their home states, and through the grassroots lobbying effort of 2.3 million VFW and Auxiliary members at 8,300 VFW Posts nationwide Although the Montgomery GI Bill was good peacetime legislation, it only paid about 70 percent of the average cost of today's public tuitions, and barely 30 percent at private schools VFW service officers are key in helping veterans and their dependents file for educational benefits. The are expert advisors and the veteran's best advocate in obtaining government-entitled benefits. Service officers can answer eligibility questions, explain benefits and will provide expert assistance in filing your application to enroll in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 21

22 ====================== Do you know how to complete a VFW Membership Application? If not, see your Post s Membership Chairman today! VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 1

23 Pacific Areas General Announcements POST COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORTS All members please submit! Reminder to submit your Monthly Volunteer / Community Service Reports to your Post Junior Vice Commander as directed by your Posts. Reports are due on the Department Website on or before the last day of each month for that month. VFW BUDDY POPPY DONATIONS Donations for Buddy Poppys are greatly appreciated and accepted. Please see your Post Buddy Poppy Chairman for details. DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS CLARK CEMETERY - Please mail your application and membership fee, as well as any future donations to: VFW Post 2485 Attn: Grave Diggers PSC 517, Box RC-V FPO AP If you make a donation or become a member of the Grave Diggers, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster. =================================== VFW Cootie Corner Announcements MOC PADDY DADDY PROGRAM M.O.C. Grand of the Pacific is asking you to help support the Paddy Daddy Program. Applications are available online on the VFW Department of Pacific Areas website: The Paddy Daddy Application for signing up Comrades, Cooties, Friends, Family, and yes, even your Pets can be signed up! Please fill out as many applications as you like for a very good cause. The VFW National Home Special Project is the recipient of the proceeds from our very own program in the Pacific Areas. Clark Cemetery Maintenance Fund donations accepted to support the maintenance of this cemetery, which is completely dependent on individual and group donations. VFW Post 2485, located in Angeles City, Philippines, is the caretaker of Clark Cemetery for the VFW Department of Pacific Areas and is in need of your help. If you make a donation, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster. DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS GRAVE DIGGERS Send the application to me along with a check made out to Ee CHI GAE Pup Tent #2, in the amount of US$25.00, and I will promptly prepare your Certificate, Card and Pin and mail them to you. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to bthaney@vfw10223.org. Yours in Comradeship, L.O.T.C.S. Billy Haney Seam Squirrel Pup Tent #2 Military order of the Cootie Paddy Daddy Chairman If you make a donation or become a member, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Pup Tent s Custodian of the Crummy Duffle Bag and be quick about it! Transferring or leaving the local area? Be sure to let your Post Quartermaster / Adjutant know and provide your change of address, so you will not miss your VFW Magazine subscriptions and other benefits. Become a member and support the Department of Pacific Areas Grave Diggers Program which is open to anyone who has a desire to support the Clark Cemetery. To use our PDF "fill-able" application form log: VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 1

24 VFW Pacific Areas Membership Information LIFE MEMBERSHIP VERSUS ANNUAL CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP IS YOUR MEMBERSHIP UP TO DATE Are you a member in good standing? Look at your membership card. If it is about to expire, renew it today or better yet, go LIFE MEMBERSHIP and save money over time. It s never too late to switch to a Life Membership and you never have to worry about rate increases or remembering to renew! MEMBERSHIP RECRUITING AND APPLICATION PROCESSING Membership is the future of our organization. All comrades should be willing assist with a membership growth and/or help the post in whatever needs to be done. When you are submitting an application for membership for a perspective new member, it is important to ensure you have it completed properly so as not to delay the processing. At the next Post Monthly General Business Meeting, the applications will be reviewed for completeness and voted on before submission to the VFW National Headquarters. To ensure no delays in processing: - Ensure you complete the application fully, VFW LIFE MEMBERSHIP RATES Life Membership: Up to Age 30 - $ Age 31 through 40 - $ Age 41 through 50 - $ Age 51 through 60 - $ Age 61 through 70 - $ Age 71 through 80 - $ Age 81 and Older - $ It s not what you paid to be a member, it s what you paid to be eligible. VFW LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP - Include proof of eligibility, - Payment in the form of a check, money order, credit card, or cash for either Life Membership or Annual Membership. (Checks and money orders will be made out to VFW Post. ) Temporary membership is then granted to attend VFW Meetings and events with the Post until such time as the newly recruited Comrade receives their VFW Membership Card from the VFW National Headquarters with full membership benefits. Legacy Life Member levels (left to right) are Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The VFW's Legacy Life Membership provides an opportunity for Life Members to leave their mark on the nation's largest combat veterans' organization. Available only to current Life Members, the new Legacy Life Membership not only offers expanded and exclusive benefits, but also helps ensure that the VFW's good work will continue for generations to come. Legacy Life Members can select from three membership categories: Gold, Silver, or Bronze. Each offers a VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 24