GENERAL ORDERS NO. 9 March The following District meetings are announced: Ninth District March 15 Dilworth 1:00 PM Duane Hermanson

Transcription

1 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA Mail: Rice Street Station, PO Box 17146, St Paul, MN Phone: Fax: GENERAL ORDERS NO. 9 March The following District meetings are announced: Ninth District March 15 Dilworth 1:00 PM Duane Hermanson 2. Your Post and Auxiliary Poppy Chairmen have their Department Buddy Poppy Kits. They are also online at All Posts and Auxiliaries should have their program underway. 3. The Department Convention will be held in St. Cloud, June 4-8, Room reservations MUST be made through Department Headquarters. Reservation forms are included in this mailing and in the Gopher Oversea r. 4. NOTE: On June 5, 2014 the Annual (2014) Officers Training School (OTI) will be held in conjunction with the 2014 State Convention ( See the enclosed OTI registration Form). District Commanders will have a special OTI session on Wednesday evening, June 4, Post Officers are to be elected in April and installed before the State Convention. Election and Installation can not be held on the same date since it is necessary to have an Installing Officer's Warrant. (Department requirement) The Warrant will be sent to the POST COMMANDER-ELECT upon receipt of the REPORT OF ELECTION OF OFFICERS in Department Headquarters. IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO REQUEST A WARRANT. You MUST fill out the Report of Election of Officers and send to Department Headquarters even if you elect the same officers. New Officers will assume office at the time of Installation of Department Officers on June 8, members who have not paid their 2014 dues at the time of Election of Officers are not entitled to be elected to office, to vote at the election or to be at the meeting. 7. Delegates and Alternates to District Conventions shall be elected at a regular meeting of the Post held not less than 30 days prior to the District Convention. One Delegate and one Alternate for each 15 members and fraction thereof. (Section 222 of the National By-Laws.) Posts are requested to have a Post Representative at the District Convention. 8. Posts wishing to compete in the Department Community Service Recordbook contest must submit their entries and Recordbooks to Department Headquarters on or before April 25 th for judging (Entry form and requirements were in last month s mailing and at Reports are to cover activities between April 1, 2013 and March 31, Post Commanders are reminded to keep their "Post Information Sheets" up to date. Those qualifying for the All State Post Commander contest will be notified as to when to submit their required information. -OVER- General Orders 1 March 2014

2 10. Posts interested in sponsoring a Jr. Baseball Team in District or Department Tournaments next summer should contact their District Youth Activities Director for Rules and Roster forms. Boys through the age of 16 are eligible to play on the V.F.W. Post sponsored teams. (See Baseball Rules for details.) 11. Mailing Labels will be sent out in March again this year. When you receive them, please support the program. All proceeds go to the VFW Claims Office at the Whipple Building at Fort Snelling. The budget is in excess of $230,000. We need your help. 12. Enclosed is a green Youth Activities form to be completed and returned to your District Youth Activities Chairman by April 15, Membership must be the most important topic in the month of March. All Transmittals received through Wednesday, March 31, 2014 will count for March (if received at National Headquarters on that date). The 2014 Membership goal is 50,000 members. To reach that total each Post would have to increase by three members. If your Post has not set such a goal, we ask that you do so. It has been proven that "door knocking" and seeking out the eligible Veterans, asking them to join the Veterans of Foreign Wars, is the most proven method of getting new and reinstated members. 14. St. Louis, Missouri will host the VFW National Convention, July 19-23, Advance registration for the VFW National Convention is $25.00 per Post. (Section 222 of the National By-Laws). Each attending delegate will pay a $10.00 Registration fee. 16. If the Post Commander or Post Quartermaster has a change of address, please notify Department and National Headquarters as soon as possible. 17. Although your Post Election Report requires that you send (electronic or hard copy) to VFW National Headquarters, the Department is also requesting a copy be sent to this office as well. Additionally, you can send your hard copy or list of officers to Department Headquarters and we will transmit it electronically for you. 18. The Department has a list of all the unpaid members for your area. If your Post would like a list of Unpaid Members for your area, please us at: mnvfw@vfwmn.us OFFICIAL: BY ORDER OF: Frank Presfield State Commander Department of Minnesota, VFW James R. Hesselgrave State Adjutant/Quartermaster General Orders 2 March 2014

3 MORE. Full Page Bulletins in THIS General Orders Please NOTE: Election Reports: Please carefully review item #17 in the General Orders regarding submission of your Election Reports. Accurate and timely submission of your reports to Department Headquarters is key in assuring your Post will continue to receive all of the important documents such as Warrants and General Orders when you need them. Don t forget to include addresses for General Orders and other updates (a $35 assessment for Hard Copy General Orders will be in effect if a VALID is not supplied). If you have any questions, please contact Department. RECEIVING General Orders: The Monthly General Orders should be received by the Post Commander and/or Quartermaster by either Hard Copy through the U.S. Postal Service or via from melodymnvfw@vfwmn.us. These should be received prior to the 1 st of the month. If they have not been received by the Post s designated General Order contact by the 1 st of the month, please contact Department Headquarters at , so that the situation can be addressed and the General Orders are received. We do not want ANY Post to go without the important information that is included in the monthly General Orders. Remember, you may receive them via OR the Post can receive them hard copy via the United States Postal Service (a $35 assessment is requested of the Post for this service). Contact Dept. HQ to be added to the or hard copy lists. Department Website at Your Service We are always looking to list items of interest to our Members. If your Post has an event going on that you would like to share with our Membership, please All the details (including a link to your webpage or a copy of the flyer if you do not have a webpage) to our Webpage Manager at melodymnvfw@vfwmn.us Your event information will be posted on the Oversea r Online Articles as well as our Post Events & Help Wanted Page so let us know what you re up to! Change of Address or Mailing Address: To assure that you and all Post Officers always receive all of the important Department Communications, please be sure to promptly submit any , home address and phone changes to Department Headquarters Election Report Forms & Nat l Convention Delegate Forms Membership Incentive Program MN Veterans Day on the Hill All-State CMDR Points Chart All-State QM Points Chart State CMDR Testimonial Form Donate to the VFW Officer s Training Schedule 2014 Officer s Training Registration NEW Poppy Order Form VFW State Cribbage Tournament VFW Fishing Event Flyer VFW Bowling Tournament Youth Bowling Tournament CMDR Project Golf Tournament State Convention Schedule, Housing, Ad Form & Banquet Form Community Service Form MN VFW Riders Information Traveling Safety Report Veterans Data Record Community Service Recordbook Form CS Recordbook Contest Publications Contest Entry Form Youth Activities Report Form & Chairs Commander s Task Force (CTF) 2014 Legislative Agenda(Attached at end of GOs) General Orders 3 March 2014

4 GO TO us ARMED FORCES SERVICE CENTER GENERAL SITE ACCESS: Convention: Housing Form OTI Forms Schedule Banquet Book Advertising Form Other: Youth Program Info Calendars Post Locations Nat l Convention Forms PASSWORD ACCESS ON POST RESOURCES : Reports Community Service Report Blank & Fill-in Form Poppy Report & Order Form Quartermaster Forms Membership Materials To all VFW Commanders and members our Troops are still on the move. We are still in need of funds to take care of our Warriors and their families. Being a Past Commander myself, I know it is hard to decide where your donations should go, but I assure you, every cent is used in the best way we know how Please consider donating to the Armed Forces Service Center. Donations can be sent to: 4300 Glumack Drive- Lt 3693 Mpls.-St Paul International Airport St Paul, MN COMMANDER S PROJECT Comrades: Remember the Warriors of today are the VFW members of tomorrow Wouldn t it be wonderful to hear that the members of Bent Star found another WW2 veteran and his family was notified. Our State Commanders dream and mine are that another veteran has been discovered and his remains returned home from his watery grave in a forgotten place. As our WW2 members are put to rest at home we strive to bring back every one of our comrades lost in action, and lost in our history books. Let us not forget the comrades before us and give in the hope of finding and returning them home. There is still 3 months to donate to this worthy program. Please consider any size donation to this project. Bring Our Comrades Home ~Submitted by Ed Eibon & Don Douglas, State Commander s Project Co-Chairs General Orders 4 March 2014

5 Congratulations to all Posts that entered a Poppy Display at the Mid-Winter Poppy Display Contest. Many EXCELLANT Displays! The following were judged to be the top place winners: Category I Public Promotion of Poppies 1st Place Osakis, Post # 7902, 5th District 2nd Place White Bear Lake, Post # 1782, 4th District 3rd Place Blaine, Post # 6316, 7th District Category II Memorial or Inspirational Displays 1st Place Owatonna, Post # 3723, 1st District 2nd Place New York Mills, Post 3289, 9th District 3rd Place Perham, Post # 4020, 9th District BUDDY POPPY Category III Artistic or Decorative Use of Poppies 1st Place Cannon Falls, Post # 4452, 1st District 2nd Place Northfield, Post # 4393, 1st District 3rd Place Saul Rapids, Post # 6992, 6th District Category IV Junior Girls Unit (Memorial or Inspirational) 1st Place Fridley Junior Girls, Post # 363, 7th District Category V Corsages and Misc. 1st Place Blaine, Post # 6316, 7th District 2nd Place Perham, Post # 4020, 9th District 3rd Place Bloomington, Post # 1296, 7th District There are still about 55 Posts that have not ordered Poppies this year. Let s get those orders in NOW! ~Submitted by James E. Rowe, Buddy Poppy Chair General Orders 5 March 2014

6 It s hard to believe that the Community Service Reporting year is almost over COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Two months remaining in the year and April will start a new year for reporting Less than 60 days remain in this year s contest for Community Service Record Books all Community Service projects completed during the period April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014 should Be included when making your Post/Auxiliary Record Book. Record Books must be received by April 25, ~Submitted by Duane Hermanson, Dept. Jr. Vice & Community Service Chair Comrades are the AD rates in you local paper too much for you? Is there an event you would like to promote to ALL of the Members in Minnesota? If you answered yes to any of those questions please take a look at the AD Rate Flyer in this months General Orders. You can leverage the Oversea r to promote: GOPHER OVERSEA R Your Post Your District Your PERSONAL Business Or Even Yourself If you have any questions call me. ~Submitted by Lee Bojarski, Gopher Oversea r Editor Phone bojarski@vfwmn.us Community Service Record Books will be due in April Are you ready? HISTORIAN Look for the Contest Guidelines in this General Orders. These books are a great way to detail the history of your Post! Books are due to Department NO LATER THAN April 25, 2014 General Orders 6 March 2014

7 LEGISLATIVE MEMBERSHIP MN Veterans Day on the Hill March17 10 a.m. Please see the flyer in this G.O. for details we need as many folks as possible up on the Hill. Hello Comrades, I would like to talk a little membership with you right now! At this point 416 new members have been brought into the fold and 327 reinstates have also become members again. Good job! By all of you that are working membership for the organization. The 4 th district is on top at 96.25%, 6 th district is at 94.89%, 3 rd district is at 94.78% and the 5 th district is right on their heels at 94.66%. Please keep working your reinstates list and I m sure that we can keep those numbers growing. It is my pleasure to announce that we are going to keep the two year membership incentive program going through the end of the year. The revised program will be posted right after this article. Keep up the good work and lets work this work this right to the end. Yours in Comradeship, ~Submitted by Gary Anderson, Dept. Sr. Vice & Membership Chair General Orders 7 March 2014

8 MEN S AUXILIARY YOU NEED ONLY 25 MEMBERS TO OBTAIN A CHARTER ELIGIBILITY HUSBANDS OF VETS, WIDOWERS OF VETS, FATHERS OF VETS GRANDFATHERS OF VETS, SONS OF VETS, GRANDSONS OF VETS BROTHERS AND HALF BROTHERS OF VETS. ALL VETS WOULD HAVE TO HAVE BEEN ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE VFW. PROCEDURE AT YOUR NEXT MEETING YOU NEED TO GET A 2/3 VOTE FROM THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP TO START A MEN S AUX. SEND A COPY OF THE MINUTES TO VFW DEPT OF MN. AND THEY WILL SEND YOU A STARTER KIT. MEN S AUX OWATONNA POST 3723 HAS BEEN BUSY PARTNERED WITH LADIES AUX. AND VFW PREPAIRING 160 GIFT BAGS FOR THE HASTINGS VETS HOME. HELP SPONSOR PHEASANT DINNERS FOR THE FOURTEEN HOSPITALS ACROSS THE STATE DONATED OVER $ WORTH OF RETAIL GOODS. TAKES PART IN COLOR AND HONOR GUARD. ASSIST IN BUDDY POPPY CAMPAIGN AND DONATES CASH. PARTICIPATE IN LOYALTY DAY ACTIVITIES AND SERVE LUNCH. SELL AND INSTALL FLAG POLES AND FLAGS TO STEELE CTY. RESIDENTS. PARTICIPATES IN YELLOW RIBBON PROGRAM. SENDS CARDS AND FINANCIAL AID TO MEMBERS IN NEED. RAISED ALMOST $ TO A MEMBER BATTLING CANCER. A VERY ACTIVE GROUP, THANK YOU GENTLEMAN. LET US KNOW WHAT YOUR AUX. IS DOING, WE WOULD LOVE TO SHARE YOUR SUCCESS STORIES VISIT THE MEN S AUX. PAGE ON THE STATE WEB. ~Submitted by John Anderson, Men s Auxiliary Liaison , WB0PIN@COMCAST.NET General Orders 8 March 2014

9 VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY January 31, 2014 Vietnam Waters Ship List: VA continually updates its list of Navy and Coast Guard ships that operated in Vietnamese waters to help veterans document claims for presumptive illnesses related to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides. Veterans must meet VA's criteria for service in Vietnam---to include being aboard boats on the inland waterways or brief visits ashore---to be presumed to have been exposed to herbicides. For a list of ships and diseases related to exposure, go to POW / MIA Two Korean War MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/MIA Office has announced the identification of remains belonging to two soldiers. They are: * Pfc. James R. Holmes, Company K, 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, was lost Dec. 1, 1950, in North Korea. He was accounted for on Jan. 14 and will be buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery in May. * Cpl. Cristobal Romo, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, was lost Dec. 12, 1950, in North Korea. He was accounted for Jan. 13 and will be buried with full military honors in Riverside, Calif., on March 22. As always, we want to share your advocacy stories on the VFW Capitol Hill blog. To share your stories either fill out our online form by clicking here, or simply photos and stories directly to vfwac@vfw.org. To sign up new veterans' advocates to receive the Washington Weekly every Friday, click here: SCOUTING ~Submitted by Dr. Jim Tuorila, POW / MIA Chair Scouting and the VFW Send your completed Scout of the Year applications to my address or the Department's as soon as you can! Dead line is April 1st. Please review the applications before sending them to be sure they have all the needed information. I will contact you if there are problems. Please include your district number also. Scouting is gearing up for summer camps. This is a great time to help sponsor a local scout for the great outdoor adventures available at scout camps. You my do this locally or go through your scout councils. Addresses are available online or drop me an or call me and I will get that info to you asap. ~Submitted by Sue Register, Scouting Chair Johnsmom55@yahoo.com General Orders 9 March 2014

10 The year of 2013 is behind us, so, the publications (newsletters) that each post/district sent out during the calendar year are eligible for the contest. Please use the entry form and submit two of your best entries, and send them to the VFW Department Headquarters. The entries will be judged during the first week of March. The entries will be judged on the timeliness of the publication, its appearance, its content, pictures, articles of importance to the VFW members, up to date calendar, etc. The categories are small posts, medium sized posts and large posts as well as small districts, medium sized districts, and large sized districts. PUBLICATIONS There will also be a competition for post web sites; the post must be registered with the VFW Department of Minnesota in order to be judged. Here again some of the criteria are ease of opening, up to date information, calendar, articles that the post and auxiliaries did, if you have pictures, do they open easily? Can they be enlarged? If you have citations, can you read them? You should ask yourself, "Is this a post that a prospective member would want to join?" My best wishes to each of you on your entry, see you at our State Convention. ~Submitted by Don Heuer, Publications Chair General Orders 10 March 2014

11 IS YOUR POST UP TO HOSTING ONE OF THESE GREAT ACTIVITIES? Archery...Open for 2014 and Beyond Bean bag...chaska Post #1791 to Host 2014 TBA Open for 2015 and Beyond Bowling...April 5-6, 12-13, 26-27, 2014 Alexandria Post #936 (Mankato Post #950 will host 2015, 2016) (Same Time as NEW! VFW Youth Scholarship Singles Bowling Tournament) Cribbage...March 15, :00 am, Owatonna Post #3723 (Owatonna Post #3723 will host 2015) Fishing...March 1 st, 2014, Gilbert Post #4456, Ice Fishing Contest- Lake Ore-Be-Gone VETERANS ACTIVITIES Golf...Aug. 9-10, 2014, Owatonna Post #3723 (Owatonna Post #3723 will host 2015, 2016) Horseshoes...July 12, 2014, Owatonna Post #3723 Military Rifle Match Dilworth Post #1223 ** To be held when Ammunition becomes available** OPEN for 2015 and Beyond Pistol comp Brainerd Post #1647 to Host TBA Open for 2015 and Beyond Trap shooting Open 2014 and beyond NOTE: Contact the Veteran Activities Chairman in your District if you are interested in bidding any of the above events or would like more information on any of the events. ~Submitted by John Anderson, Veterans Activities Chair WB0PIN@COMCAST.NET General Orders 11 March 2014

12 Patriot s Pen Winner Takes 17 th Place at National Congratulations to. Ashley Etter, an 8th grade student sponsored by VFW Post 3922 and Ladies Auxiliary of Wadena. VOICE OF DEMOCRACY/ PATRIOT S PEN Essay Themes are Announced: Voice of Democracy: Why Veterans are important to Our Nation s History and Future Patriot s Pen: Why I appreciate America s Veterans Please keep in contact with your schools A little advertising wouldn t hurt either. ~Submitted by Bob Harris, Voice of Democracy Chair April is fast approaching! Posts- If you want to be considered for the Youth June awards.please start preparing your final Youth Activity reports to send to your respective District Chairmen. A copy of the Report Form and a list of the District Chairmen are included in this General Orders. YOUTH ACTIVITIES NEW!! 1 st Annual YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP SINGLES BOWLING TOURNAMENT: April 5-6, 11-12, 25-26, 2014 (Same Time as Veterans Activity Bowling Tournament) Alexandria Post & Auxiliary #936 BASEBALL: 2014 Brainerd Post #1647 August 7-10 HOCKEY: 2014 Fergus Falls Post #612 March *********************************************************************** Contact the Veteran Activities Chairman in your District if you are interested in bidding any of the above events or would like more information on any of the events. ~Submitted by Rick Bugbee, Youth Activities Chair General Orders 12 March 2014

13 FILING YOUR POST ELECTION REPORT Please note the INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPERLY FILING POST ELECTION REPORTS on the reverse side. Additionally, please note the addendums listed below: Your Post Election Reports WILL NOT be accepted as complete until ALL positions are filled!!! You will now note, that the Offices of Judge Advocate and Surgeon are now appointed positions. Therefore, anyone of your Elected or Appointed Officers can hold one of these offices. (Example A Chaplain can be the Judge Advocate or the Commander could be the Surgeon.) o Only exception is that a Trustee cannot be the Post Adjutant.See Section 218-Officers and Chairmen, Duties, and Obligations. (11) Trustees. Trustees shall not be eligible to serve on committees or as officers whose books, records and accounts are audited by the Trustees In ALL Functional Posts, the REQUIRED Officers would be: Commander, Senior Vice Commander, Quartermaster, three Trustees and Adjutant. NO Post can function without these positions being filled! All of these Officers SHOULD be present at all Post meetings. Thusly, fulfilling the minimum required Quorum of five (5) members. Should your Post have questions on this process, you might consult Section 216 Elected and Appointed Officers; Chairmen and Committees of the VFW National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure. Your Post should also keep in mind, that an INCOMPLETE Post Election Report MAY result in the Suspension of your Post Charter. Last year, no less than six (6) Posts had their Charters Suspended and one (1) Charter was Revoked. Should you have any questions or concerns, please call Jim or Lee at Department Headquarters: mnvfw@vfwmn.us THANK YOU!!!! General Orders 13 March 2014

14 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPERLY SUBMITTING POST ELECTION REPORTS The Post Election Report is to be completed by the outgoing Post Quartermaster during or immediately following the election meeting. Information you will need to properly file your report: Elected Post officers membership information to include current contact information and membership number Post meeting information to include address, day and time. The day should be shown as First Tuesday, Third Wednesday, as appropriate. If a meeting is held more than once a month, show as First and Third Monday, Every Friday, as appropriate. Time should be shown as 11:00 am, 7:30 pm, as appropriate Post mailing address, Post and website information Post Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) Current Post dues amount Commander s named appointments for Adjutant, Judge Advocate, Surgeon and Service Officer ONLINE ELECTION REPORT Online reporting is the required method of submitting the Post s Election Report. As Post Quartermaster, you will log into and access the Online Membership System (OMS) under Post Quartermaster Tools & Resources, click on Post Election Report ; you are now ready to use the newly enhanced reporting procedure. Follow the step by step process, verify your summary, make any necessary corrections and submit. This is a 5-7 minute process for the average user. Quartermasters who need assistance setting up their OMS account should view the following link to access training materials Department Quartermasters have access to OMS and have the ability to enter Post Election results for a Post. Please utilize this resource if you do not have access to OMS. In addition to the annual Election Report, this system will be utilized to make officer changes during the administrative year. MAIL-IN OR FAXED ELECTION REPORT Although a return, postage paid envelope has been included in this year s mailing, we ask that you make every attempt to use the online reporting method. Do not mail or fax your report if you have utilized the online reporting method. Your report can be submitted by mailing one copy to the Adjutant General in the enclosed envelope or fax to This will be the last year that we will provide a postage paid envelope. NOTIFICATION Changes in Post Officers will also be acknowledged by to the Post s V-mail account. Post Quartermaster s will receive a Post Record Acknowledgement via USPS. This card is used to show the reported change of the Post Commander, Post Quartermaster and/or Post Dues Amount. Only return this card to correct erroneous information. Corrections can also be made by accessing the OMS. National Headquarters will be providing Post and officer information to the Department Headquarters. Questions regarding the Post Election Report can be answered by calling ext General Orders 14 March 2014

15 POST # BUILDING NAME (IF NOT POST NAME) DISTRICT # DEPARTMENT POST MEETING LOCATION (PHYSICAL ADDRESS) POST ELECTION REPORT POST NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # DATE OF ELECTION: POST DUES AMOUNT Includes National and $ Department Per Capita POST MAILING ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS ADDRESS LINE 2 CITY STATE ZIP CODE CITY STATE ZIP CODE POST ADDRESS POST MEETING DAY/TIME POST WEBSITE POST PHONE # FEDERAL EMPLOYER INDENTIFICATION # (EIN) CHECK ALL THAT APPLY: OWN RENT NO POST HOME CANTEEN/CLUBROOM PROVIDE HALL RENTALS PROVIDE MILITARY FUNERAL HONORS COMMANDER MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE SENIOR VICE COMMANDER MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE QUARTERMASTER MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE CHAPLAIN MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE JUDGE ADVOCATE (APPOINTED) MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE SURGEON (APPOINTED) MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE 1 YEAR TRUSTEE MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE 2 YEAR TRUSTEE MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE 3 YEAR TRUSTEE MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE ADJUTANT (APPOINTED) MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE SERVICE OFFICER (APPOINTED) MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE General Orders 15 March 2014 VFW FORM POST ELECTION REPORT REV

16 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPERLY SUBMITTING POST CONVENTION REGISTRATION, DELEGATES, ALTERNATES AND ATTENDEES NATIONAL BY-LAW - SECTION 222 Delegate strength shall be one for every thirty (30) members or fraction thereof in good standing. Delegates and alternates shall be elected in accordance with the Manual of Procedure. Each Post will pay, in advance, a national convention registration fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) which shall entitle the Post to a packet of convention information and materials and one identified registered delegate for the National Convention. Each additional delegate attending the National Convention will pay a ten dollar ($10) delegate fee. ONLINE Online submission is the most preferred method of submitting the National Convention-Post & Delegate registration fee(s). As Post Quartermaster, you will log into and access the Online Membership System (OMS) under Post Quartermaster Tools & Resources, click on Post & Delegate Registration link. This is a 3-6 minute process for the average user. Please have the membership number available of all delegates, alternates and attendees you are registering. Only the Post Quartermaster, utilizing this system, can register the Post s Delegates online. Members accessing the National Convention website are registered as attendees only. The Post registration fee of $25 must be remitted prior to the convention; Post delegates will not be able to register their credentials unless this fee is paid. MAIL-IN OR FAX Enclosed with this notification is an invoice in the amount of $25. Quartermasters may fill out and return this invoice using the enclosed pre-addressed, postage paid envelope. This form must be signed by the Adjutant or Quartermaster. The Post registration fee of $25 must be remitted prior to the convention; Post delegates will not be able to register their credentials unless this fee is paid. When using the enclosed form you are required to include the membership number, name and address of all delegates, alternates and attendees you are registering. DEFINITIONS Delegate- Member (in good standing) of the Post elected to represent the Post in all business activity at the National Convention. Delegates elected under Section 222 of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure shall not be considered instructed and may exercise full authority in the duty performed. Alternate- Member (in good standing) of the Post elected to represent the Post in all business activity at the National Convention in the event the elected delegate cannot attend. Alternates not fulfilling the role as delegate are considered attendees. Attendee- Any member in good standing may register for the National Convention. Registering for the National Convention is another way a member can show support for VFW programs. The $10 registration fee entitles the member to a convention packet which may be picked up at the convention. NOTIFICATION Post Quartermasters will receive letter confirmation that the Post is registered. Delegates, alternates and attendees will receive a confirmation letter. Included in this letter will be a request for emergency contact information. We are asking all to fill-out and bring this form with them to convention; this is voluntary, but recommended. All notification will be sent USPS, 3-5 days after processing. Any change to a delegate s status shall be reported to the Quartermaster General. General Orders 16 March 2014

17 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO National Convention - Post & Delegate Registration Section 222 of the National By-Laws states "Each Post will pay, in advance, a national convention registration fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) which shall entitle the Post to a packet of convention information and materials and one identified registered delegate for the National Convention. Each additional delegate attending the National Convention will pay a ten dollar ($10) delegate fee." Each Post is encouraged to register at least one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for every thirty (30) members or fraction thereof. Delegates and alternates shall be elected in accordance with the Manual of Procedure. Any member in good standing may register for the National Convention. Registering for the National Convention is another way a member can show support for VFW programs. The ten dollar ($10) registration fee entitles the member to a convention packet which may be picked up at the convention. Please type or print each member's information below and designate as delegate, alternate or attendee. Registration Type Post Registration Fee w/ Delegate O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee CHOOSE ONLY ONE REGISTRATION TYPE PER LINE (Any change to a delegate's status shall be reported to the Quartermaster General) Membership Number Member Name Member Address Amount Packets not picked up at the convention will not be mailed unless a request is received in writing within 60 days of the close of the convention Post Registration Fee with one (1) Delegate Add $10.00 each additional Delegate/Alternate/Attendee Signature of Adjutant or Quartermaster: O CHECK/MONEY ORDER O VISA O MASTER CARD O DISCOVER O AMERICAN EXPRESS INVOICE Due Upon Receipt TOTAL ENCLOSED Post # Card Number: Mail completed form to: Expiration Date: VFW Convention Registration 406 W. 34th St. General Orders Card Holders Name: 17 March 2014 Kansas City, MO 64111

18 VFW 115th NATIONAL CONVENTION St. Louis, Missouri July 19-23, 2014 NATIONAL CONVENTION HOUSING OPEN TO: FROM: SUBJECT: POST ADJUTANT National Convention Office, VFW ROOM RESERVATIONS FOR NATIONAL CONVENTION Reservations for the 115th VFW National Convention open in February. All members of your Post who desire to make room reservations for the convention are directed to use one of the following procedures: 1) Telephone: a-6p MST, M-F International ) Fax: (do not mail after faxing) 3) Mail: Orchid Event Solutions 175 S. West Temple, Suite 30 Salt Lake City, UT help@orchideventsolutions.com Note: Orchid Event Solutions will be handling our housing reservations for the St. Louis Convention using the Passkey Housing system. 4) Internet: Visit the VFW website at to access an online registration form. In order to take advantage of the special convention rates, be sure to book your reservation by June 13, All reservations require a valid credit card or check deposit for guarantee at time of confirming reservations. Reservations received without a valid guarantee will be returned and will not be processed. If you choose to guarantee with a check deposit, please include it with your housing request form and mail to the address provided above. All check deposits must be in the amount of $ and made payable to Orchid Event Solutions. This housing procedure gives our membership the most efficient and effective method of making and ensuring room reservations in St. Louis. The enclosed housing form may be duplicated, as needed. General Orders 18 March 2014

19 INSTRUCTIONS Reservations can be made in one of the following ways: INTERNET: Visit the VFW web site at TELEPHONE: Toll-free International 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. MST, M-F FAX: MAIL: Orchid Event Solutions 175 S. West Temple, Suite 30 Salt Lake City, UT DEADLINE Reservations must be made by phone, fax, mail or internet by June 13, Reservations received after this date will be subject to space and rate availability. CONFIRMATIONS Orchid Event Solutions will send you an confirmation of your reservation. Please review all information for accuracy. If you do not receive a confirmation or have questions, please call Orchid Event Solutions at the above listed phone number. You will not receive a confirmation from the hotel. TAX RATE and REQUESTS All rates are per room and are subject to room tax between % and % (vaies by hotel and subject to change). Special requests cannot be guaranteed; however hotels will do their best to honor all requests. Hotels will assign specific rooms upon check-in, based on availability. ROOM DEPOSIT REQUIRED SECURING RESERVATION: Reservations will not be accepted without a Room Deposit of $125 for each room reserved. Room Deposits will be accepted in the form of a valid credit card with signature authorizing the credit card guarantee to be charged for the Room Deposit. If the charge to the credit card is denied, we reserve the right to release your reservation. Room Deposits will be accepted in a form of a check until June 13, CANCELLATION POLICY Cancellations after June 13, 2014 will be subject to a $25.00 service fee. One night s room and tax will be forfeited entirely if cancellation occurs within seventy-two (72) hours prior to the attendee arrival date and will be charged by your hotel. 115 th VFW National Convention 2014 July 19-23, 2014 St. Louis, MO Official Hotel Reservation Form GUEST INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT) FOR BEST AVAILABILITY, MAKE YOUR RESERVATION VIA INTERNET ( OR BY PHONE AT ( ) Arrival Date Departure Date First Name M.I. Address: Daytime Phone: Company Address Address 2 City/State/Province Zip/Postal Code, Country Fax: Last Name HOTEL SELECTION Each state/department has been assigned a hotel with an allocation of rooms. In the event the allotment has been filled, a room will be reserved at another VFW hotel based on your preference of rates or proximity and availability. If hotel assignment is sold out, which is more important? (check one) Room Rate Location State you reside in: Room Type Requested: One Bed Two Beds (Submit one room request per form. Should additional forms be needed, please make copies.) List all room occupants: Check here if you have special needs and specify below. Special requests: Smoking Room (Most hotels are now non-smoking; check with your assigned hotel s smoking policy) DEPOSIT INFORMATION All reservations requests must be accompanied by a credit card guarantee or check for one night s deposit. Forms received without a valid guarantee/deposit will not be processed. Check deposits must be mailed with a completed housing form. Visa American Express Discover MasterCard Card Number Exp. Date Name on Credit Card Cardholder s Signature* * I hearby authorize the participating hotel to charge a deposit of $ to my credit card on and/or after June 13, 2014 and authorize the participating hotel keep the $ or a one nights room and tax charge whichever is greater if I fail to cancel my reservation 72 hours prior to my arrival date. Check deposit of $125 enclosed and made payable to Orchid Event Solutions. Mail check with completed housing form to: Orchid Event Solutions 175 S. West Temple, Suite 30, Salt Lake City, UT Must be received no later General Orders than June 13, March 2014

20 RENAISSANCE GRAND ST. LOUIS Indiana Nevada Pennsylvania Kansas Florida Illinois Iowa Michigan Minnesota Missouri Nebraska Ohio South Dakota Wisconsin Europe Rhode Island HYATT REGENCY Louisiana Connecticut Alaska South Carolina Massachusetts New Jersey Kentucky Georgia Alabama Arkansas Oklahoma West Virginia Virginia Mississippi HILTON INN AT THE BALLPARK Arizona California Colorado Hawaii Idaho Montana New Mexico North Dakota Oregon Pacific Areas Utah Washington Wyoming Vermont Maine New Hampshire District of Columbia Delaware Maryland New York EMBASSY SUITES Texas Tennessee North Carolina General Orders 20 March 2014

21 PRIDE IN YOUR POST Membership Incentive Program (Or two for one) New and Reinstated (Annual & Life) Members By Gary Anderson, State Membership Chairman As we know the heart of the Organization is Membership. The strength of our numbers relates to our influence to government on Veterans issues, our programs and our overall impact to our country. As a member you account for less than 1% of our population that have served in a Combat zone. Boots on the Ground as they say. We should take Great Pride in this and what I feel makes the Veterans of Foreign Wars a prestigious organization indeed. We need to convey this to all our prospective new and reinstated members whenever we talk to them about joining (or rejoining) the Veterans of Foreign Wars. This brings us to the PRIDE in Your Post Incentive Membership Program for The following Rules and Guidelines will apply: PRIZES: $10 for every New or Reinstated Member (Annual or Life) signed up for two (2) years. Basic Rules: 1. All New and/or Reinstated (Annual or Life )members MUST be sent through Department Headquarters with payment for two (2) years Dues ($60 per Member) with enclosed paperwork filled out. 2. Department Headquarters will process the New/Reinstated members and send verification back to the participating Post Quartermaster. 3. Absolute Deadline for this Incentive Program is : May 15, 2014!!! 4. This Incentive Program began on August 1, The Department will reimburse the first 500 New or Reinstated members Department wide. It is recommended that the New or Reinstated member pay at least the second year Dues (if not both years). Let s make our State Commander PROUD and sign up over 500 New or Reinstated members before May 15, 2014!!!! THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF PRIDE IN YOU POST PROGRAM FOR MIDWINTER. General Orders 21 March 2014

22 PRIDE IN YOUR POST Membership Incentive Program District: Post: New or Reinstate Name and Membership Number Money Enclosed Total Money Enclosed: Make all Checks Payable to: Department of Minnesota, VFW **Please submit only one check to Department from your Post checking account.** General Orders 22 March 2014

23 All VFW & Auxiliary Members Please Join Us... Monday, March 17, :00 AM Rotunda of Minnesota State Capitol Show Your Support for Veterans Issues Learn of Current Legislation Affecting Our Veterans Listen to Minnesota Veterans Organization Representatives Wear your V.F.W. Cap, Auxiliary attire and any apparel signifying your interest and support of Veterans Issues More Details will be available as the Event nears If you have any questions, please contact the VFW Department Headquarters at or Sponsored by: Minnesota Commander s Task Force, Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers, United Veterans Legislative Council of MN General Orders 23 March 2014

24 ALL-STATE POST COMMANDER POINT SYSTEM Up to Twenty (20) Department of Minnesota All-State Post Commanders will be selected. Each will receive a special lapel pin, All-State Post Commander's WHITE hat and a $25 check toward State Convention expenses. (The check is issued only if in attendance at the joint awards session of the State Convention.) Judging of the All-State Team of Post Commanders will be based on points earned in the following categories: Membership, Community Activities and Recordbook, Poppies, Voice of Democracy, Meeting Attendance, Past Performance, Legislative, and Hospital Program. In order to be the ALL-State Captain you must attend the banquet at the State Covention, if the Captain is not present it will go to the next person in line that attended the banquet. MEMBERSHIP Points for reaching 100% based on (go to MEMSTATS' "Prior Year" total are as follows: Bonus Post Size Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Pct for 100%+ ("Prior Year" members) Category I ( ) Category II ( ) Category III ( ) Category IV ( ) Category V ( ) Category VI (Over 1000) How to determine points from chart above 2013 "Prior Year" totals can be found on VFW National Web Page ( "Memstats" A Post with 320 "Prior Year" members for 2013, that reaches 100% by January 31, 2014, will earn 6 points. A Post with 120 "Prior Year" members that reaches 100% by November 30, 2013, will earn 8 points. NOTE: Posts with less than 25 "Prior Year" members who exceed their 2013 membership total by 200% will receive the points listed for Category I. *****A Post Representative must attend all scheduled District Meetings.***** BONUS PERCENTAGE POINTS (MUST MAKE 100%+) Bonus Percentage Points may be earned by exceeding the prior years membership as follows: Three (3) points will be earned for exceeding "Prior Year" plus the Bonus Percentage from the chart. Example 1-A Post with 62 "Prior Year" members that reaches 127% will earn 9 Bonus Percentage Points (3 points for each 9% over 100%). Example 2-A Post with 530 "Prior Year" members that reaches % will earn 6 Bonus Percentage Points (3 points for each 1.25% over 100%). Example 3-A... Post with 160 "Prior Year" members, that reaches 107% will earn 6 Bonus Percentage points. (3 points for the first 4% over 100% and 3 points for the next 3% because it is greater than one-half of the minimum required percentage of 4%.) PAST PERFORMANCE POINTS - Add five (5) points for exceeding 2013's "Prior Year" membership if 2012 membership exceeded 2011's membership (three years of consecutive membership growth). Add one (1) additional point for each 5 years of consecutive membership growth. For example, a Post with 15 years of consecutive membership growth will earn 3 points. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND RECORDBOOKS STATE REPORTING - One (1) point may be earned each month (from April to March) in which a creditable Community Activities Report is received ON TIME, from the Post or Auxiliary. A bonus of three (3) points may be earned if a Post or Auxiliary completes all twelve (12) reports. A Post may earn three (3) points for being credited from Department V.F.W. Headquarters in Americanism, three (3) points for being credited in Safety, and three (3) points for being credited in Youth Activities. General Orders 24 March 2014

25 RECORDBOOK - A Post will earn five (5) points for submitting a Community Activities Recordbook in the State Community Activities Recordbook contest. The first place book will receive an extra five (5) points; second place will receive four (4) points; third place will receive three (3) points; fourth place will receive two (2) points; and fifth through tenth place will receive one (1) extra point. (As Scored Overall) VOICE OF DEMOCRACY/PATRIOT S PEN A Post may earn three (3) points by submitting one (1) Voice of Democracy tape and completed entry materials into the District Voice of Democracy competition. A Post may also earn three (3) points by submitting one (1) Patriot s Pen Essay and completed entry materials into the District Patriot s Pen competition. TEACHER OF THE YEAR A Post may earn three (3) points by submitting one (1) complete Teacher of the Year entry into the District Teacher of the Year competition. POPPY PROGRAM Eight (8) points may be earned by ordering poppies in 2014 at least equal to the average purchase over the last 3 years. Two (2) points may be earned for purchasing poppies in excess of last year's purchase. (250 Poppies over) One (1) point may also be earned for entering the District Poppy Display Contest. Ten (10) additional points may be earned for ordering at least ten (10) Buddy Poppies per Post member. LEGISLATIVE Three (5) points may be earned by sending introductory letters to your U.S. Representative, three (3) U.S. Senators, State Representative and State Senator. Send copies of each letter to the Department Headquarters. POST SERVICES Three (3) points may be earned by appointing a Post Service Officer and reporting it on your Election Report. HOSPITAL PROGRAM One (1) point will be awarded for submitting five (5) Hospital reports on the Community Service Report form. MEETING ATTENDANCE Three (3) points may be earned for attending the State Fall Conference. Three (3) points may be earned for attending the State Midwinter Conference. Five (5) points may be earned for attending ALL your District Meetings. Post Commanders or Representive MUST attend all scheduled District meetings to be eligible for All- State Honors. (THIS MUST BE DOCUMENTED BY THE SIGN-IN SHEETS PROVIDED AT ABOVE MENTIONED CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS!) COMMANDER S PROJECT Donate to the Commander s Project and receive five (5) points toward All-State honors. NO EXCEPTIONS Absolute requirement to be considered for the All-State Team of Post Commanders. Post Commanders or Representive MUST attend all scheduled District meetings to be eligible for All-State Honors. You will need 100% based on "Prior Year's Membership by April, 2014 Five (5) Hospital Reports, a copy of Proof of Eligibility" and receipt of the following pages from your Leadership Guide Manual: "Officers Information" (page 2), "Welcome" (pages 3-8),"Early Planning and Calendars" (pages 10-23) when requested and a completed All-State Post Commander's Questionnaire. (The Questionnaire will be sent only to Post Commanders obtaining 100% based on "Prior Year's membership.) DO NOT SEND SCRAPBOOKS!!! *****EACH COMMANDER MUST RECRUIT THREE (3) New/Reinstate members to qualify**** General Orders 25 March 2014

26 ALL-STATE POST QUARTERMASTER POINT SYSTEM Up to Twenty (20) Quartermasters will be selected by the Department of Minnesota, V.F.W. and honored along with the All State Team of Post Commanders at the Department Convention. Each honored Quartermaster will receive his/her choice of cap or pin and a check for $25.00 toward his/her Convention expenses. This check will only be awarded if he/she is in attendance at the Joint Session of the Convention. Post Quartermasters must attend at lease two District Meetings. The following points will be tabulated in the judging of the All State Team of Post Quartermasters. You must qualify in all the following categories. POINTS FOR REACHING 100% OF "PRIOR YEAR" MEMBERSHIP IN THE MONTH AND CATEGORY ARE LISTED BELOW: Category SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR I (25-75) II (76-175) III ( ) IV ( ) V ( ) VI ( ) VII (1501 and over) NOTE: To receive the above points, you must make 100% of "Prior Year" membership by the end of the listed months. As a Post Quartermaster, you can access your "Prior Year" total on MEMSTATS ( after September 1, or contact Department Headquarters. General Orders 26 March 2014

27 PERFORMANCE POINTS: New and Reinstates - There will be one point awarded for every New and Reinstated member AFTER Post achieves 100% of "Prior Year" Membership. These points will be awarded from September to April only. Audits - There will be ten (10) points for Post Trustees Report of Audit turned into Department Headquarters within thirty (30) days of the close of the quarter. (This will only apply to the quarters ending in September, December and March.) There will be five points (5) for Audits turned in to Department Headquarters within forty-five (45) days of the close of the quarter. Exceptions will be made to those Posts that are unable to meet deadlines because of special bookkeeping procedures... but will have to be verified by all three Post Trustees and the Post Commander in writing. Meeting Attendance - Three (3) points may be earned for attending the State Fall Conference. Three (3) points may be earned for attending the State Midwinter Conference. Five (5) points may be earned for attending ALL your District Meetings. (Post Quartermasters or Post Representative MUST attend all District meetings to be eligible for ASPQM.) (THIS MUST BE DOCUMENTED BY THE SIGN-IN SHEETS PROVIDED AT ABOVE MENTIONED CONFERENCES, MEETINGS AND PICK-UPS!!!) Additional Points - There will be additional points, maximum of TEN, for overall performance throughout the year. These points are as follows: Three (3) points for paying your Hospital/Campership within 90 days of July 1 st. One (1) point if your Hospital/Campership is paid before December 30 th. Three (3) points if your Quartermaster/officer Bond payment reached or was recorded at Department Headquarters before October 15 th. Four points will be added to your score after the judging of the All State Team of Post Commanders... if YOUR Commander is selected to that Team. Tie-Breakers - All ties will be broken by reviewing your All State Post Quartermaster Questionnaire and your consistency of reporting throughout the preceding year. In April you will receive a letter and questionnaire. This letter will only be sent to those Posts achieving 100% of "Prior Year" Membership!!! 9/13 General Orders 27 March 2014

28 March 29, 2014 Department Commander s Testimonial Dinner Social Hour 6:00 pm/dinner 7:00 pm Come join Commander Frank at Jack & Jims in Duelm. Duelm is located 10 minutes east of St. Cloud off Hwy 95 Buffet Style Dinner Caesar Salad Prime Rib and Chicken Parmesan Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Vegetable Blend Cucumber Salad and Macaroni Salad Dinner rolls& butter, coffee, tea, and milk $25.00 Please make your checks payable to VFW Post 4847, earmarked Commander s Testimonial Dinner. Mail to:tom Vogel, 104 Franklin Ave. NE, St. Cloud, MN 56304, Deadline: 3/21/14 Name: # of Tickets: x $25.00= General Orders 28 March 2014

29 DIRECTIONS to JACK & JIM S Duelm, MN From BECKER, MN: 1.5 miles W of Becker on US 10. Take RIGHT on MN Hwy 25 North for 11.3 miles. LEFT on Duelm Rd 1 mi. Jack &Jim s on RIGHT 1 mile. From ST. CLOUD, MN: 7.8 miles on MN Hwy 23 East.RIGHT on MN Hwy 95 East for 5.2 miles.right MN Hwy 23 South 1.2 miles.right on Duelm Rd. Jack &Jim s on the RIGHT 1 mile. From PRINCETON, MN: 16.4 miles on MN Hwy 95 West.LEFT on MN Hwy 25 South 1.2 miles.right on Duelm Rd. Jack &Jim s on RIGHT 1 mile. From FOLEY, MN: 6.4 miles on MN Hwy 23 South. Right on Duelm Rd. Jack &Jim s on RIGHT 1 mile. Hotel Accommodations If you feel the need for a hotel/motel for Saturday evening, these are hotels/motels in the surrounding area. Country Inn & Suites 120 7th Avenue SE Intersection of MN Hwy 23 and US Hwy 10 St Cloud, MN (320) Americinn 910 S Rum River Dr Princeton, MN (763) Super st St Becker, MN (763) Americas Best Value Inn 945 State Highway 24 Clearwater, MN (320) General Orders 29 March 2014

30 Donate to the VFW s Future Through Dedicated Funds, Wills and Bequests In an effort to preserve the Programs of the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars, we have setup a 501-c-3 entity, The Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars Charitable Association (VFW Charitable Association). The VFW Charitable Association is designated to receive donations from Posts and Individuals. In time, these Dedicated Funds will offset the expense of the Department Programs with the annual interest generated from that designated fund. The following Dedicated Funds are available for donations: VOICE OF DEMOCRACY - This fund would offset the Annual Voice of Democracy Promotion and Awards Programs. AMERICANISM & PATRIOTIC - This fund would offset the expense of the Annual Americanism/Patriotic Programs. VETERANS BENEFITS - This fund would aid in the operation of the VFW Claims Service Office and the processing of Veterans Benefits/Entitlements. YOUTH ACTIVITIES - This fund would offset the Annual Youth Activity Programs. These programs would be, but not limited to, Youth Baseball, Youth Hockey, Special Olympics and Scouting. At the present time, the Veterans of Foreign Wars finds itself in a state of declining Membership and diminishing returns --- (financially). To preserve the ideals of this GREAT Organization, we need to "Look to the Future"... To a time when many of us will no longer be able to carry the "VFW Torch". We therefore, need to plan ahead. We as Veterans, family members of Veterans and concerned citizens need to preserve the work, memories and Programs of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. One way of doing this, is through "Gift Giving"... Donating to Programs that will honor Veterans in perpetuity. We are asking that each Post, VFW Member, Family Member or concerned citizen consider an in-kind donation to one of the above-mentioned Dedicated Funds. Another consideration would be to name the VFW Charitable Association in a Will or Bequest. Be assured, that ALL donations will go directly to the Dedicated Funds of your choice and that only the Annual Interest Income will be applied to the Annual Program expense. NO Administrative expenses will be derived from any of the Dedicated Funds. For more information on preserving the future of the Veterans of Foreign Wars can acquired by calling Department Headquarters at , us at mnvfw@vfwmn.us or visit our Web Page at Donations can be sent to: VFW Charitable Association Rice Street Station, P.O St. Paul, Minnesota THANK YOU!!! General Orders 30 March 2014

31 WEDNESDAY, June 4, 2014 OFFICER S TRAINING INSTITUTE Kelly Inn St Cloud June 4-5, 2014 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Revised :00-8:00 PM Early Registration for OTI Main Lobby 6:00 8:30 PM District Officers Leadership Training University A THURSDAY, June 13, :00AM - 8:00 AM OTI Registration Main Lobby 8:00 AM 4:00 PM VFW Convention Registration Main Lobby 8:00 10:00 AM Post Officers Training (Leadership & Parliamentary Procedure) University A 8:00 10:00 AM Quartermaster & Men s Auxiliary Treasurer Class University B -BREAK- 10:15-12:00 Noon Post Officers Training (Membership & Recruiting) University A 10:15-12:00 Noon Quartermaster & Men s Auxiliary Treasurer Class - University B -LUNCH- 1:00-2:45 P.M. Post Officers Training (Post Programs & Service Officer) University A 1:00-2:45 P.M. Quartermaster Review and Test University B -BREAK- 3:00-4:00 P.M. Post Officers Training University A Thank you for attending the 30 th Annual Officer's Training Institute. We trust that you not only learn something but also have a good time doing it. All Post Officers and Men s Auxiliary Officers are asked to attend the Post Officers Training. All Quartermasters, Trustees and Auxiliary Treasurers are asked to attend the Quartermaster Class. Ladies Auxiliary ALOT Classes are proposed for Senate/Congress and State Room depending upon how they choose to structure their courses. General Orders 31 March 2014

32 TWENTY-NINTH ANNUAL OFFICER S TRAINING SCHOOL TO: WHAT: POST COMMANDERS, SR. VICE CMDR. AND JR. VICE CMDR. ELECTS, QUARTERMASTERS AND TRUSTEES (DISTRICT Officer s & MEN S AUXILIARY Officers Please use other forms) OFFICER S TRAINING SCHOOL WHEN: JUNE 5, 2014 WHERE: BEST WESTERN KELLY INN th Ave. S., St Cloud, MN Any Post Member is Welcome to Attend!! TIME: 8:00-4:30 P.M., Thursday, June 5 th Training Sessions all day. QUARTERMASTERS & TRUSTEES WILL HAVE A SEPARATE SCHOOL ALL DAY THURSDAY COST: $75.00 per person by May 15, includes all coffee breaks, lunch, registration and supplies. NEW this year Commanders & Quartermasters will also receive a CD containing OTI Powerpoints, Mauals and More. All meetings and meals will be held at Best Western Kelly Inn, St Cloud, MN. ****************************************************************************************************************** Post # District # OFFICER S TRAINING SCHOOL POST REGISTRATION Person Completing this Form Primary Phone # To receive Confirmation of your Post s Registration please provide: Address (or Mailing Address) Enclosed is $ for reservations at $75.00 each for the Officer s Training School June 5, Make checks payable to Department of Minnesota, V.F.W. MAIL FORM TO: Department of Minnesota, V.F.W.; Rice Street Station, PO Box 17146; St Paul, MN Post Members Registering: FIRST NAME LAST NAME TITLE SCHOOL ATTENDING 1 Commander School OR Quartermaster School 2 Commander School OR Quartermaster School 3 Commander School OR Quartermaster School 4 Commander School OR Quartermaster School 5 Commander School OR Quartermaster School REGISTRATION FORM AND REMITTANCE MUST BE RETURNED NO LATER THAN MONDAY, MAY 15, 2014 General Orders 32 March /14

33 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA NEW POPPY ORDER FORM Date POST/AUXILIARY LOCATION NO. DISTRICT Poppy Department Department of Minnesota, V.F.W. Rice Street Station, P.O. Box St. Paul, MN Please place our order for the following: Buddy Poppies $ per 1,000. $ Buddy Poppy $ per 5,000*.. $ *Poppy Parts will only ship in quantities of 5,000 and WILL NOT be broken up Poppy cards, $1.00 each (For re-sale to merchants).... $ Poppy coin $1.10 each NEW PRICE CHANGE. $ Poppy promotion $.30 each $ Poppy promotion $.30 each.... $ "Buddy Poppy" MEMORIAL $4.50 each.... $ Story of the "Buddy $6.50 sold only in pkg of $ TOTAL AMOUNT OF ORDER $ Ship the above to: Title Address: (Street No., Rte.No., etc. **NO PO BOX**) (Town and State) (Zip) PLEASE NOTE: Poppy orders are shipped via UPS. To avoid delay, please give a street address or route number. U.P.S. CANNOT DELIVER TO A POST OFFICE BOX. Signed **Important information to fill out on the back. IF you do not complete this information, your order will not be shipped until January 1 st ** Title FOR DEPARTMENT USE ONLY: Date received Date recorded Date shipped Partial shipment Order completed Date Paid/Invoiced Revised February 24, 2014 General Orders 33 March 2014

34 IMPORTANT None of this Material will be included with your order unless requested PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY, IF ANY, YOU NEED OF THE ITEMS LISTED BELOW. THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL. REQUEST ALL YOU NEED, BUT NO MORE THAN YOU WILL USE. POPPY DEPARTMENT Department of Minnesota, V.F.W. Please include the following with our Poppies: QUANTITY ITEM Arm bands "Helps for the promotion worker". Hints on how to do a more effective job of promoting Poppies. Pledge cards. Receipt books will be furnished automatically at no additional cost with each order of 25 easel-back cards. This receipt can be used by the merchant as proof of a TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION. Please Fill out the below information. **If you do not fill it out your shipment will be filled after January 1st** When do you need your orders (Circle one) A-Immediately (Ships same day UPS *NO PO BOX*) B-Within in a Month or write in a date below C- After January 1 st (Will ship first in first out) Preferred Delivery method (Circle One 1-Ship via UPS (*NO PO BOX*) 2-Pickup Directly at Department Headquarters **Poppy Cards may be shipped separately** Revised February 24, 2014 General Orders 34 March 2014

35 ANNUAL VFW STATE CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT OWATONNA, MN 15 MARCH 2014 Starting time 9:00 AM Entry Name: COME AND JOIN THE FUN AND COMRADERIE WITH YOUR VFW COMRADES. MUST BE A PAID-UP MEMBER OF THE POST OR AUXILLARY (MENS OR WOMENS). PLEASE CALL MIKE MEYER TO SIGN UP OR SEND THIS REGISTERATION TO 527 GLENDALE ST OWATONNA, MN CELL: (507) General Orders 35 March 2014

36 General Orders 36 March 2014

37 General Orders 37 March 2014

38 General Orders 38 March 2014

39 Hosted by: VFW Post 936 and Auxiliary Divisions 12 & Under Boys 12 & Under Girls 13 & Over Boys 13 & Over Girls Entry Fee $15 April 5-6, 11-12, Saturday Shifts 11:20am, 1:40pm, 4:45 pm Sunday Shifts 10:35am, 12:55pm (We reserve the right to add additional dates to this tournament if entries warrant.) Tournament is open to all bowlers up to age 18. Bowlers must have a USBC certified average from the season. Bowl with this years high average of 12 games or more. Handicap is 90% of 220. Divisions based on age as of April 1, Age verification may be requested. Bowl as often as you like, only cash once. Scholarships awarded in each division. Payback will be 1:5 For Reservations Contact: Garden Center Lanes th Ave E, PO Box 1117, Alexandria, MN or General Orders 39 March 2014

40 DEPARTMENT OF MN VFW COMMANDER FRANK PRESFIELD PROJECT BENTSTAR FINDING MIAs BentStar GOLF Tournament Fundraiser Location: Columbia Golf Course 3300 Central Avenue Northeast, MPLS MN Phone (612) Date: June 3, 2014 Time: 10.30A.M. Shot Gun Start: Best Ball Cost $ Per Player Check should be made payable to Ballentine VFW #246 DEPT OF MN VFW COMMANDERS PROJECT Players After Golf, Food, Beverages, Prizes, Auction, at Columbia Golf Course Clubhouse. Send entry form and check to: Ed Eibon Winter Pl Eden Prairie MN Any Questions call Ed at or Entry deadline: May 2, 2014 The BentStar Project is an IRS tax-exempt organization, we are also eligible for donations through the Combined Federal Campaign, #64057 BentStar Project, Limited POW/MIAs, searching for and finding the 83,000 Missing in Action from USA battles around the globe. One by one bringing home our heroes. General Orders 40 March 2014

41 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA Best Western Kelly Inn St Cloud, Minnesota JUNE 4-8, 2014 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE As of WEDNESDAY, June 4, 2014: Registration at Post #428- TBD 5:00 PM 8:00 PM Early Registration for OTI (Main Lobby) and ALOT (South Lobby) 6:00 8:30 PM District Officers Leadership Training University A THURSDAY, June 5, 2014: Registration at Post #428- TBD 7:00 AM 9:00 AM OTI & VFW Registration (Main Lobby) and ALOT (South Lobby) 9:00 AM 4:00 PM VFW Registration (Main Lobby) 1:00 4:00 PM Auxiliary Registration South Lobby OFFICERS TRAINING SCHOOL: 8:00 AM -3:30 PM Post Officers Training University A 8:00 AM 3:30 PM Quartermaster & Men s Auxiliary Treasurer Class University B 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Auxiliary ALOT Training Senate/Congress Auxiliary ALOT Breakout State Room STATE CONVENTION BUSINESS: 5:30 7:00 PM Finance Committee meeting Board Room 5:30 7:00 PM Club Committee meeting Husky 6:30-11:00 PM Auxiliary Council of Administration Grand Ballroom (See Auxiliary Agenda) 7:30-11:00 PM V.F.W. Council of Administration meeting Civic Center- Opportunities Suite FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014: PASS OUT RESOLUTIONS 7:30 AM 4:00 PM VFW Registration Main Lobby 7:30 AM 4:00 PM Auxiliary Registration South Lobby 9:30 AM 11:30 AM V.F.W. and Auxiliary Joint Awards Session Grand Ballroom VFW Program Recognition Awards (Agenda established by Department Headquarters) Naming of All-State Team of Post Commanders Naming of All-State Team of Post Quartermasters 11:45 AM Past State Commanders and Presidents Luncheon TBA 1:30 4:30 PM Opening Auxiliary Convention Grand Ballroom (See Auxiliary Agenda) General Orders 41 March 2014

42 1:00 2:00 PM COMMITTEE MEETING ASSIGNMENTS 1. National Security/Foreign Affairs/POW University A 2. By-Laws/Ritual/Rules - Civic Center- Bell Room 3. General Resolutions/Extension-Membership University B 4. Finance/Internal Affairs/Clubs Civic Center- Alexander Room 5. Legislative/Veterans Service/Employment Civic Center- Weidner,Clarke,Edelbrock 2:30 4:30 PM Gambling Meeting Civic Center- Weidner,Clarke,Edelbrock 7:00 8:30 PM Memorial Service Grand Ballroom SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014: 7:30 AM 4:00 PM VFW Registration Main Lobby 7:30 AM 3:00 PM Auxiliary Registration South Lobby 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Auxiliary Convention Session Grand Ballroom (See Auxiliary Agenda) 9:00 AM 3:00 PM Open Convention Civic Center- Opportunities Suite Roll Call of Officers Rules Committee Committee Reports Nomination of Officers 9:00 AM 11:30 AM Men s Auxiliary Convention Meeting University A 12:00 Noon Recess 1:15 PM - 3:15 PM Caucuses Dist 1: Civic-Bell, Dist 2: University A, Dist 3: Front Desk Conference Room, Dist 4: Board Room, Dist 5: Civic-Alexander, Dist 6: University B, Dist 7: Civic- Weidner, Dist 8: Civic-Clarke-Edelbrock, Dist 9: Husky 5:30 6:40 PM Social Pool Atrium (Cash Bar) 7:00 PM Banquet Grand Ballroom Guest Speaker - TBA Master of Ceremony State Jr. Vice Commander Sunday, June 8, 2014: 7:30 AM 9:30 AM VFW Registration Main Lobby 9:00 AM 11:30 AM Reconvene Convention Civic Center- Opportunities Suite Roll Call of Officers Committee Reports Election of Officers 8:30 11:30 PM Auxiliary Convention Session Grand Ballroom (See Auxiliary Agenda) 12:00 1:30 PM Joint Installation of Officers Grand Ballroom 1:00 2:00 PM Council of Administration Meeting to Follow Installation (New Members) - Civic Center- Opportunities Suite 1:45 PM Auxiliary Brief C of A Meeting Grand Ballroom General Orders 42 March 2014

43 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA STATE CONVENTION HOUSING RESERVATIONS St Cloud, Minnesota June 4-8, 2014 (OTI June 5 th & Convention June 5 th 8 th ) In order to be processed, all information must be complete. Each room must have a name and type. Housing requests will be handled as received. Name (Please PRINT in Boxes) Address City State MN Zip Phone Post # District # Room Nightly Rate (Not including Tax): Single- $87 Double- $87 Triple- $87 Quad- $87 Sharing with: Arrival Date and Time Departure Date and Time Credit Card Information: (Reservation will not be made without a guarantee) Type of card: Number: Name on Card: Expiration Date: Or Check # for one (1) night made out to the Best Western Kelly Inn NOTE: Confirmations are no longer mailed out by hotels. You may include an address for receipt confirmation from Department Headquarters or call Department 2-3 weeks after mailing your reservation. Yes-I would like to receive an from Department confirming my Reservations have been Received address: Mail Reservations To: Department of Minnesota, VFW Rice Street Station PO Box St. Paul, MN (We will not have confirmation numbers available until late May, but will be able to confirm that your reservation has been received by the Department Office and you have a room) **DEADLINE DATE: May 1, 2014** Rev. 1/22/14 OR Contact Melody With Questions: melodymnvfw@vfwmn.us General Orders 43 March 2014

44 DEPARTMENT CONVENTION BOOK JUNE 5-8, 2014 St Cloud ADVERTISING RATES FOR V.F.W. STATE, DISTRICT, POSTS AND LOCAL ESTABILISHMENTS FOR THE CONVENTION BOOK. PAGE SIZE RATES FULL PAGE (8 1/2 X 11 ) $ HALF PAGE $ QUARTER PAGE $60.00 ALL ADS SHOULD BE CAMERA READY. OUR PRINTER HAS NOTIFIED US THAT ADS WHICH ARE NOT CAMERA READY WILL BE CHARGED AN EXTRA $10. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: VFW Post #428 AND MAIL TO: VFW Post #428 Attn: Convention Ad 9 18 th Ave N. St Cloud, MN TO: vfw428@integra.net DEADLINE DATE FOR BOOKLET: MAY 1, 2014 General Orders 44 March 2014

45 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT CONVENTION BANQUET SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014 ST. CLOUD, MINNESOTA The Annual Department Convention Banquet will be held at the Best Western Kelly Inn on Saturday, June 7, This event is open to all members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary. BANQUET: Social Hour 6:00 P.M. Officers Line-up 6:45 P.M. Dinner 7:00 P.M. MENU: TICKETS: Classic Chicken Kiev Topped with Marsala Sauce Blended Rice Pilaf Fresh Green Bean and Carrot Medley Chef s Specialty Salad & Fresh Baked Bread Dessert TBD $25.00 per person. Seating for 250 persons. Ten to a Banquet table. ORDERS MUST BE IN WRITING WITH CHECK ENCLOSED. If we need to split your party, we will try to do it equally. Please note if you need handicapable arrangements or have specific dietary needs. Fill out form below and return to: VFW Post #428 Attn: Convention Banquet Order 9 18 th Ave. N St Cloud, MN MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: POST #428 Ticket orders will be stamped with date of receipt and filled in that order. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. Tickets will bear a table number and orders will be filled as received. THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP POST AND AUXILIARY DELEGATES TOGETHER IS TO ORDER THE TICKETS AT THE SAME TIME. Tickets will not be mailed out. You may pick up tickets during Registration Hours. PLEASE ORDER EARLY!!! ******************************************************************************************************************* BANQUET RESERVATION Saturday, June 7, :00 P.M. PLEASE RESERVE TICKETS FOR THE ANNUAL DEPARTMENT CONVENTION BANQUET. Enclosed is $ made out to POST #428 to cover the cost of $25.00 per person. TICKETS ARE BEING RESEVRED BY: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE # POST/AUXILIARY # DISTRICT # **Deadline to Order: May 20, 2014** General Orders 45 March 2014

46 V.F.W RIDERS The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Minnesota Minnesota Invites ALL VFW Members, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, VFW Men s Auxiliary, TO BE PART OF: VFW RIDERS GROUP VFW Riders, Over the past couple of years, there have been numerous questions about starting a VFW Riders Group in Minnesota. As some of you know, some other states have organized Groups. Minnesota, on the other hand, chose to wait until the National VFW recognized the VFW Riders at the National level. We also waited to for some established rules and VFW Rider logo. During the 111 th National Convention in Indianapolis, all of the above was attained. Now, where to we go from here (Applications and Guidelines are available online at A. We need to create interest in the VFW Riders Group and a Database. B. We need to entities and establish guidelines. C. We need to organize a number of Rides for VFW Riders (some of these have been in place for a number of years). D. We need to raise funds for VFW Organized Charities (like National Military Services). CONTACT: (Please provide Name, Address, Phone Number and address and state that you are interested in the VFW RIDERS GROUP ) Department of Minnesota, VFW c/o Amanda Preciado, State Chairman Rice Street Station PO Box Saint Paul, MN mnvfw@vfwmn.us Phone: General Orders 46 March 2014

47 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA TRAVELING SAFETY TROPHY I. District Commanders and Post Commanders please pass this along to your Safety Chairperson. II. The following requirements for participation in and winning of the Department of Minnesota Traveling Safety Trophy for are as follows: A. To be eligible, your Post or Auxiliary must enter a Community Service Recordbook. 1. The first page of the Community Service Recordbook must show Post name, Post number and location of Post or Auxiliary. This form will be sent to all Posts/Auxiliaries by the State Community Service Chairman via the General Orders. 2. Your Community Service Recordbook (Category 2 - Safety) will be judged on the number of Safety Projects completed as well as the quality of the project. Document your projects with newspaper articles, pictures and other verifications. 3. The six basic Safety Programs are: Pedestrian Safety; Drug Awareness; Recreational Safety; Highway Safety; Home/Fire Safety; Recognition/Other. You do not have to complete all six (6) programs to qualify for this award. 4. Is your Recordbook presented in chronological order or in a manner easily understandable? It is to your advantage to write up each project as completely as possible. 5. How did the Community benefit from the Safety projects sponsored or offered by your Post or Auxiliary? Was this apparent in your Recordbook? B. Entries must be in the Department Office by April 25, 2014 so that the entries may be judged and the Trophy engraved by Convention time. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS! AWARDS FIRST PLACE SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE $ TRAVELING TROPHY $ CERTIFICATE $ CERTIFICATE - OVER - General Orders 47 March 2014

48 V.F.W DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA SAFETY REPORT Post/Auxiliary # District Location Post/Auxiliary Membership Chairman's Name Reporting Period from to The following Safety Categories have been completed: 1. Highway Safety AAA Driver Improvement Program 55 Alive/Mature Driving AARP National Safety Council Youth Driver Education Classes Buddy System 2. Drug Awareness Contact and Supply your local Police Department Social Services and Schools Support Drug, Treatment - self-help Groups Assist Established Programs 3. Recreational Safety Hunter Safety, Boating Safety, Snowmobile Safety, Play Ground Safety 4. Pedestrian Safety Lite-A-Bike, Bicycle Safety, Lite-a-Bike 5. Home / Fire Safety (work with local Police & Fire Department) Home Security Classes Fire Prevention Classes Domestic Abuse Home Crime Prevention 6. Recognition (All citations are available from National Headquarters) Life Saving Award Police Citations Sheriff Citation Paramedic Citation Citizen Citation Firefighter Citation Completion of all six categories are not required. Pick one or two and do a good job. Community Service Recordbooks are required for the top 5 winners. Who, What, When, Where, How and Why - Involve the Community. If classes or Seminars are held, a list of names of the people taking classes must be included. List your local media for news releases: Newspapers Radio & TV Stations Don Nix, Chairman Safety Program Department of Minnesota, VFW DEADLINE: April 25, 2014 THIS FORM SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE CATEGORY 2 - SAFETY SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICE RECORDBOOK General Orders 48 March 2014

49 VETERAN S DATA RECORD (Please Print) Full Name Today s Date Home Address (Street) (City) (State) (Zip) Date of Birth Place of Birth (City) (County)(State) Spouse s Full Name Birth Date Place Present Marriage (Date) (City) (County) (State) Location of Marriage Certificate Children s N ames Previous Marriages (Names, Dates and Places) Date of Enlistment Date of Discharge Type of Discharge Place Place Recorded at (City) (County) (State) Branch of Service Social Security # Serial # VA Claim Number Receiving Compensation $ Pension $ Veteran s Records Maintained at Personal Records located at (Home Bank_ Lock Box Number) Will Date Located at Government Life Insurance Policy # Amount $ Commercial Life Insurance Policy # Amoung $ Bank Accounts Bank Number Mortgage Bank or Loan Company Miscellaneous YOU HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT TO CERTAIN BETERANS BENEFITS! This form will make it easier for your family to file for benefits in case of emergency. Retain a copy of this form in a place readily accessible. General Orders 49 March 2014

50 THINGS TO DO WHEN A VETERAN DIES 1. Contact the Funeral Director of your choice to arrange for interment. If the burial is at Fort Snelling Cemetery, request a Military Funeral and Honor Guard from the National Cemetery or local Post. 2. Contact the Pastor of your Church to arrange for the services you desire. 3. Bring to the Funeral Director, a copy of the Veteran s discharge, separation notice or DD-214; VA Claim Number, if known; and Veteran s Social Security number. 4. The Funeral Director will apply for any burial entitlement from the Department of Veterans Affairs toward burial expenses and also the allowance from Social Security burial. 5. The Funeral Director will apply for the Flag to drape the casket. 6. If the Veteran is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Post Commander should be contacted for the Ritual Service; firing squad, if any; and casket bearers, if needed. 7. If the Veteran had GI Insurance, contact the County Veterans Service Officer for assistance in completing the forms. If it is commercial insurance, contact an agent of the company that insured the Veteran. 8. Spouse should contact the Social Security Office to file for benefits that may be available for self and for children. 9. The County Veterans Service Officer will assist the spouse and children in obtaining any benefits to which they may be entitled such as, survivors death benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and headstone if burial is in a private cemetery. Bring to the County Veterans Service Officer the following information when applying for benefits: A) Copy of the deceased Veterans Service Record (discharge). B) The Department of Veterans Affairs Claim Number, if there is one. C) Social Security numbers of the deceased Veteran, spouse and dependent children. D) GI Insurance policies, if any. E) Copies of marriage, birth certificates of children and if any prior marriages existed, the information regarding when, where and how dissolved. (death or divorce). F) Copy of death certificate of Veteran. If the claimant resides in the Twin City area, it may be more convenient to come to the : VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS CLAIMS OFFICE Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building Room Federal Drive St Paul, MN Phone: Fax: General Orders 50 March 2014

51 Community Activities Record Book Entry Form DEADLINE TO SUBMIT RECORD BOOK: APRIL 25, This form must be filled in and attached to the inside cover of the Community Activities Record Book that your Post enters in the Department Community Activities Record Book Contest. 2. Be sure to provide the name, address and zip code of the person to whom the Record Book should be returned following the judging. (We prefer to use United Parcel Service, so please provide a mailing address that is not a Post Office Box. Prompt delivery is more certain when made to a street address.) 3. This form must be signed by the Post Commander. Send your entry: By United States Postal Service By UPS Department of MN, VFW Department of MN, VFW Rice Street Station, PO Box W 12th St. St. Paul, MN St. Paul, MN Post No. City State Total Projects Total Hours Total Funds Since 4/1/13 (Volunteered) Used/Donated Total Post Total Auxiliary City Members as of 6/30/13 Members as of 6/30/13 Population COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES CHAIRMEN: Post (name of Chairman) Auxiliary (name of Chairman) JUDGES, NOTE THE FOLLOWING LEADING PROJECTS: Category 1: (Amer. & Coop) Page, Category 2: (Safety) Page, Category 3: (Aid to Others) Page, Category 4: (School/Church) Page, Category 5: (VOD & Youth) Page, Category 6: (Hospital/Blood) Page, Return Record Book to: (for United Parcel Service delivery, if possible) Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Signature -Post Commander: Post Commander's Name (print) : Address: City: State: Zip: General Orders 51 March 2014

52 VFW COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES RECORD BOOK CONTEST Post will compete with other Posts of similar size. Divisions for competition are as follows: DIVISION I - Posts with less than 250 members DIVISION III - Posts with 751 or more members DIVISION II - Posts with 251 to 750 members Division will be determined by the total members reported by National Headquarters from the prior year on June 30, Community Activities record books are permanent records of one year s community service work. After the contests they may be put to practical use in promoting membership, proof of charity expenditures, and display to the community. CONTEST GUIDELINES 1. Record books should contain community service projects that are completed during the period April 1 through the following March BOOK SIZE: Should be no larger 12 by 16 inches nor more than three inches thick. Make two or more volumes if thicker than three inches. Number each volume, e.g., Volume I; Volume II, etc. 3. FASTENER and COVER: If books have metal posts, steel is preferable to brass or aluminum. If covers have decal s, place self-adhesive clear plastic over the decal s so they will not be damaged during shipping and handling. Please use superior quality page dividers and index tabbing; the extensive handling that the record books experience must be considered. 4. CLIPPINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS: Show dates and captions. Include supporting information. 5. ACCOUNTING OF EXPENSES: In a brief statement show how money was spent for each category (one to two pages at the most for each category), 6. ARRANGEMENT OF BOOK: Enter each project by category. (Chronological or month by month listing makes your entry more difficult for the judges to evaluate.) 7. ENTRY FORM: Complete and fasten inside front cover of volume one. 8. MAIL OR SHIP RECORD BOOK ENTRY FOR THE DEPARTMENT CONTEST to Department Headquarters. PREPARING A RECORD BOOK Posts and Auxiliaries carry on many projects which are of public service. The best way to tell the story of your Post and Auxiliary s work in the community is through a Community Activity record book that contains evidence of the many projects and programs your Post and Auxiliary perform. From the respective sections of the Community Service Recordbook, the following programs will be judged: Americanism, Youth Activities and Safety. There will NO LONGER be separate Recordbook Contests for Americanism, Youth Activities and Safety. The contents of your record book should be so arranged and in such detail that it tells the story of each project, clearly and completely, to those who may read and judge it. Posts and Auxiliaries should combine their community activity programs into one book or one set of books. The Post and its Auxiliary are judged as a unit. Creditable community service projects will usually fit into one or more of the categories that are listed in the Community Activities guide booklet. Select and list each project in only ONE category. DO NOT duplicate. Remember, compile your book so the judges can easily read and evaluate the facts. Do not assume the judges are familiar with your Post or area. In other words, make your record book as complete as possible for it must tell the story of your community service. Attach all entries in the book securely, Make bindings strong and yet flexible so the books may be opened easily and fully. Index or summarize the activities and projects that are included in the book. The index or summary should be placed in front of the record book or at the front of each category or section. Apply titles or captions to photos, and datelines to newspaper clippings. General Orders 52 March 2014

53 The entry form provides vital information to the Department judges concerning the number of members in your Post; the number of projects you have completed; the number of people who have benefited; the amount of money and time that has been spent (both Post and Auxiliary) and the size of your community. Top winners in Department judging are those Posts and Auxiliaries who have performed, recorded, and entered evidence of their community activities. COMMUNITY ACTIVITY RECORD BOOKS ARE DUE IN DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS BY APRIL 25, 2014 WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW and WHY are very important words in telling any story. By answering these questions you will help yourself in preparing an award winning record book. Consistent winners start early in gathering data to place in the record book. They maintain a file of newspaper clippings, pictures, photo copies, etc. If you live in an area where it is difficult to obtain newspaper articles of your Post or Auxiliary s community activities, keep a camera handy. ONE PICTURE CAN REPLACE A LOT OF WORDS. Record books are judged solely on the contents of the community service projects that are reported. It is not necessary to prepare an expensive or costly book. Record books are judged by their contents and not by their cover. EVALUATING A RECORDBOOK Listed on the check sheets are the principal categories which are found in the Community Activity Guide booklet. Each category is further subdivided into additional subheadings. Each record book is evaluated thoroughly. A detailed study is made of the entries therein. Each creditable activity or project is recorded and scored. Points are given for each acceptable project that is reported. Several factors determine the point value that is awarded each project. They include (1) the extent to which the project is developed; (2) the effort, time and funds that have been expended; (3) the completeness or detail in which the project has been described and (4) the number of non-affiliated persons who have benefited by the project. When all of the projects have been evaluated and recorded on the check sheet, the points are then totaled to establish the final rating of the record book. Sometimes entries are reexamined several times to make certain they have been properly evaluated. CATEGORIES FOR RECORDING PROJECTS The Community Activities Program is divided into SIX general categories: (1) AMERICANISM & COOPERATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS; (2) SAFETY; (3) AID TO OTHERS; (4) SCHOOL AND CHURCH ASSISTANCE; (5) YOUTH AND VOICE OF DEMOCRACY; 6) HOSPITAL/BLOOD. Your Community Service Recordbook SHOULD be put together in this order. When making up a record book it is advisable to group your projects and programs into one of the above categories. If a project qualifies for more than one category, select and list it under one category. It will be given credit, regardless of whether it is listed under the proper category. For example: Lite-a-Bike could be listed under categories one (Safety) or five (Youth and Voice of Democracy). Do not duplicate your efforts by placing them in each of the categories. Remember, when compiling your community service record book you are telling a story of your work to judges who generally are not familiar with your efforts or community. The easier it is for the judges to read the facts, the easier it is for them to evaluate your work. Remember, also if you enter your record book in other competitions, the judges will be less likely to know about the VFW Community Activities Program. Just like composing a good letter, let your record book present the story so there will be no misunderstanding. There will be two Posts in our Department that will be selected as one of the National Outstanding Community Service Posts. The award includes a plaque inscribed with the name of the VFW Post and it s Ladies Auxiliary (if applicable), a $600 stipend to cover part of the Post Commander s expenses to the National Convention and publication of the Post s name in the Convention program booklet. 11/13 General Orders 53 March 2014

54 ANNUAL PUBLICATIONS CONTEST DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES For more information on the Post and District Publications Contest: contact Don Heuer, Department Publications and Public Relations Chair. Phone: or , e- mail: The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and District Publications Contest recognizes excellence in Post and District publications. Entries will be judged on content, design, pictures and graphics (where relevant), and overall quality. Awards will be presented to the winners at the Department Convention and will include a Sweepstakes Award to the best overall publication. Any Minnesota VFW Post or District that regularly publishes a newspaper or newsletter for its members may enter. Awards will be presented for first, second, and honorable mention, if judged applicable, to the winners. Entries will be judged by Membership Category - 99 and less; ; and 180 or more. If your Post has a web site, it must be recognized by the Department of Minnesota and listed as such in the Department's list of Posts. The web site should be easy to access, please keep it up to date as well as informative for your members. We will be searching through the web sites from time to time throughout the year. Please submit your entries early. Deadline is March 9, Send your two (2) best issues, printed between January, 2013 and December, Place your entry in a 9 X 12 envelope and clearly identify it by writing Publications Contest on the outside. Include your return address and enclose the completed form below. MAIL TO: Don Heuer, Chair Department of Minnesota, V.F.W. Publications and Public Relations Rice St Station - PO Box St Paul, MN Entries will NOT be returned, and the judges decisions will be final *************************************************************************************************************** ENCLOSE THIS FORM WITH YOUR POST/DISTRICT ENTRY! POST/DISTRICT # COMMANDER S NAME ADDRESS Phone EDITOR S NAME ADDRESS Phone NAME OF PUBLICATION CATEGORIES: POSTS: SMALL (99 or Fewer) MEDIUM ( ) LARGE (180 or more) DISTRICTS: SMALL (1,299 or less) MEDIUM (1,300-2,099) Membership total LARGE (2,100 or more) General Orders 54 March 2014

55 YOUTH ACTIVITIES REPORT FORM PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING FORM AND SEND TO YOUR DISTRICT YOUTH ACTIVITIES CHAIRMAN (SEE LIST ON THE BACK) POST NAME NO. DISTRICT TIME # OF YOUTH # OF MEMBERS APPROXIMATE TYPE OF ACTIVITY INVOLVED INVOLVED INVOLVED COST TO POST BASEBALL HOCKEY BAND SONS OF VETS JR. BOWLING TEEN DANCES SCOUTS FOOTBALL FIREARMS SAFETY CHRISTMAS PARTIES EASTER EGG HUNT SPECIAL OLYMPICS YOUTH ESSAY GIFTED SOFTBALL OTHERS: SEND COMPLETED REPORT TO YOUR DISTRICT YOUTH ACTIVITIES CHAIRMAN by April 15 th If your Post intends to participate in the Scrapbook contest, SEND A COPY of this report with the scrapbook. You can find the necessary information in your Post Community Service records and Quartermaster books. PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM even if you haven t done anything.which I find hard to believe!!! Then, WRITE NONE ACROSS THE BLANK REPORT. 2/13/14 General Orders 55 March 2014

56 Youth Activities Chairman Roster State Youth Activities Rick Bugbee Lakeview Dr. Fergus Falls MN State Hockey Rodney Berg Foothill Ct. Fergus Falls MN State Baseball Don Krenzel N 15th Ave Moorhead MN District Youth Activities Steve Kahnke NW 2nd Ave Waseca MN District Youth Activities Wil Burdorf North Franklin St New Ulm MN District Hockey Wil Burdorf North Franklin St New Ulm MN District Youth Activities Ricky Gagnon S. Bend Ave Marshall MN District Youth Activities Chris Price S. Shore Blvd White Bear Lake MN District Youth Activities John Loch Red Oak Dr Alexandria MN District Hockey John Loch Red Oak Dr Alexandria MN District Youth Activities Neil Polland Box 341 Clarissa MN District Hockey Neil Polland Box 341 Clarissa MN District Youth Activities Scott Sutherland Chicago Ave Minneapolis MN District Hockey Jim Hesselgrave Rice Street Station PO Box St Paul MN District Youth Activities Jerry Sanborn E 25th St. Hibbing MN District Youth Activities Rick Bugbee Lakeview Dr Fergus Falls MN District Hockey Louis Karsnia Ave Underwood MN General Orders 56 March 2014

57 General Orders 57 March 2014

58 Member Organizations American Ex- Prisoners of War American Legion AMVETS Disabled American Veterans Jewish War Veterans Marine Corps League Military Order of the Purple Heart Veterans of Foreign Wars Vietnam Veterans of America About the Minnesota Commanders Task Force The Minnesota Commanders Task Force (CTF) was created in 1988 and is comprised of elected commanders and appointed adjutants of nine congressionally-chartered Veterans Service Organizations in the state of Minnesota. Key functions of this group include: Developing a united veterans legislative agenda and actively advocating for it before state and elected officials. Serving as a non-partisan advisory group to the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), the Governor and Legislators on veterans issues in the state. Working to seek and form Veterans Service Organization partnerships in program development (for example, the state s Veterans Day program). CTF supports the development of a process to certify Veteran-Owned Small Businesses so that they can compete for business and contracts AT the state level without having to go through the federal certification process. The CTF believes there needs to be a way to streamline the Veteran-Owned Small Business certification process by developing a state level certification process. Currently, Veteran-Owned Small Businesses must certify with the federal VA in order to compete with DBE s for state contracts outlined in Minn. Stat. 16C.16 if they want to use the 6% Veterans Preference. The federal certification process is more cumbersome than the state certification process for DBE s. Thus, a disadvantage is created for Veteran-Owned Small Business. Legislation requires that Veteran-Owned Small Business be awarded a preference in state procurement contracts and offers three means for a Veteran to demonstrate eligibility for the preference. The Department of Administration has oversight of this program through the Materials and Management Division. Due to lack of resources, the Department of Administration has made verification through the US Department of Veterans Affairs the only means available for Veterans to become eligible for the preference. This needs to change so veterans have the same opportunities as minority and women owned small business in the state. CTF 2014 General Legislative OrdersAgenda 58 CTF 2014 March Legislative 2014 Agenda

59 CTF supports a change in the vehicle registration TAxes for 100% service connected veterans. Currently only 100% SC Veterans that access certain federal benefits are able to take advantage of The intent of the benefit in is directed toward 100% permanently disabled veterans, not just the ones who chose to apply for a specific federal program. CTF supports a change to simplify it so the state s 100% permanently disabled veterans qualify. We believe this is important and necessary because 100% service connected disabled veterans often require modified vehicles in order to conduct daily living and work related activities. With such a high disability rating, those veterans are often times at a disadvantage with healthy counterparts, be they veterans or those who have never served in the military. M.S (b) exempts veterans from registration tax if they take part in a federal program. In order to decrease disparities in veteran entitlements at the State level, CTF believes that any 100% service connected disabled veteran should be able to take advantage of the motor vehicle registration tax exemption. CTF supports a military pension TAx exemption. Pensions for Minnesota residents, including federal pensions, are taxable by Minnesota regardless of where the pension was earned. Minnesota is one of the last few hold-out states to tax military pensions. According to 2012 DOD Actuary data there are 18,368 retirees in MN, and of that, 16,988 are being paid by DOD. That equates to $28,001,000 per month into the state. Many retirees are married with working spouses, and many retirees start second careers which continue to add to state revenues. MN is not gaining military retirees at the same rate as states which exempt military pensions from state tax, and thus, the state is losing the potential veterans would bring back to the state. CTF believes it s time to address this issue and get on board with providing this benefit to retirees just as most other states do. CTF Supports amending MS subd. 34, Veteran Homestead Tax Exemption. CTF would like to see a change for spouses of deceased veterans so that they can apply for the tax exemption after the death of their veteran. Current law requires the veteran to be in receipt of the Homestead Tax Exemption, and if the surviving spouse meets certain criteria then they may continue the exemption for up to five additional years. Many veterans do not know they are eligible and have never applied, but the the surviving spouse finds out after the death of their veterans. Current law states veteran must have been receiving the benefit in order for it to continue. CTF would like to have the capability to offer that benefit after the death of the veteran and amend the law to if the veteran was eligible. Essentially, if a veteran is 100% SC disabled, they draw a monetary benefit and are eligible for some VA healthcare benefits currently. After the death of the veteran, the surviving spouse will lose % of the monetary benefit the veteran was receiving. Enabling veteran surviving spouses to take advantage of the Homestead Tax Exemption at the time of death, if they were not already enrolled, will greatly reduce their financial burden and potentially that of the state through other programs. CTF 2014 General Legislative OrdersAgenda 59 CTF 2014 March Legislative 2014 Agenda

60 CTF 2014 General Legislative OrdersAgenda 60 CTF 2014 March Legislative 2014 Agenda

61 Thank You for supporting Minnesota Veterans and active duty members of the Armed Forces! - Minnesota Commanders Task Force General Orders 61 March 2014