Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars *Shaping the Future * Remembering the Past*

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1 Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars *Shaping the Future * Remembering the Past* April 2012 GENERAL ORDERS No. 10 *************************************************************************************** SPECIAL NOTICE SPECIAL NOTICE Congratulations to our Voice of Democracy/Patriot s Pen Winners Stephanie Felt Voice of Democracy Junior at Scarborough High School Recipient of the $1,500 Department of Colorado and Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Award. Stephanie plans a career in Pathology and was sponsored by VFW Post 832, South Portland. Reagan Paul Patriot s Pen Recipient of the $1,000 Department of Pacific Areas U.S. Savings Bond. Reagan is a 7 th grade student sponsored by VFW Post 1761, Bangor. Congratulations to the following Post for achieving 100%+ in membership for the Year District 8 100% - Commander Christopher L. Armstrong Hayward-Frazier Post 2599, Presque Isle % - Commander Randolph S. Michaud William B. Doughty Post 5723, Jackman 100% - Commander Edward J. McCall William F. Shanahan Memorial Post 11362, Naples 100% - Commander James A. Proctor Closure of the -VSO Office: During the period of April, the VFW Service Office will be close due to both SO Deschene and ASO Ware attending VFW National training at Annapolis, MD. The office will be reopened on April 26 th. All Post Commanders are asked to pass this information on to their Post members. ************************** 1. April CoA Meeting: Will be held on April 15, 2012 at the Norman N. Dow-Isaac E. Clewley Post 1761, 8:30 am. Headquarters hotel will be the Ramada Inn, 357 Odlin Rd, Bangor, tel: Rates are $ tax for Single/Double, no rates available for Triple or Quad. *** Deadline for reservations for VFW rates is April 8, 2012, after that date, Reservations received will be provided on a space available basis at the regular rate. Please make sure to tell them that you are with the VFW when calling for reservations *** Please note the time change for the following meetings to be held on Saturday, April 14 at the Ramada Inn (Captains Room, Room 102): 9 am VSO Service Cmtee 10 am Audit/Finance Cmtee 12:30 pm 2012 State Convention Cmtee 1:30 pm By-Laws Cmtee Uniform of the Day for the Council of Administration (CoA) Meeting will be the Summer Uniform (White shirt, Grey Slacks) per State Commander Woodward. 1

2 2. State Commander Testimonial: Will be held at the Ramada Inn, 357 Odlin Rd, Bangor, ME. Cost of the banquet ticket is $30.00 per person. Make your check payable to Department of Maine, VFW and forward to Shirley M. Dumas, 64 Washburn St., B-1, Caribou, ME (Banquet application form is enclosed in this General Orders). The VFW National Representative for Commander Woodward testimonial will be Past National Commander-in-Chief John E. Moon from Ohio. 3. State Commander Testimonial Gift Presentation: Anyone wishing to send a card and/or gift for State Commander Kevin Woodward may do so to: Andre L. Dumas, 64 Washburn St., B-1, Caribou, ME On the front of the envelope bottom left, please annotate Attn: Kevin G. Woodward. There will be a table for gifts. 4. Post Nomination, Election, and Installation of Post Officers: Section 217 of the National Manual of Procedures states: Post officers shall be nominated in March and elected in April. A member making the nomination of an absentee for any office shall have presented to the Adjutant, in writing, the consent of the member being nominated prior to the opening of nominations. Post officers shall be installed in their respective offices prior to the convening of the Department Convention, but shall not assume their duties until the Department Commander is installed. An officer-elect who may be absent for good and sufficient reason or cause may be installed at any regular or special meeting prior to the Department Convention. If not then installed, the office will automatically become vacant. 5. Post Election Reports for : By now, all Post Quartermasters should have received by now their election report package from National. Those Post Quartermasters who have computer should file their election of Officers via the OMS program. Note that all items marked with a red asterisk on the election report are required item to be completed. You are also asked to make sure that addy and hat size of the officers are I also included in the election report. For those Posts who file their election report via paperwork, you are asked to send them directly to the State Adjutant office who will file them via the OMS program which will expedite the process and insure that it has been processed in a respective period of time. 6. District Conventions: IAW Section 403 of the National By-Laws, each District shall hold an annual District Convention for the purpose of electing District officers and for the transaction of business; such Convention to be held not less than ten (10) days nor more than forty-five (45) days prior to the convening of the Department Convention. This year s State Convention will be held on 8-10 June District Nomination, Election, Installation of Officers: IAW Section 417 of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedures, District Officers shall be nominated and elected annually at the District Convention. A member may be nominated and elected although not present at the meeting. A member making a nomination of an absentee for any office shall have presented to the Adjutant, in writing, the consent of the member being nominated prior to the closing of the nominations. 8. Post Delegates to District/State Convention: Section 222 of the National By-Laws provides that Posts shall elect delegates and alternates to District conventions at a regular meeting of the Post held not less than thirty (30) days prior to the District convention at which District officers are to be elected: one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each thirty (30) members or fraction thereof in good standing in the Post at the time of the election. Delegates and alternates to the Department conventions shall be elected at a regular meeting of the Post held not less than thirty (30) days prior to the Department convention. Posts are entitled to one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each thirty (30) members or fraction thereof in good standing in the Post at the time of the election. 2

3 9. District Election Reports for : All Post Quartermasters will be receiving their District election reports from National and was also forwarded to each District Commanders/Adjutant via . Election reports will be completed immediately after the District Convention. A copy of the election will be mailed to National Headquarters, a copy will be mailed to the State Adjutant and a copy will be kept on file. Please make sure that you include the addy and hat size of the officers as applicable. 10. State Convention Book Ads Solicitation: Consult Telecommunications, from Londonberry, NH are doing the convention book ad solicitations throughout the State at this time. They are the only agency to do this as approved by the Council of Administration. They will be calling the Post Cmdr and/or QM in the town that they will be doing the solicitations from those businesses within that community, so if anyone calls you in regards to this subject, please inform them that they are authorized to do so. This is a major fund raiser for the Department of Maine to both have a successful convention and raise funds for the Department to continue our programs. 11. State Convention: Fliers applicable to our State Convention are included in this month GOs. The following deadlines apply at this time with no changes to them. Please make sure that you forward your check to the appropriate person. Convention Book Ad/Booster Page Ad 15 April 2012 Convention Hotel Reservations to the Fireside Inn & Suites Portland 10 May 2012 Convention Banquet Tickets 1 June 2012 Convention Pre-Registration 1 June Attention Post Commanders: Is directed to Section 222 of the National By-Laws and the Manual of Procedure, which provides that 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. Posts are encouraged to register their Post delegate online through the Online Membership System (OMS) or by submitting their National Convention Post and Delegate Registration form that will be mailed to all Posts as part of the Election Report- Convention Registration mailing going out this month. Advanced registration for the 113th National Convention should be mailed with each delegate s name and address to: Convention Registration, 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO District Commanders: Pursuant to Section 403 of the National By-Laws and the Manual of Procedure, each District shall hold an annual District convention for the purpose of electing District officers, such convention to be held not less than ten (10) days nor more than forty-five (45) days prior to the convening of the Department convention. Pursuant to Section 403 of the National By-Laws Regular Meeting, unless otherwise provided for in Department By-Laws, Districts shall hold at least three (3) regular meetings each year for purposes as prescribed in the Manual of Procedure. Pursuant to Section 403 of the National Manual of Procedure Regular Meeting, at least one (1) regular meeting shall be held by the District each year for the purpose of promoting schools of instruction for Post officers. Pursuant to Section 417 of the National Manual of Procedure, District officers shall not assume the duties of their office until the Department Commander is installed. District officers shall not be installed or assume the duties of their office until proof of eligibility has been submitted and properly reviewed in accordance with Section 416 of the Manual of Procedure. 14. Post Commanders/Quartermasters: It has been noticed in reviewing the Department of Maine MemStat that many Posts still have Post members with addresses as (RR 0, Box 000) as their mailing addresses. According to the USPS, this is no longer in existence since 9/11. In order to correct this solution 3

4 when they members with an address with RR, they need to contact the member and ask them for their new address or they can contact their local Postmaster for assistance. 15. Post Quartermasters: Notice has recently been received from National Headquarters that Dan Parker has been appointed Acting Director of the VFW Membership Department until the National Convention. He can be reached at or 16. Post Commanders: Any Posts who have a WW II Veterans serving as a Post Officer, Cmtee Chairmen and/or a member of a committee, please submit their complete name and position to the State Adjutant whereby they will be forwarded to VFW National Headquarters for inclusion in the Checkpoint magazine. This is another way of saying Thank-You to our WW II Veterans. 17. Life Membership Pay Out 2013: The Cottonwood Group, a professional actuarial firm, recently completed an evaluation of the Life Membership Fund. Based on this evaluation, the Life Membership Board of Trustees, with the concurrence of the National Council of Administration, pursuant to Section 111 of the VFW By-Laws, has determined that, for the 2012 membership year, the Life Membership Fund will pay out $3.08 for each Plan A, B and C life member, $3.60 for each Plan D life member and $8.34 for each Plan E life member to their Post, Department and to National Headquarters. Payment will be made in September 2012 for all life members recorded as of August 31, In addition, $8.34 will be paid in January 2013 for each life member processed from September through December 2011 (Plan E) to their Post, Department and to National Headquarters. 18. Automated Clearing House (ACH): At the recent SVC/A/Q Conference held during the Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., the Quartermaster General Office reported that they will require all Posts and Departments to receive ACH payments by June 30, ACH payment is an electronic funds transfer which provides a secure efficient method of receiving payments. The benefits will be as follows: (1) Eliminates the handling of paper checks, (2) Reduces any payment problems due to lost, stolen or misdirect checks; (3) Eliminate mail delays and (4) Quicker access to funds (typically the day after the payments is made). VFW will notification to Post VMAIL account. This office will notify all of the Posts who are not on ACH via USPS along with the Authorization form. VFW National Headquarters has identified the following not in the ACH program: 109, 558, 887, 1438, 2299, 4154, 4169, 5723, 6548, 6924, 6977, 7529, 7642, 7865, 7866, 7997, 8395, 8934, 9328, 9429, 9427, 9526, 9935, 10879, and Annual Report of Incorporation: All Posts that are incorporated have or should have received their notification for filing their 2012 Annual Report via USPS or . You can file on line by going to or you can download the form and file it via USPS with your $35.00 annual fee by April 1, Filing by April 1, 2012 will allow the State to provide better service. A late-filing fee penalty will be assessed on all reports received after June 1, 2012, the legal filing deadline. If your Post did not receive a notification, chances are that your Post is not incorporated. $35.00 per year to protect the personal assets of EVERY member in your Post is cheap insurance. For any assistance, please contact Candidates for Department of Maine, VFW High Office : Department Commander David D. Williams Post 1641 Department Sr Vice Commander David C. Olson Post 6859 Department Jr Vice Commander Ronald F. Smith Post 1761 Department Quartermaster Alfred E. Michaud Sr. Post 1285 Department Judge Advocate Gerald L. Francis Post 1641 Department Surgeon Richard A. Farris Post 6131 Department Surgeon Steven J. San Pedro Post

5 Department Chaplain Randolph S. Michaud Post Candidate for Maine Council Member : Thomas R. Lussier Post District Meeting Dates: Date District Post Time Dept Officer 1 Apr Dexter 1:00 pm Adj Dumas 1 Apr Northport 1:00 pm JVC Olson 22 Apr Jay 12 noon SVC Williams 22 Apr Portland 1:00 pm Adj Dumas 29 Apr Bath 2:00 pm QM Michaud 5 May Burlington 1:00 pm SVC Williams 19 May Caribou 1:00 pm Cmdr Woodward 20 May Calais 2:00 pm SVC Williams 20 May Old Town 2:00 pm Cmdr Woodward 20 May Madison 1:00 pm JVC Olson 20 May Waterville 2:00 pm Adj Dumas 20 May Old Orchard Beach 2:00 pm QM Michaud 23: Directory Changes: (Please make the following pen and ink changes to your Directory) Pg 31 Post 489 Chg Qm to: Milton H. Defayette, 58 West St., Biddeford, ME 04005, tel: Pg 40 Post 4154 Chg Cmdr to: Eric E. Buckingham Jr., 144 Prospect St., Millinocket, ME , tel: Pg 50 Post 7997 Chg Adj to: Richard E. Clark, 221 Ferry Rd., Saco, ME 04072, tel: Dates to Remember: 8 Apr Easter Sunday Apr State Commander Testimonial, CoA Meeting Bangor, ME 13 May Mother s Day 19 May Armed Forces Day 28 May Memorial Day 8-10 June State Convention, Portland, ME July National Convention, Reno, NV OFFICIAL Andre L. Dumas ANDRE L. DUMAS State Adjutant BY ORDER OF: Kevin G. Woodward KEVIN G. WOODWARD State Commander 5

6 Greetings Comrades, 6 State Commander Kevin G. Woodward I wish to take the opportunity to extend my heartfelt thank you to all for the extremely hard work, time and energy that you have put into the Membership program to afford me the opportunity to go on the cruise. I only wish that I could take all of you that have worked so diligently with me. Our delegation (SVC Williams, JVC Olsen, COS Miesburger, ADJ Dumas, SG Francis and I) returned from the Legislative Conference held in Washington, D.C. March 3 thru 6. There were good meetings held with each of our delegates focusing on key issues that have arisen across the country pertaining to Veterans' issues. The entire Maine delegation appears to support all of the issues that we discussed with them. We attended a Senate Hearing on "The Hill" with our National Commander in Chief Richard L. DeNoyer testifying on the key issues that affect the Veterans. Atop their legislative agenda this year was protecting the Department of Veterans Affairs budget from mandatory cuts should sequestration occur, and stopping Defense Department proposals that would reduce military pay, force military dependents and retirees to pay exponentially more for their Tricare health coverage, and to civilianize the current military retirement system. Other high-interest topics range from military transition and assistance programs to Post 9/11 GI Bill improvements, the proper care and treatment of wounded warriors, women veterans, the 1.7 million VA claims workload and adjudication error rate, the VA rating schedule change that could have veterans with similar wounds compensated differently, and combating veteran suicides and homelessness, among others. It was indeed an honor for me to escort, along with our State President Barbara Cook our Voice of Democracy winner Stephanie E. Felt at the Parade of Winners Ceremony on Sunday, Congratulations to Stephanie who is sponsored by Post 832 in So Portland received a $ scholarship. We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors! We have now completed three-quarters of our year. I thank each and every one for what has been accomplished thus far. And now it is time to clean up any of the loose ends that we may have. One of those that need to be cleaned up is Community Service Reports. The reports that have been submitted are very good but, I know of many projects that have been completed that have not been reported yet. Please complete the paperwork because the hours, miles and monies spent with all of your hard work lets Congress know that we care about our veterans and what we do is very important! Post Commanders, please take a look at what you need and get the paperwork completed. District Commanders please check in with your Posts and provide assistance and guidance as the need be. Another loose end--undoubtedly the most important one--is our membership. I sincerely congratulate all of the Posts that have reached 100% or higher at this time. Many other Posts only need a few reinstated or new members to reach their goal. I am asking all to make the effort to get out, retain - recruit - reinstate. Remember that our organization needs membership numbers in order to maintain the strong presence that we have to fight for the veteran s rights that all of you have given a part of yourselves to have. Don t forget the Cancer Aid and Research Chile cook-off at Post 1761 at 6:00 PM Friday evening the 13th. I look forward to the challenge. I look forward to seeing all at the Dinner on Saturday evening and the Council of Administration meeting on Sunday. Yours in Comradeship Kevin G. Woodward KEVIN G. WOODWARD State Commander Shaping the Future * Remembering the Past

7 Deceased Roll Call Department of Maine, VFW Charles A. Warden, Chaplain February 20 March 19, 2012 May our Comrades Rest in Eternal Peace in Post Eternity? District 1 District 9 (Continued) 2599 * McCLOSKEY, Russell R. Korea 9787 * ESTES, Le L. WW II GILBERT, Richard E * ABERNATHY, Artie L. Jr. Vietnam PIERCE, Robert G. HOLMQUIST, Linwood S. WW II/Korea STETSON, Cleveland M. TURNER, Charles F. WW II District * MARTIN, Hermel WW II 6977 GANDY, Edward WW II District * MELVIN, Wayne G. Vietnam District * STONE, Donald L. WW II 1761 * OLSEN, Frederick E. Sr. WW II 4633 * HOLT, Richard I. Korea District * LAMORE, Joseph E. Korea District * AHALT, Michael D. European Occupation 8395 * RICE, Merrill A. WW II District * BROOKS, Philip L. Vietnam CLARK, Charles E. Korea DIXON, Wallace L. WW II 3335 * KNOWLTON, Alpheus - WW II 9459 * WALKER, Paul C. WW II/Korea 7

8 SENIOR VICE COMMANDER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES David D. Williams SVC: Hello Fellow Comrades: Can you believe that Spring is in the air, the days are getting warmer and longer? Last month, I attended the Washington Conference, while there I attended the Parade of VoD winners from each State. Congrats to South Carolina on winning 1st Place, the Young Lady did a really nice job on her essay. Also, while there I got a chance to visit Arlington Cemetery along with Gerald Francis. We also went over and visited our Representatives from Maine on Capitol Hill, we got a chance to meet with each one of them for about an hour a piece and they listened to our concerns. We have completed another season of passing out Apples at Togus; it's always a good feeling when people see the apples coming with the smiles on their faces and all. I attended my 1st Veterans Cemetery Central meeting in Augusta, interesting to say the least. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible for the CoA meeting in Bangor. Thanks for all you do for the VFW. Community Activities: Reports are still coming in and I'd like to thank everyone (Post) who have been sending me reports all year. April will be the last month to turn in reports as the Year goes from May 1st to the end of April. So if there are any Posts who haven't reported in any reports, you have one more month to do so. Also, please check the check-off list and make sure you have received credit for each Column. ****************************** JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER MEMBERSHIP David C. Olson JVC: Have returned from the Washington trip which included visits with Congressman Michaud, Congresswoman Pingree and Senators Snowe and Collins. All were very understanding of the issues as outlined by comrade Miesburger and pledged their support. The Veterans Court was signed into law on 3/16/12 and will become effective 90 days after the signing. The Senior Vice Conference was very informative and picked up some good information. The VOD parade of winners was fabulous and it was great to see Commander Kevin and President Barbara escort Stephanie Felt down the aisle as the Department VOD 1st place winner. CiC De Noyer's testimony went well and he hit on all the important issues that face the military both active and retired. Attended the D-11 meeting on 3/18/12 in York and it was a very good one. Comrades - Ways and Means ticket sales are SLOW and we ALL need to participate in this important endeavor - please do your part. Membership: As of today, which is 3/20/12, the Department stands at 95.90% and I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard. Commander Kevin only needs 12 more N/R by the end of March for his cruise and 438 by the end of June for 100% Department. We can do this! We're in the home stretch and NO ONE wants to be disappointed, so let's get out there and get the Unpaids on board. Also, let's pay particular attention to the Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans for they are the future of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. AND don't forget the Women Veterans - those eligible have earned the right to be part of this great organization - they need to become involved. On Saturday, March 31 from hours at the Waterville Post, there will be a training session put on by Wayne Elkins CNR for those interested in becoming a State Recruiter. We have 2 attending and could always use 2 or 3 more. If anyone is interested, please let me know. Finally, my sincere THANKS to Asst Membership Chairman Arthur Roy for all he does on a DAILY basis - GREAT JOB!!! RETAIN - REINSTATE - RECRUIT 8

9 9 ****************************** QUARTERMASTER VAVS/BUDDY POPPY * CHRISTMAS CARDS & LABELS INSURANCE & BOND * MEN S AUXILAIRY Alfred E. Michaud Sr. Trustee Reports: Way to go to District Commanders and Quartermaster, we are almost there, keep chipping away at getting the Posts to get the reports turned in. Please review the below list to see how your District is doing on reporting. Missing All Reports: 489, 1438, 4169, 5723, 7642, 9699 & Missing 2 rd Qtr: 832, 2299 & Missing 3 rd Qtr: 3381, 9459 & Missing 4 th Qtr: Posts 1761, 6131, 9437, 8395 & Poppies: Still have 15 Posts not reported in Poppies. Posts not reported are: 832, 1438, 3198, 4169, 5723, 6977, 7642, 7866, 9150, 9437, 9605, 9609, 9699, & Cards and Labels: Whenever you purchase cards and labels from National the Department receives a portion of the funds. VAVS: Only 8 Posts not reported in VAVS, a $5 or $10 donation would get you checked off. The proceeds go to help our hospitalized Veterans. Posts not reported are: 109, 489, 3198, 4169, 7866, 9609, 9699 & Men s Auxiliary: Elections of new officers should be taking place, be sure to forward a copy of the list of incoming officers to the State Adjutant, Your Post Commander and the State Quartermaster. Provide full name, position, address, phone number, address if on line. Bonding: We only have 3 Posts not bonded; again District Commanders and Quartermaster, your assistance on this matter would be deeply appreciated. National By-Laws state that all Post will be bonded. Posts not bonded are 1438, 4169 & 7642 Keep up the great job you are all doing. **************************** JUDGE ADVOCATE VOICE OF DEMOCRACY * PATRIOT S PEN * TEACHER OF THE YEAR BLOOD * SAFETY AND DRUG ABUSE Ronald F. Smith JA: National By-Laws, Article I Members: Sec. 101-Eligibility: Any citizen of the United States and any United States National may be a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States who is serving or has served honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States: (1) in a foreign war, insurrection, or expedition, which service has been recognized as campaign medal service and is governed by the authorization of the award of a campaign badge by the Government of the United States; or (2) on the Korean peninsula or in its territorial waters for not less than 30 consecutive days, or a total of 60 days, after June 30, 1949; or (3) while a member of the armed forces serving in an area which entitled the individual to receive special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger. Refer to Section 101 of the Manual of Procedure. Sec. 102-Applications-Affiliation of New Members: Every application for membership shall comply with the rules and regulations as prescribed in Section 102 of the Manual of Procedure. Except as otherwise provided herein, with respect to Members-at-Large, each eligible member shall be a member of a Post. Membership in more than one Post at one time is prohibited. Any person who is or becomes a member of more than one Post shall elect to remain in the Post of his choice and surrender membership in any other Post. In the event no election is made, the Commander-in-Chief or his designee shall assign the member to a Post. Any membership application erroneously accepted by a Post shall be a nullity and no person shall

10 obtain any right or privilege of membership by reason of erroneous acceptance of an application or admission to membership. Members-At-Large. Anyone eligible for membership who is unable to join or does not desire membership in a Post may become a Member-at-Large in a Department upon application to the Adjutant General or the Department Adjutant, proof of eligibility and payment of annual dues. Annual Dues shall be $35.00, $21.00 of which shall be National Organization Dues which shall be transmitted to the Quartermaster General monthly on a consolidated report and $14.00 of which shall be Department Dues, provided the Department Council of Administration may establish some other amount as Department Dues. Safety: Fire Safety: With the increasing natural gas and fuel oil heating costs, many homeowners are turning to wood burning stoves to keep their home warm. Beware, that while you are saving money, you may increase your risk of a home fire. Here are some principal do s and don ts relating to fire safety: DO make sure there is enough clearance between the stove and combustible materials, including floors, walls and ceilings * Place the stove on a noncombustible, fire resistant base * Have a mason or other competent person inspect the chimney * Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood. Soft moist wood leads to creosote buildup * Consider opening a window a crack for ventilation * Dispose of ashes in a closed metal container outside the house * Keep a fire extinguisher near the heat source. DON T Extent the stove pipes through a wall or ceiling unless there is no possible alternative * Connect a wood stove to a fireplace chimney unless the fireplace has been sealed off * Connect a wood stove to a chimney serving another appliance burning other fuels * Start a stove fire with flammable fluids, such as gasoline * Burn trash in a stove; doing so can start a chimney fire and let a wood fire burn unattended or overnight. For more information on fire safety, contact United States Fire Administration website: ****************************** SURGEON POW/MIA * COMMANDERS SPECIAL PROJECT Gerald L. Francis, Chmn SG: Be Red Cross Ready!!! It's important to prepare for possible disasters and other emergencies. Natural and human caused disasters can strike suddenly and at anytime and anywhere. There are three actions everyone can take that can help make a difference. GET AN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT- MAKE A PLAN- AND BE INFORMED BE RED CROSS READY *KNOW WHAT EMERGENCIES OR DISASTERS ARE MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR IN YOUR COMMUNITY. *HAVE A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN AND PRACTICE IT. *HAVE AN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT. *HAVE AT LEAST ONE MEMBER OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD TRAINED IN FIRST AID AND CPR/AED. *TAKE ACTION TO HELP YOUR COMMUNITY PREPARE. POW/MIA/Commanders Special Project: It is almost the end of the reporting period, please if you are not reported to get in touch with me. HONORING MAINE'S VETERANS Thinking "Outside the Tomb" ****************************** CHAPLAIN Charles A. Warden 10

11 There she was in the predawn, suspended between two realities, but not aware of it yet. She was so overwhelmed with grief that she couldn't even begin to think the impossible. Categories did not exist to grasp the possibility of...well, it just wasn't thinkable. Mary was not expecting Resurrection to happen. She had come to pay her respects to the dead, not to seek the living; to provide fresh spices for a body, not to speak with her teacher. She looked into the tomb, only to find the body was gone. She ran to the disciples. It did not occur to her to say to Peter and the other disciple in her breathless report, "The tomb is empty! He is risen!" Bur rather she reports, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." A business training phrase often used is "thinking outside the box," meaning moving persons from conventional, limited concepts to open-ended, creative thinking. Mary was not able to think "outside the tomb." John, the beloved disciple who out ran Peter to the tomb, realized that if grave robbers had taken him, they wouldn't have taken the time to neatly fold the grave clothes! Scripture records that he was able to "think outside the tomb." He believed. Through her tears Mary looked again into the tomb. Even seeing angels wasn't enough to allow her to consider the unthinkable. Even seeing Jesus didn't do it, for in her grief she couldn't recognize him. Only when Jesus spoke her name did she believe. Mary comes to faith not by evidence of an empty tomb and grave clothes, not by the revelation from angels, and not even by the sight of the risen Christ. She comes to faith by his word, a word that prompted the memory of a relationship already formed. Today, we too stand between two realities: a world in which forgiveness, grace and love are not the order of the day and the "outside the tomb" reality where they are. We no longer understand the empty tomb as a manifestation of death, but as a testimony to the power and possibilities of life. Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Chaplains thought for the month: Jesus died on the cross--that you might get a life. Thank you and God Bless. Chaplain Charlie ***************************** IMMEDIATE PAST STATE COMMANDER VETERANS ADVISORY TO TOGUS * TOGUS BEAL HOUSE CONVENTION 2012 Louis A. Peterson II, PSC Advisory to Togus: Effective February 26th, Susan A. MacKenzie, PhD, was appointed Acting Director of the VA Maine Healthcare System. Currently, Dr. MacKenzie holds the position of Associate Medical Center Director for the VA Boston Healthcare System. She has over 28 years of federal service with seven (7) years at VA Boston HCS and a previous appointment as Deputy Network Director in VISN 1. Dr. MacKenzie is a graduate of the 1999 Leadership VA Program. She is an Associate Member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Member of Women in Health Care Management. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Health Science and Master of Public Administration from Northeastern University and graduated in 2002 with a Doctorate in Health Policy. Togus Beal House: The House is running very well. The food cupboards are currently full, thanks in part to donations made by the Patriot Guard and other organizations. However, donations in general appear to be on the decline. Please consider donating your dollars and cents to this much-needed cause. Thank you in advance for your continued support. Convention 2012: Plans for this year's convention are in place. If you know for sure that you are going to attend the banquet, please consider getting your R.S.V.P.s and monies in sooner rather than later. Thank you. ***************************** 11

12 12 CHIEF OF STAFF LEGISLATIVE Peter F. Miesburger, PSC Legislative: Comrades: Having recently returned home from the Annual National VFW Washington Conference which was one of the Best Conference that I attended in recent years in regards to meeting with our entire state of Maine Congressional Delegation. Both the Leadership of the Department of Maine, VFW and myself met with our Congressional Delegation for at least an hour which hopefully will produce positive results. The following items were discussed with our Congressional Delegation: Increase to TriCare Fees * Calais VA Clinic Doctor Shortage * Both Military and National Guards unable to get various state licenses in the field that they are highly trained in * VA Healthcare for our Troops and Veterans who are suffering from both TBI and PTSD * Proposed cut back of more than 100,000 Troops, where are these troops going to get EMPLOYMENT once they are discharge and the National VFW 2012 Priority Goals. Again Comrades, I am pleased to announce that L.D. 1698, An Act To Create a Veterans Court for the State of Maine has passed both the State Senate and House. The current status of L.D is waiting the signature of Governor LePage. L.D.1698 was sponsored by Rep. Maloney of Augusta. We are rapidly approaching the General Election which is not that far away and we will be VOTING for President of the United States, One U.S. Senator and both members of Congress and the entire State of Maine 126 th Legislature. Now is the time for all Posts to start a GET OUT AND VOTE campaign. All of us earned the Right to Vote. Get involved with your local community and get to know the local candidates, take them to task in regards to Veterans Rights and Entitlements, whatever you do DON T BACK DOWN. 18 April 2012 is the Official Date the State of Maine 125 th Legislation will end. Membership: Comrades, membership is the name of the game. We are getting close to meeting our membership objective and we need everyones to support our Membership Objective, we ve done it before and we can still do it if everyone works together as a TEAM. Remember We Were Soldiers Once and Young and don t forget our FEMALE VETERANS, they ve worn the same uniform that we ve worn. CoS: Comrades, it s time to start thinking about both Post and District election of new officers for the Year The only issue that I have in regards to Post and District elections is let s elect some good troops to lead both the Post and District. Don t forget Commander Woodward s Testimonial Banquet. ***************************** NATIONAL COUNCILMAN DISTRICT 1 Thomas R. Lussier, NCM D-1 Comrades, returning from the Legislative Conference in Washington DC along with many of our Department Officers, I would like to thank our Legislative Chairman Peter Miesburger for an outstanding job! We met with each of our Congressional leaders for over an hour covering many issues that may affect veterans in the future. We also accompanied our National Commander-in-Chief Richard DeNoyer as he testified on behalf of Veterans before the joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committee. Your two committees have a long history of taking care of veterans in a bipartisan manner, said Richard L. DeNoyer, a retired Marine and Vietnam combat veteran from Middleton, Mass., who leads the 2 millionmember Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries. We understand that current budget realities are forcing very hard choices in Congress and in agencies and departments across the executive branch. I urge you all to remember in the coming days that Congress first mandate is the protection of its citizens, which can only be accomplished if Congress first protects those who volunteer to protect our nation in uniform. If you would like to read his entire testimony, please go to

13 the National website at Once again I ask everyone to please make sure you stay on top of the issues and contact your respective Representatives. 13 Membership is the key to our success, strength in numbers. As always Recruit, Retain and Reinstate Norman Schwarzkopf The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it. ***************************** VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE Rene A. Deschene, SO Office Closed: The office will be closed from April as both of us will be gone to training. Herbicides Along the DMZ in Korea: The following units have been verified as being exposed to Herbicide in Korea from April 1, 1968 to August 31, st Battalion 38th Infantry * 2nd Battalion 38th Infantry * 2nd Battalion 23rd Infantry * 3rd Battalion 23rd Infantry * 2nd Battalion 31st Infantry * 3rd Battalion 32nd Infantry * 4th Squadron 7th Cav. * 1st Battalion 17th Infantry * 1st Battalion 31st Infantry * 1st Battalion 32nd Infantry * 2nd Battalion 10th Cav. * 2nd Battalion, 17th Infantry * 2nd Battalion 32nd Infantry. Those that served in these units for the above period of time can file for disabilities due to herbicide exposure. VETERANS HELPING VETERANS ****************************** HISTORIAN Robert H. Bernard, PSC The year continues to move along and my wife and I are looking forward to attend the Commanders Testimonial in Bangor. Next thing before you know it June will be upon us and the year will be over. I am still looking for all the information you may have that has happened at your post or district. Please continue to send me any pictures or articles so that I can add it to the Commanders History Book. Thank you and thanks to all of you that have sent in information. Please send the information to: Bob Bernard, 78 Robie St., Gorham, Maine or rbernard@maine.rr.com. ****************************** NATIONAL TEAM VFW SCOUTER YOUTH ACTIVITIES James A. Proctor, Chairman Team VFW Scouter: Howdy Cut Scout Partners. We re looking for some young Whippersnappers to join us at Camp this summer, we re gonner have some Yee Ha fun with all you Buckaroos, so make plans to join us at Camp as we celebrate the Wild West in 2012 Cub Scout Day Camps. Day Camps: Run from 8:30 to 4:30 and give your son a chance to see the Cub Scout program come alive during the summer at many locations throughout the Council. Sports, BB s, Archery, Nature, Crafts, Water Fun and much will happen as you discover the Wild West of the past. Don t miss the best week of the summer Cub Day Camp dates and locations: ABNAK: District: At Camp Gustin in Sabattus, July 30 - Aug 3. Casco Bay District: At Camp Hinds in Raymond July and at Wassamki Springs in Scarborough

14 July Down East District: At Lake Pemaquid Camp Ground in Damariscotta July Kennebec Valley District: At Camp Bomazeen in North Belgrade July and July 30-Aug 3. York District: At Camp Nutter in Acton July Opportunities for new Tiger Scouts and their Parent Partner will be available in each camp. Camp fees: Includes camp T-shirt and $ per week with an early bird discount, save S25.00 with Camp fee only $ if paid in full by May 1 st. Adult volunteers needed to help guide our Cub Cowboys at camp. Parents: Volunteer for a week, your child goes for only $15.00 and you ll have fun with us. Tot-Lot care is available for staff s younger children. Visit for more camp information and registration forms, contact Pine Tree Council at or mail to: Pine Tree Council, 313 Johnson Rd, Portland, ME Day Camp Volunteer Staff Needed. Youth: 2012 Annual Meeting Saturday April 21 st, 2012, 9 am-1:30 pm at the Waterville Elks Lodge # 905, 76 Industrial St., Waterville, ME (1 mile from Exit 30 off I-95). All Girl Scouts and their Guests are welcome to attend the GSME annual meeting which will include: Election of Board of Directors Officers and Members; Election of Board Development (Nominating) committee; Recognition of Graduating Senior Girl Scouts; Jo Stevens Scholarship; Adult Recognitions; Update on 100 th Anniversary celebrations. Details of the meeting will be sent to Service Unit Chairs and all other delegates. Lunch is by reservation only and the cost is $12 for Delegates and $15 for Guests. All reservations must be received at the South Portland Service Center NLT April 13 th. This is a firm deadline. For a registration form, visit or call Thank you for your patience, we have been working hard learning our new customer database and we appreciate and support during this transition. Only membership registration coming to GSME, that s right. We re joining the National trend and will soon be offering online registration for individuals who want to join Girl Scouts. We ll keep you updated on the details of this exciting opportunity as they become available. 14 ***************************** HOMELESS VETERANS VETERANS CEMETERY SOUTH James E.N. Bachelder, PSC/Chairman Homeless Veterans: I was at the Portland CBOC today and saw the flyer for the 2K walk. This event will be held at several locations this year. We have the honor of sponsoring this event state wide. The VA needs a non-profit to support the fundraiser with the insurance coverage. Our Department Quartermaster explained how we can supply this coverage at no cost to our organization. We are contacting the Post Commanders from the cities and towns where the event will take place. The Department will issue the insurance rider to the Post and the membership will be able to volunteer at the event and receive extra credit in the Homeless Veterans program for next year. Remember our program ends on April 30 th so this event will count towards the VFW year. Our Housewarming Baskets and Basic Needs have been depleted exhausted we do not have any more. The wish list is in these GO s please start collecting these items and bring the completed Baskets or Basic Needs to Togus VAVS office when you are at the facility for health care or other visits. We are researching the origin of the Stand-Down. This was a three day event when it started in California. Our VA Homeless Veterans Network Group is looking into having a two day event in the future. We have a subcommittee researching the idea. This would mean having the drivers volunteer for two days to transport the Vets. All the volunteer staff would be asked to be available for the second day. There are many advantages to extending this event. Trying to complete the Stand-Down in one day is always a hectic burden on the coordinator. As this develops, you will hear more. Donations received since our last reports are: Lisbon Post 9459, Presque Isle Post 2599, Jackman Post 5823, Eastport Post 558, Perry Post 11299, Winslow Post 8835 and South Berwick Post If you are

15 performing several Homeless Veterans programs/donations report all of them. Keep making progress!!!! To date we have received $5, in donations or programs performed for our Homeless Veterans. Veterans Cemetery South: We have created another subcommittee to look into the memorials that will be placed around the Memorial Walk. If you visit the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery you see a beautiful Memorial Walkway. The memorials are of very different shapes and sizes. They are designed by the donors and need to be accepted by the Cemetery Administration before the memorial is created. The SMVMCA is deciding on what we will have in the Springvale Memorial Walkway. If you have any input, please contact us. The Administration Building is complete on the outside. The internal punch list is being completed at this time. We are working on the display cases to complete the lobby. The construction of the cremation niches is tearing up the grounds. A request from the District 11 meeting with concerns for the care of the grounds will be submitted to the committee ASAP. This is a memorial place and even with construction, it should be treated with the proper respect. The planning subcommittee is making progress. They meet every other week and have several issues to develop and bring forward to the main committee. We are planning a fundraising meal for May. It would be great to have all the Posts in the area of the cemetery to attend this event, purchase a meal and, support your local State Veterans Cemetery. The date is not set in stone but we are pushing for May 12 th at the Sanford VFW. Watch for more info in the May GO s. If you have any ideas or questions, please feel free to contact me at james.bachelder@metrocast.net of call between 9 am to 9 pm. 15 ****************************** CREDENTIALS * WAYS & MEANS BOWLING * GOLF Paul S. Colburn, Chairman Credentials: Just a reminder to all Posts and Districts that there are requirements to be fulfilled prior to the Convention. Your Post MUST be current in your Trustee Reports, Post Inspection, Post Audits and Election Report. Also; if you are in financial arrears to your District or Department (i.e., fees, dues, Buddy Poppy monies, supply monies, Quartermaster not bonded); you will have NO VOICE at either the District or Department Conventions. If you have any questions, please contact me at Bowling: The bowling tournament has been cancelled for this year as was notified to all Posts earlier. It is also felt that since we have not been able to have a bowling tournament in the past few years that it needs to be cancelled forever. Golf: The Department will again this year TRY to have a golf tournament. Again, if you are interested in hosting the tournament, PLEASE let me know. Further information in future general orders. Ways & Means: All Posts should have their tickets by now from the District Commanders. If you do not, please contact your District Commander for said tickets. If you need extra tickets, contact Paul. Also, all monies and tickets need to be sent to Paul Colburn, th St, Bangor, ME 04401, tel # Any question, please do not hesitate to contact me. Tickets are coming in very slow, Post Commanders are asked to push this program. Let s try hard to promote this program. ****************************** NATIONAL HOME William R Doughty, Chairman Each GOs; I remind you of the responsibility WE all have to give financial support to OUR CHILDREN'S HOME. This time, I want to say THANK YOU for your support over the past year ( ). I am sure that each and every Post has made an effort to respond to the call to duty set forth in our

16 ritual at each meeting. If by some chance you have let that slip past you, NOW is the time to correct your error. Send any amount to the National Home that you can afford so that ALL POSTS are "on the books". 100% participation is our goal for the Maine Dept. VFW of America. PS: Need some help? Call me at or Post 6859 at ***************************** IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN VETERANS Steven San Pedro, Chairman Comrades: Now that I have returned from the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Legislation Conference, I would like to inform you on what the National Iraq/Afghanistan Committee discussed during our meeting. In 2013, you will start seeing Veterans of Foreign Wars commercials focusing on what we do for the Veterans and their families. In today s world, the social media has a big influence on the younger Veterans, so the Veterans of Foreign Wars has setup a Twitter account and a Facebook account you may follow very soon. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a big market and they focus their audience on 18 to 32 year olds. This is the age of our current conflict Veterans so the VFW wants to get into the UFC. Brian Strann, a Silver Star recipient and former U.S. Marine who competes in the middleweight division of the UFC has agreed to wear the VFW words and symbol on his shorts during his fights. This will help advertise our organization to the younger Veterans watching these fights. These are a few of the things the committee is doing or recommending to do. They feel reaching out to our younger Veterans in these ways can and will bring them into our organization. As always if you have any question please contact me at sanpedro105@roadrunner.com ****************************** VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE MAINE VETERANS HOMES LIAISON Arnold L. Leavitt, PSC, Chairman VSO: The Veterans Service Office continues to operate very well. The volume of work continues to grow. The office had 160 interviews during the month of February, 860 pieces of correspondence and 420 telephone calls. The questionnaires we receive are generally very favorable. Just a reminder that both the Service Officer and Assistant Service Officer will be gone for National Training Session so the office will be closed during the week of April 23 rd. MVH: The census for our six Homes are down slightly this month due to an outbreak of the flu at the Caribou Home. This restricts accepting any new occupants during the flu period at the Caribou Home. The 70% issue is still pending in Congress. ***************************** WOMENS VETERANS Janet L. Michaud, Chairman There is a Coin Event in Southern Maine for those still needing a venue to receive the Coin, call or for particulars. The State of Mane Veteran Services Office can assist the Post Commander with a list of those Women Veterans in your area so your Post may Host Coin Ceremony. Let me know if you would like assistance setting one of these opportunities up for your community. The Patient Advocate is available to all Veterans at Togus who have questions about their tel Women Veteran may be seen in the Women s Clinic or Primary Care, the Veteran has the Choice!! Female Advocates who will assist with Claims and other paperwork are available for all female Veterans upon request; contact me for female Veterans available around the state who will assist.

17 The She Serves site is available to all Women Veterans who join the VFW. They can blog and get other information concerning our particular needs. ****************************** AMERICANISM * LOYALTY DAY Douglas M. Dowling, Chairman All Posts should be reported in Americanism and Loyalty Day by now but regrettably some are not. As you are hopefully aware the program reporting year ends on the 30 th of April which is this month. Please get your reports in and get the credit for what you have done. As May 1 st approaches all Posts and Districts should be planning now for your Loyalty Day programs. 36 USC Loyalty Day (a) Designation.-May 1 is Loyalty Day. (b) Purpose.-Loyalty Day is a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom. (c) Proclamation.-The President is requested to issue a proclamation. (1) Calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Loyalty Day; and (2) Inviting the people of the United States to observe Loyalty Day with appropriate ceremonies in schools and other suitable places. ****************************** WREATH ACROSS AMERICA Charles J. McGillicuddy, Chairman The theme for 2012 was announced as: Then, Now, and Forever Let s Make It Personal. The goal is to bring all the generations together, blending past, present, and future but to make it personal. It is one thing to read about history in a text book. It is a whole other experience to sit down with WWII veteran or a young serviceman or woman just returned from Afghanistan, and hear about their experiences. Amid great sacrifices we often appreciate the most simple blessings like what we have to eat or time with family and loved ones. It kind of puts a hectic, overwhelming world in perspective. How can your Post make it personal this year? Posts throughout Maine are invited to give this further thought, see what you can make happen in your community, then pass it on to the other Posts by writing a report for the GOs. Don't be shy, you don't have to be a department officer to contribute to the GOs. For those who have not heard yet, Corey (the youngest son of Morrill and Karen Worcester) was involved in a head on collision in the middle of February. At the time of the accident, he was life-flighted from the hospital in Machias to Eastern Maine Medical Center with severe injuries, including internal bleeding, broken ribs, and a shattered hip. It has been a difficult time for Corey and the whole Worcester family as he has spent time in ICU, going through surgery, and having significant complications. He remains at EMMC and is working hard in their rehab unit to regain his full strength. Corey appreciates all the love and support that everyone has shown him. Many in the VFW who have been involved with WAA will recognize Corey from his many years participating in the wreath escort, first as a CAP cadet and later as an honorary member of the Patriot Guard Riders. Always quick with a smile and a magic trick with a deck of cards, Corey has made many friends from Maine to Virginia who are now rooting for him in his recovery. ****************************** 17

18 18 ASST STATE MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN CONVENTION SITE SELECTION CHAIRMAN for: Arthur J. Roy, PSC The Capt Frank W. Hulett VFW Post 1603 in Auburn will Host the 2013 Convention on Friday, June 14th & June the RAMADA INN on 490 Pleasant Street, Lewiston, Maine which is off Exit 80 of the Maine Turnpike. On Sunday June 16th 2013 the 1st Council of Administration will also be at the RAMADA INN 8:30am SHARP. As this is the 1st C/A Meeting a lot will be gone over including the Budget for Year and All the Programs for the year. VERY IMPORTANT MEETING MAKE PLANS. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ASST. MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN ARTHUR J. ROY, PSC COMMANDER WOODWARD WINS CRUISE - THANK YOU ALL! 96.28% AS OF TODAY AND CHANGING DAILY So far this Year has been a Great one "BUT" only with your help can this continue. Let's "ALL DO OUR PART TO MAKE THIS A BANNER YEAR" That would be SUPER! WE ARE STILL AHEAD OF LAST YEAR SO PLEASE KEEP THE MEMBERSHIP COMING SO WE CAN GET BACK WHERE WE BELONG - "MAINE LEADING THE WAY!" We have 20 Posts & 2 Districts at 100% so which Post and District will be next. DISTRICT 3 & DISTRICT 8 <> 100% AT THIS TIME WE ARE 14th IN THE NATION OUT OF 54 DEPARTMENTS & 3rd PLACE IN THE EASTERN STATES CONFERENCE OUT OF 13 DEPARTMENTS! AT THE APRIL C/A MEETING MORE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED BY DAVE OLSON, MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN & MYSELF. YOU COULD BE NEXT - WE HOPE YOU ARE SO... <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The Complete Program is on the MAINE VFW WEB SITE where it can also be copied by all Posts - PLEASE READ THE PROGRAM & USE THE CHECK OFF LIST - DON'T WAIT UNTIL ITS ALL OVER AND THEN COMPLAIN THAT YOU DIDN'T UNDERSTAND ANY PART OF THE PROGRAM. ****************************** BY-LAW/WEBSITE COORDINATOR CHAIRMAN THOMAS R. LUSSIER, NCM Tlussie1@maine.rr.com Comrades this year we will be awarding a plaque for the following: Most Post Newspaper Articles Best Post or District Newsletters Best Post Website All Newspaper articles and Post Newsletters must be ed or mailed to me via USPS All Post Websites must submit them to the Department Website Coordinator (Existing Post Websites will be included) PUBLIC RELATIONS Posts that have turned in clippings from Newspapers to date are: VFW Post 1603 Auburn (123), VFW Post 1285 Waterville (5), VFW Post 3108 Belfast (10), VFW 1641 Rumford (2) VFW Post 6859 Portland (7)

19 VFW Post 4633 Hampden (3), VFW Post 3335 Jay (3) VFW Post 109 Ellsworth (2) VFW Post 2599 Presque Isle (1), VFW Post 9 Gardiner (1),VFW Post 5744 South Berwick (10), Post 9779 Calais (3), VFW Post 6783 Fryeburg-Lovell (8) VFW Post 7997 Old Orchard (2) VFW Post 832 South Portland (2) VFW Post 6977 York Beach (1) Post Newsletters received from VFW Post 6859 Portland (4), VFW Post 1603 Auburn (5), VFW Post 9389 Caribou (4) VFW District 9 (1), VFW Post 5744 South Berwick (1), VFW Post 2599 Presque Isle (8) VFW Post Yarmouth (4), VFW Post 9 Gardiner (1) VFW Post 7865 Madison (1) VFW Post 109 Ellsworth (2), VFW Post 9787 South Paris (2), Post 9459 Lisbon (1) VFW Post 2197, Topsham (3), VFW Post Harrington (1) VFW Post 6977 York Beach (1) Post having an existing Website or have submitted their Website to the Website Coordinator Hayward-Frazier Post 2599, Deering Memorial Post 6859, Capt. Frank W. Hulett Post 1603, Floyd A. Harlow Jr. Post 9787, Old Orchard Memorial Post 7997, Ronald G. St. John Post 9328, Lister-Knowlton Post 9389 KEEP ALL YOUR MEMBERS INFORMED ON VFW ISSUES. RESOLUTIONS/BY-LAWS Comrades the time for preparing any National or Department By-law Amendments and Resolutions is approaching. Please make sure you follow the proper procedures as outlined in the Congressional and Department By-Laws and Ritual Website Coordinator The Department Website is in good working order. 19

20 Homeless Veterans CDR PROJECT Togus Aid Buddy Poppy Youth Safety Blood Program Patriot s Pen Voice of Democracy POW/MIA Loyalty Day Americanism Community Activities PROGRAM STATUS REPORT Post/Location Feb 20, 2012 DISTRICT Presque Isle X X X X X X X X X X X X x 6187 Ft. Fairfield X X X X X X 9389 Caribou X X X X X X X X X X X X X 9609 Ft. Kent X X X X X X X X X 9699 Ashland X X X X X X X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 100% 100% 100% DISTRICT Lincoln X X X X X X X 1605 Burlington X X X X X X X X X X 2299 Sherman X X X X X X X X X X 4154 Millinocket X X X X X X X X 7529 Island Falls X X X X X X X X X X X X 9429 West Enfield X X X X X X X X X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 100% % 100% 100% % % DISTRICT Eastport X X X X X X X X X X X X X 9779 Calais X X X X X X X X X X X X X Perry X X X X X X X X X X X X X Harrington X X X X X X X X X X X X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 100% % % 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% % % DISTRICT Ellsworth X X X X X X X X X X X 1761 Bangor X X X X X X X X X X X X 3381 Old Town X X X X X X X X X X X X 4527 Orrington X X X X X X X X X X X X 4633 Hampden X X X X X X X X X X X X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 100% % % 100& 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% % % DISTRICT 5 X 3198 Skowhegan X 4298 Dexter X X X X X X X X X X X X 5723 Jackman X X X X X 6924 Fairfield X X X X X X X X X X X X 7865 Madison X X X X X X X X X X X X 7866 Norridgewock X X X X X X 8934 Embden X X X X X X X X X X Farmington X X X X X X X X X X X X Newport X X X X X X X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 100% DISTRICT 6 X 3095 Friendship X X X X X X X X X X X X X 3108 Belfast X X X X X X X X X X X X X 4169 Vinalhaven X 6131 Northport X X X X X X X X X X X X X 9547 Washington X X X X X X X X X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 100% 20

21 Homeless Veterans CDR PROJECT Togus Aid Buddy Poppy Youth Safety Blood Program Patriot s Pen Voice of Democracy POW/MIA Loyalty Day Americanism Community Activities Post/Location Feb 20, 2012 DISTRICT 7 X 2197 Topsham X X X X X X X X X X 4525 Waldoboro X X X X X X X X X X X X X 7738 Bath X X X X X X X X X X 8395 New Harbor X X X X X X X X X X X X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 100% 100% 100% DISTRICT 8 9 Gardiner X X X X X X X X X X X X X 887 Augusta X X X X X X X X X X X X X 1285 Waterville X X X X X X X X X X X X X 8835 Winslow X X X X X x X X X X X X X 9526 Winthrop X X X X X X X X X X X X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 100% % % 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% % % DISTRICT 9 X 1603 Auburn X X X X X X X X X X X X X 1641 Rumford X X X X X X X X X X X x X 3335 Jay X X X X X X X X X X X X 9150 Lewiston X X X X X X X X X X 9459 Lisbon X X X X X X X X X X X 9787 South Paris X X X X X X X X X X X X X Greene X X X X X X X X x X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 100% % % 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% % % DISTRICT 10 X 832 So. Portland X X X X X X X X X X 6783 Lovell X X X X X X X X X X X X X 6859 Portland X X X X X X X X X X X X X 7642 East Hiram X 9328 Harrison X X X X X X X X X X X 9605 Long Island X X Yarmouth X X X X X X X X X X X X X Windham X X X X X X X X X X X X Gorham X X X X X X X X X X X Naples X X X X X X X X X X X X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 100% 100% DISTRICT 11 X 489 Biddeford X X 5744 So. Berwick X X X X X X X X X X X X X 6548 Kennebunk X X X X X X X X X X X X X 6977 York Beach X X X X X X X X X X X X 7997 Old Orchard Beach X X X X X X X X X X X 9394 Kittery X X X X X X X X X X 9935 Sanford X X X X X X X X X X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 100% 100% 21

22 Post # DIST Div Name HIGH /21/2012 L/M CONT N/R L/MN MEMB% DUES: Presque Isle % $ Fort Fairfield % $ Caribou % $ Fort Kent % $ Ashland % $ TOTALS % Lincoln % $ Burlington % $ Sherman St % $ Millinocket % $ Island Falls % $ West Enfield % $ TOTALS % Eastport % $ Calais % $ Perry % $ Harrington % $ TOTALS % Ellsworth % $ Bangor % $ Old Town % $ Orrington % $ Hampden % $ TOTALS % Skowhegan % $ Dexter % $ Jackman Station % $ Fairfield % $ Madison % $ Norridgewock % $ Embden % $ Farmington % $ Newport % $ TOTALS % Friendship % $ Belfast % $ Vinalhaven % $ Northport % $ Washington % $ TOTALS % Topsham % $ Waldoboro % $ Bath % $ New Harbor % $ TOTALS % 22

23 8 2 9 Gardiner % $ Augusta % $ Waterville % $ Winslow % $ Winthrop % $ TOTALS % Auburn % $ Rumford % $ Jay % $ Lewiston % $ Lisbon % $ South Paris % $ Greene % $26.00 TOTALS % 10 South Portland % $ Lovell % $ Portland % $ East Hiram % $ Harrison % $ Long Island % $ Yarmouth % $ Windham % $ Gorham % $ Naples % $ TOTALS % Biddeford % $ So Berwick % $ Kennebunk % $ York Beach % $ O.O.B % $ Kittery % $ Sanford % $ TOTALS % M.A.L % $ / % ajroy NEED 100% 397 EVERYONES HELP IS NEEDED TO BRING THE DEPT TO 100% ARE AARE YOU D0ING YOUR PART TO MOVE FORWFORWARD "SHAPING THE FUTURE, REMEMBERING THE PAST" "RETAIN - REINSTATE - RECRUIT" 23

24 SHAPING THE FUTURE - REMEMBERING THE PAST w/ KEVIN G. WOODWARD, COMMANDER D I V I S I O N L E A D E R S <<>> MAR 21, 2012 >> ALL-STATE WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT CONVENTION BANQUET << ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DIV. I (10-50) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. IV ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CALAIS % PRESQUE ISLE % EASTPORT % Auburn % FRIENDSHIP % Sanford % ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DIV. II (51-100) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. V ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WINDHAM % WATERVILLE % NORTHPORT % AUGUSTA % LINCOLN % Old Town % ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DIV. III ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. VI ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MADISON % Portland % YARMOUTH % South Portland % OLD ORCHARD % Caribou % ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TEN HIGHEST POSTS BY % I TEN LARGEST POSTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CALAIS % South Portland EASTPORT % Caribou FRIENDSHIP % WATERVILLE WATERVILLE % Portland WINDHAM % Winslow AUGUSTA % Jay NORTHPORT % Bangor LINCOLN % Old Town MADISON % AUGUSTA BATH % York Beach ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DISTRICT STANDINGS I MAGIC NUMBERS FOR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. District 3 Mitchell % > 10,682 MEMBERS FOR 100% DEPARTMENT < 2. District 8 Armstrong % WE HAVE = 10,285 - WE NEED = District 10 San Pedro % ALL POSTS/DISTRICTS SHOULD 100% 4. District 6 Farris % STATE CONVENTION JUNE , 2011 DEPARTMENT OF MAINE, VFW 96.28% 10 N/R MEMBERS AND YOU EARN A WHITE VFW 5. District 11 Spaulding % SHIRT 20 YOU EARN A VFW JACKET 6. District 4 Arnold % ALL DEPT OFFICERS ARE ASKED TO RECRUIT 7. District 1 Michaud % AT LEAST 3 N/R MEMBERS "WELL?" 8. District 5 Beaulieu % LET S ALL WORK AS A TEAM AND 9. District 2 Guiggey % RETAIN RECRUIT & REINSTATE 3 MEMBERS 10 District 2 Davis % NEED HELP or HAVE QUESTIONS 11. District 7 Smith % ASK ANYONE ON THE MEMBERSHIP TEAM OK? ARTHUR J. ROY "ASSISTANT STATE MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN" 24

25 Testimonial State Commander Kevin G. Woodward Let s all get together to honor our Department of Maine Commander on this special occasion Location Ramada Inn Date & Time April 14, 2012 Social Hour 5:00 to 6:00 pm Banquet 6:00 pm Banquet Ticket Cost $30.00 Dinner Menu Dress Code Hotel Information Rates Top Round of Beef (Carved) Baked Stuffed Chicken Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Vegetables, House Salad Dinner Rolls, Assorted Desserts, Coffee/Tea Semi Formal (Jacket & Tie) Ramada Inn 357 Odlin Rd. Bangor, ME Phone: Standard Room $ Tax xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Please Reserve the following Meals: Total Tickets: x $30.00 = Name Name Make Your Check payable to: Forward to: Name Name Department of Maine, VFW Shirley M. Dumas 64 Washburn St., B-1 Caribou, ME Tel #: Ticket Deadline: 6 April 2011 (No tickets will sold after the deadline Tickets will not be held without a payment) (There will no refunds on banquet tickets) (Special needs for Banquet, please notify Shirley Dumas with your purchase of tickets request)

26 nd STATE CONVENTION PORTLAND, MAINE Louis A. Peterson II, Chairman Barbara Coty Co-Chairperson The 92 nd Annual Department of Maine VFW and Ladies Auxiliary Convention will be held on 8, 9 & 10 June 2012 in Portland, Maine with Deering Memorial Post 6859 of Portland, ME as the Host Post. The Department of Maine VFW and VFWA will be holding all meetings and banquet at the Fireside Inn & Suites Portland (Headquarters Hotel.) Department Headquarters: Fireside Inn & Suites. Motels List & Rates Fireside Inn & Suites Portland (Headquarters Hotel) 81 Riverside St., Portland, ME Tel: Rates: $ tax * Cutoff date for Reservations May 10, 2012 * Other Motels for the State Convention Howard Johnson Hotel 155 Riverside St, Portland, ME Tel: Rates: $ tax ** Please mention that you are with the Department of Maine, VFW ** ******************************************************************************************************** ~~ 92 nd STATE CONVENTION ~~ Portland, Maine Convention Book Advertising Rates Rates are for VFW and VFWA members advertising in the Convention Book Back Cover - $ Inside Cover - $ Full Page - $ Half Page - $ ¼ Page - $ /8 Page - $ Please send your advertisement copy in a finalized format Make check made payable to Department of Maine, VFW Mail to: Andre L. Dumas, Adjutant 64 Washburn St., B-1, Caribou, ME All Advertising and monies must be received as soon as possible 26 CUT OFF DATE IS APRIL 15, 2012

27 ~~~ Banquet Reservations ~~~ 92 nd Department of Maine State Convention Saturday, 9 June 2012 Fireside Inn & Suites Portland 81 Riverside St., Portland, ME Social Hour * 6:00-7:00 p.m. Dinner * 7:00 p.m. Menu (Buffet) Baked Virginia Ham Tenderlion Tips of Beef Chicken Piccala Tossed Green Salad Choice of Roasted Red Potatoes, Massed Potatoes or Rice Pilaf Vegetable du Jour Rolls with Butter Dessert Coffee Cost Per Person $ Make check payable to VFW Dept. of Maine and mail check to: Ann Marie Peterson 2 Cliff Lane, Biddeford, ME Telephone: Dress Code: Coat and Tie Ticket Deadline: 1 June 2012 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Cut Page~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please reserve meals for the following members of Aux / Post # Total amount this check: $ x = $ 27 No tickets will be sold after the deadline No tickets held without a payment Sorry no refunds on banquet tickets Anyone having a special needs for supper, please state this on the order form

28 VFW BOOSTER ADS Each Booster Ad may have two (2) lines of copy Each line limited to 27 characters or spaces (Maximum) Deadline: April 15, 2012 ******* Print Name ******* Send all Booster Ads to: Andre L. Dumas, Adjutant 64 Washburn Street, B-1, Caribou, Maine Make check in the amount of: $ 3.00 per name Make check payable to: Department of Maine, VFW 28

29 92 nd State Convention ~~ Pre Convention Registration ~~ VFW Department of Maine, VFW Convention 8 10 June 2012 Fireside Inn & Suites Portland 81 Riverside St., Portland, ME Pre-Registration Rates - $ 5.00 Registration at Door - $ 8.00 Come Celebrate the 92 nd Department of Maine VFW State Convention & 81 st Department of Maine LAVFW State Convention ********************************************************************** ** Pre-Registration Form ** Please register the following members of Post/Auxiliary #: Total Amount Due $ 5.00 x = $ Deadline: 1 June 2012 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Make Check Payable to: Department of Maine, VFW Mail your Check to: Barbara Coty, Convention Co-Chairperson 25 Water S., Apt 102 Saco, ME Any Question Please Call: Barbara