Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars *All Veterans All The Time*

Transcription

1 Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars *All Veterans All The Time* December 2013 GENERAL ORDERS No. 6 *************************** *** SPECIAL NOTICE <> SPECIAL NOTICE *** Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year From State Commander David C. Olson & the Department Officers Congratulations to the following Post for achieving 100%+ in membership for the Year Kennebunk Memorial Post 6548 * 100% * Commander Kenneth W. Kingsley Sanford-Springvale Memorial Post 9935 * % * Commander Joseph A. Garand Congratulations to the following Comrades for Receiving Unpaid Appointments National Deputy Chief of Staff * Joel David Demers * Portland Post 6859 Assistant Inspector General * Arthur J. Roy * Auburn Post 1603 Special Aide-de-Camp * William R. Doughty * Portland Post 6859 National Aide-de-Camp John J. Bouchard * Fort Kent Post 9609 Eric E. Buckingham * Millinocket Post 4154 Victor J. Voisine * Eastport Post 558 Paul S. Colburn * Bangor Post 1761 Harald K. Moore * Jackman Post 5723 Herman L. Littlefield Jr. * Northport Post 6131 Thomas S. Rainy * Bath Post 7738 Michael K. Davis * Auburn Post 1603 Richard E. O Ben Sr. * Gardiner Post 9 James A. Proctor * Naples Post Malcolm P. Kenney * Berwick Post 5744 Annual Dues Paying Members: Post Commanders are reminded to inform their annual dues paying members that they must pay their dues NLT 31 December 2013 before the dues increase become effective. This is also another chance for the Department to become one more time a 100% Department. Let us work as a team and make this happen. VA Maine Healthcare System (Togus) Annual Patient Holiday Party: Will be held on 8 December All volunteers will sign 1:30 pm in bldg 232, Gym/Multipurpose Room. Festivities will start at 2:00 pm on the Units. The VFW and Ladies Auxiliary will be responsible for CLC Veterans Village (72). Everyone are asked NOT TO GO to the floors earlier than the 2:00 pm Start Time. Half Staff U.S. Flag on December 7: Public Law , passed in 1994, designates December 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and requests the flag of the United States to be flown at halfstaff (sunrise to sunset) in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on that day. 1

2 1. January CoA Meeting/Voice of Democracy/Patriots Pen/Teacher of the Year Banquet: To be held on 11 January 2014 at Winslow VFW Post 8835 located at 175 Veteran Dr., Winslow, ME. The Headquarters Hotel will be the Best Western Plus 375 Main St, Waterville, ME 04091, tel Rates for the rooms will be $ tax. Please make sure that you let them know that you are with the VFW. The CoA meeting will be held on 1:00 pm at the Fairfield Post 246 Main St., Fairfield. Cmtee Meetings will be as follows at the Best Western Plus Waterville: VSO 8:30 am * Audit/Finance 9:30 am * Convention 2014 * 1030 am 2. Voice of Democracy/Patriot s Pen/Teacher of the Year Banquet: Will be held on January 11, 2014 at MacCrillis-Rousseau Post 8835, 175 Veteran Dr, Winslow, ME. Tickets are $25.00 per person. Please send your check to Cynthia Cowling, th St., Bangor, ME and make your check payable to Department of Maine, VFW. Deadline for ticket purchase is 31 December NOTE: (There will be No tickets will be sold at the door, tickets will not be held without payment and there will be no refunds on the banquet tickets). Anyone needing a special meal are to contact Cynthia Cowling. Banquet ticket order form is attached to these General Orders. 3. Annual Membership Dues: Members are reminded that their annual membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars expires December 31, 2013, unless their 2014 dues are paid and reported to Department and National Headquarters. All officers are encouraged to make every effort to renew the membership of continuous members prior to January 1, As a reminder, the annual dues will increase by $10 effective January 1, Section 220 of the National By-Laws, Vacancies and Removal of Elective Officers or Committee Members : States that "Any elective Post officer removed by the Department Commander, by reason of failure to pay current dues or by vote of the Post under the provisions of this section, shall not be eligible to serve in any Post office in the same administrative year in which the officer is removed." 5. Establishing Continuous Membership: For the purpose of establishing continuous membership, a member may reimburse Department and National dues for all delinquent years, provided he was a member in good standing for five (5) consecutive years prior to the delinquency. 6. Duties of Post Trustees: Attention of Post Commanders is directed to section 218 of the Manual of Procedure, Duty of Trustees. Trustees Report of Audit must be completed in detail at the close of each quarter, one of which ends December 31, Commanders are reminded that accurate and complete records shall be kept by all persons handling Post funds, including the Club Manager and Bingo Chairman. These records shall be audited by Post Trustees in the same manner as Post Quartermaster and Adjutant records. 7. Post Inspections: A thorough program of Post inspection is necessary to ensure compliance with National and Department By-Laws and directives. District and Department Inspectors to include Assistant Inspectors shall make every effort to inspect every Post under their cognizance on an annual basis and correct such discrepancies as may be disclosed. 8. Distribution of Buddy Poppies: The distribution of VFW Buddy Poppies will be conducted according to the provisions set forth in sections 711 of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure. Department, District, County Council and Post Commanders should arrange now for the distribution of Buddy Poppies for the Memorial Day campaign in their respective areas. All profits accruing from the distribution of Buddy Poppies shall be used in accordance with sections 219 and 704 of the Manual of Procedure. 2

3 9. VFW Foundation: Support the VFW Foundation through 2013 Employee Giving Programs: Did you know that you can designate the VFW Foundation in your employee giving? It s true. You can begin donating through annual employee giving programs such as the national Combined Federal Campaign (Charity #10511), United Way, state or local government employee campaigns and even corporate giving programs. Know that your gift will help provide support to programs that secure, manage and distribute resources to improve the lives of veterans, military service personnel, their families and the communities where they live. These services are provided at no cost to the recipient. Within a year, your total payroll deduction can make a difference. Want to make a double impact? Non-governmental employees can check with their employers about corporate matching gifts. If you make a donation to the VFW Foundation, your company may match your donations doubling and sometimes even tripling your gift. If you have any additional questions about the employee giving campaigns or matching gifts, please contact the VFW Foundation at (816) Post Commanders: The National Council of Administration at the August 26, 2012 meeting voted and approved to amend Section 208, Change of Name, in the Manual of Procedure by replacing the second paragraph with the following: A Post shall not change its name to the name of a living person, other than a living Medal of Honor recipient, only after written consent from the recipient has been received, nor adopt a name already adopted by another Post in good standing in the Department. 11. Displaying Military Service Symbols: Military Service flags, insignias, etc., should be displayed in the following order (Left to Right as you face the flags): Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and then Coast Guard. For Military flags, click here Patriot s Pen Program Change Reminder: VFW National Headquarters has been informed that, as a corporate entity, the VFW (at all levels) can no longer purchase U.S. Savings Bonds. The program will be modified to provide checks to our winners in the amount allocated for the purchase of the bond. As an example, a student who would have received a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond will now receive a $500 check instead. If the amount of the check is more than $599, the IRS requires that the recipient receive a Form 1099 identifying the check as taxable. The 1099 will be issued in the student s name and will likely not create tax issues for the recipient. Anyone with questions about this change is encouraged to contact VFW Director of Programs Dan Parker at or via at dparker@vfw.org. 13. Attention of Post Commanders: Is directed to the Commander-in-Chief s decision in response to questions raised concerning alcoholic beverages in the Post meeting room during the Post meeting as set forth below: It is held to be objectionable and contrary to accepted rules of order and proper decorum implicit in the ritual of the Veterans of Foreign Wars to permit alcoholic beverages in the Post meeting room during the Post meeting. Accordingly, the presence, dispensation, and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in VFW meeting rooms during VFW meetings is unacceptable and is prohibited. Any such practice known to exist shall be terminated. It is the intent of the Commander-in-Chief s decision, regarding this response, to include Post, County Council, District and Department meetings, whereas it is held to be objectionable. Please refer to Section 1001 (24.) of the National Manual of Procedure. 14. Attention of Post Commanders and District Commanders and inspecting officers: Are directed to section 703 of the National By-Laws - Bonds. Each accountable officer of this organization shall be bonded with an indemnity company as surety in a sum at least equal to the amount of the liquid assets for which he may be accountable. Liquid assets are defined as cash on hand or in the bank and other negotiable instruments readily convertible into cash. 15. Post Commanders 2014 National By-Laws/Manual of Procedures Podium Edition: All officers should obtain current 2014 copies of the podium edition of the National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and 3

4 Ritual. Copies of the revised edition of the Congressional Charter, By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual are available through the VFW Store at National Headquarters. The 2014 revised edition reflects the amendments adopted by the 114th National Convention, which became effective on August 23, Attention Commanders: Are reminded that section 709, Manual of Procedure - Control of Units, requires that any activity, clubroom, holding company or unit sponsored, conducted or operated by, for or in behalf of a Post, County Council, District or Department shall be at all times under the direct control of such Post, County Council, District or Department and that all money, property or assets of any kind or nature, must be placed in the care and custody of the respective Quartermaster. All Commanders should ensure that all provisions of section 709 are enforced. 17. Post Commanders: Sections 219 and 704 of the Manual of Procedure outline the various things for which the Post Relief Fund can be used. A few years ago, the phrase, To foster true patriotism through historical and educational programs, was added to this section. This allows the Post to use the relief funds for the Voice of Democracy program or other Americanism programs that are educational. This does not include Post building projects, hall remodeling, color guard uniforms or any other expenditure that does not follow these guidelines. 18. Attention CoA and Committee Members: District Commanders are reminded that in case you are unable to attend the CoA meeting that a representative is sent in your place. All CoA and Cmtee members are advised that you must notify both the State Commander and the State Adjutant if you are unable to attend a Council of Administration (CoA) meeting for the year Also, a copy of your report MUST be forwarded to the State Adjutant prior to the CoA meeting for presentation at the meeting. 19. Mailing of General Orders: As has been previously noted, this office is still receiving returned GOs for either incorrect address. Note that the address of individuals receiving the GOs was received from the Post election received by this office. It costs the Department $ to mail the GOs but cost us $.55 for returned ones. It was announced at the recent CoA meeting that any GOs returned from the same individuals twice will be put on a non-receipt list. These officers will have to contact the State Adjutant office to put back on the list. Any individuals wishing to receive the GOs via are asked to contact the State Adjutant office. 20. Department Resources: Many great resources are available for your Department to use in promoting the fundraising programs. You need only go to and log in. You will find Department Resources under the How to Get Involved heading. The latest fundraising program information, ideas and promotional tools from the Development Department can be found here. Download ad slicks, press releases, banner ads and buttons for your Department publications and/or website. Recent mailings and mailing schedules are also posted on a regular basis. Use the Department Resources tools to help strengthen your Department programs. Check it out today! 21. Dates to Remember: 7 Dec * Pearl Harbor Day (Numerous locations throughout the State of Maine) 7 Dec 2 pm * Augusta MVH Christmas Party 8 Dec - 2:00 pm * VA Maine Healthcare System, Togus Patient Holiday Party 8 Dec 2 pm * Scarborough MVH Christmas Party 14 2 pm * South Paris MVH Christmas Party 19 Dec - 2 pm * Caribou MVH Christmas Party 19 Dec Time??? * Machias Christmas Party NOTE: As soon as I receive dates for the Bangor Christmas date, I will notify everyone. 25 Dec * Christmas Day 1 Jan 14 * New Years Day 4

5 11 Jan 14 * Council of Administration Meeting, Voice of Democracy/Patriot s Pen/Teacher of the Year State Banquet 22. Candidates for Department High Office : Department Commander * Ronald F. Smith * Post 1761 Department Senior Vice Commander * Gerald L. Francis * Post 1641 Department Junior Vice Commander * Steven J. SanPedro * Post 6859 Department Quartermaster * David D. Williams * Post 1641 Department Judge Advocate * Richard A. Farris * Post 6131 Department Surgeon * Darald M. Mitchell * Post 9779 Department Surgeon * Randolph S. Michaud * Post 2599 Department Chaplain * William R. Doughty * Post Candidates for National Council Member, Maine, Thomas R. Lussier * Post 6859 David D. Williams * Post Changes to Directory : Pg 23 Dist 4 Chg SVC Young to: feerfisher@live.com Pg 31 Post 109 Chg QM Tonero to: mtlbl42@hotmail.com Pg 32 Post 832 Chg QM Kennedy to: fredkenn@maine.rr.com Pg 33 Post 1285 Chg QM to: Richard F. Von Husen, 282 Mercer Rd., Norridgewock, ME Pg 34 Post 1603 Chg Cmdr to: Carl R. Douglas, 731 Buckfield Rd., Hebron, ME , tel: , cdoug@megalink.net Pg 38 Post 3108 Chg Post to: cndymn@hotmail.com Pg 42 Post 4633 Chg QM to: William H. Sinclair, 18 Old County Rd., Hampden, ME , tel: Pg 43 * Post 5723 * Make chgs as follows: Cmdr McCall edwardmc303@gmail.com; Post meeting time 6:30 pm Pg 55 Post 9605 Chg Adj Brayley address to: 15 Starboard Dr., Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, tel: , warren.braley@gmail.com 25. District Meeting Dates: 8 Dec * Dist 10 Post 6783, Fryeburg-Lovell, 1 pm * Dist 10 Cmdr Demers 19 Jan * Dist 4 Post 1761, Bangor, 2 pm * SVC Smith 19 Jan * Dist 6 Post 6131, Northport, 1 pm * Cmdr Olson 19 Jan * Dist 8 Post 1285, Waterville, 2 pm * QM Michaud 19 Jan * Dist 9 Post 1641, Rumford, 12 noon * JVC Francis 19 Jan * Dist 11 Post 9394, Kittery, 2 pm * Dist Cmdr Sprague 25 Jan * Dist 2 Post 1605, Burlington, 1 pm * Adj Dumas (Noon luncheon) 26 Jan * Dist 7 Post 8395, New Harbor, 2 pm * Cmdr Olson OFFICIAL Andre L. Dumas ANDRE L. DUMAS State Adjutant BY ORDER OF: David C. Olson DAVID C. OLSON State Commander 5

6 State Commander David C. Olson Greetings Comrades: I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving and now we look forward to the Christmas Season and the winter weather that goes with it. Many important events to remember Annual Party at Togus, the Wreath Laying at cemeteries throughout the State and Country, Pearl Harbor Day, Christmas & New Years and before you know it it s Thanks to all for the hard work you do for your Post, District & Department. Comrades this is the last call for annual members to pay their dues at the current rate so pay now or pay an additional $10.00 effective 1/1/2014. Speaking of membership, the Department of Maine is substantially behind where we were last year at this time. It s time for all membership teams to roll up your sleeves and seek new members, collect dues from annual members and reinstate those that have fallen off the books. Congratulations to La Belle-Perkins Post 1605 and Sanford-Springvvale Memorial Post 9935 for having achieved 100%+ in membership respective. A Job well Done. November has been busy I and other Department Officers attended the Eastern States Conference in Washington, DC. It s always nice to greet old friends and make new ones. This year the Department Commanders gave a report of what s been going on in their Departments. It was interesting in that you always seem to pick up new ideas or old ones that we forgot and apply them accordingly. Veterans Day is always a Special Day and there were parades aplenty around the State. I d like to thank everyone who reported to their Chairman the activities that their Posts have done. Reporting for the most part is good but there are several Posts that are not reported in anything I m sure that all Posts are completing things and maybe all that is needed is to sit down and fill out the reports. THANKS! Remember, MEMBERSHIP is our most IMPORTANT program so please continue to do your part. Have a safe and enjoyable Holiday season and THANK YOU for all you do. Yours in Comradeship, David C. Olson David C. Olson Commander 6 Recruit * Retain * Reinstate A Veterans All The Time

7 Deceased Roll Call Department of Maine, VFW William R. Doughty, Chaplain October 20 * November 19, 2013 May our Comrades Rest in Eternal Peace in Post Eternity? District 1 District * BROWN, Elmer L. * Berlin Occupation 887 * BROWN, Russell F. * WW II CRAIG, Donald N. * Vietnam 8835 * REIFSCHNEIDER, Jacob 9699 * MICHALKA, Rudolph SUTHERLAND, Arthur * Korea District * BREWER, Edwin District 2 MORENCY, Robert 2299 * RUSH, Edward G. * WW II 1641 * FOURNIER, R. District 3 GALLENT, David 558 * CASEY, Edward PLANTE, Remi PRESTON, Calvin 3335 * GUERIN, Jean P.D. * WW II * TERRELL, Porter District 10 District * KNOTT, Bernard 109 * HAMMOND, Mark LATHAM, Charles PEIFFER, Lowell * Korea 7 MacLEAN, George I. * WW II SCOTT, Richard 1761 * SELLICK, Leigh W. * WW II 6859 * BOYCE, Nancy * WW II 3381 * SIMON, Cecil De ROCHE, Henry * WW II Le CONTE, Conrad * WW II District * BEGIN, Dorian District * O NEILL, Edward J. * Korea District * RIPLEY, Francis MEMBERS AT LARGE * BOUTAUGH, Vinal 3108 * GUERIN, Jean P * STAPLES, Issac District * GAMAGE, Howard REEVES, Gordon RICE, Merrill RICE, Walter

8 8 SENIOR VICE COMMANDER VOICE OF DEMORACY * PATRIOT S PEN TEACHER OF THE YEAR Ronald F. Smith Comrades: It is time to get your District Winner to Department for judging. They are due no later than the 7 th of December. Remember Comrades, when you send in your District winner, please include in your package all reports so I will have time to prepare my report to National and the Banquet program. The Banquet flyer is included in these General Orders. Review it and get it in as early as you can for planning purposes. Remember that the Department only pays for the District Winners and the three (3) Teacher winners. It is the Post or District that pays for the family of the winners. Also, be sure that the winners families are notified. Last year, we had a winner and his family DID not make the banquet because they never got the word. As always, I look forward to working with you on this program and seeing you and the winners at our Winners Banquet. ***************************** JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES * AMERICANISM * LOYALTY DAY Gerald L. Francis JVC: I have just returned from the Eastern States Conference in Washington D.C. It was very informative and I will give you some of what was put out and I had a great time. Our Adjutant General is having a meeting with Lou Diamond Philips for a series of Commercials for the VFW that will air in the major cities in the United States. These Commercials will tell our story. National is having talks with Budweiser to be a sponsor like Sport clips and Burger King. Membership is changing 1 January 2014 to subscription dues, please insure all Quartermasters are aware and know how it is going to work and what to do. All Officers who do not pay their dues by 31 December 2013 will be relieved from that position and will not be able to hold any office for A deceased life member can now be honored in the Legacy for Life program by the members family or the Post, details are on line. I would remind all members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars that our mission is to Honor, Support and Defend all Veterans. We need to insure that we support our State Commander and our National Representatives to accomplish this mission. We can do this by working together as a team as we have in the past. I urge all Posts, Districts and Department Officers to assist the new Officers as much as you can and I ask all new Officers to ask for help. ALL VETERANS ALL THE TIME SERVING THE DESERVING NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS CA, Americanism, Loyalty Day: I am still working on the Department Semiannual Community Activities report to National (It is due by 1 Dec 2013) and many Post will have ZERO Hours - Miles and Funds; this should not happen, all Posts should have done at least one event for Community Activity but you did not send me even one report. Post and District Commanders: WHY! I will be sending the Report to the Department Commander to see what we need to do. It has been a very busy month: POW/MIA Day and Veterans Day and all the activities that associated with them, please remember to report them!!! Also; VOD/PP should have been turned into your District. DO NOT forget to Report Hours, Miles and Funds spent to Ron Smith and on an activity report to me. Please Report what your Members and Posts do!!!

9 Please send me only one (1) Community Activity report as required every month prior to the 18 th of each month for credit in the GOs. The following Programs reports must be sent to the following Chairman for that program for credit in the GO s: VOD/PP, Blood/Safety, Buddy Poppies, VAVS/Togus Aid, Commander s Special Project, Recruiters Booth. The Chairman for that program will inform me. Any Problems or Questions, please contact me at: Gerald L. Francis, 727 Greenwoods Rd., Peru, ME 04290, Call (H) , Post or glfvfw1641@live.com 9 QUARTERMASTER VAVS * BUDDY POPPY * CHRISTMAS CARDS & LABELS INSURANCE & BOND * MEN S AUXILIARY DIRECTOR Alfred E. Michaud Sr., PSC QM: Greetings: All QM's; be sure you get those Trustee Reports in for June and get the September ones in soon. Missing June Trustee reports: 1605, 2299, District 3, 558, 11553, 109, 3381, 4527, 4169, Missing September Reports: 2599, 2299, 558, 109, 4527, 4169, 9437, 8395, 1285, 8835, 9526, 9459, 9787, 832, 6859, 9605, 10643, Men s Auxiliary: Treasurers; keep up the great work you have been doing and stay on top of the Trustee Reports. Bonding is the other issue, you need to check on your Auxiliary to be sure you are covered. Cards and Labels: All purchased cards and labels from National gives a stipence to the Department and those funds are used to support our VSO. Poppy Chairman: Poppies are a good way to help support our fellow Hospitalized Veterans who need a helping hand. There are Buddy Poppies, POW/MIA Poppies; Bicentennial Poppies just to name a few. Any time is Poppy time. You cannot purchase Poppies through another Department or organization. Make Poppy Checks out to Department of Maine, VFW and provide a Poppy order form with your order. Insurance: Be sure your insurance is up to date and send me a copy of the amounts covered sheet. I do not sell insurance; so stop calling me asking to sell you a policy, I am required to maintain a copy of the amounts insured for only. You can purchase insurance locally or through the VFW National, it is your choice, just be sure to send me a copy of the coverage sheet. Bonding: The prices of Bonding are the same as last year. You can get the Bonding forms you need off the Maine VFW website. Thanks to PSC Thomas Lussier for posting the information there for you to have ready access and in the package mailed to you by State Adjutant Dumas. You cannot purchase a bond from another Department or organization. However you can purchase one from the State Quartermaster, a Bonding Agent or Company and send proof of the bonding to the State Quartermaster. If purchasing though the State Quartermaster, make check out to Department of Maine, VFW, not me, and if you bond through Department, I have copy on file so no need to send. Post not bonded or have not provided proof to State Quartermaster: 9699, 4154, District 3, 11553, 4169, District 7, 8395, District 8, 8835, 9150, 9459, 9787, 832, VAVS: I am not the VAVS Chairman any longer, so please mail your checks to the VAVS Chairman made out to VAVS and mail to Chairman Robert La Flamme, 733 Eastern Ave., Augusta, ME 04330, so you can get credit. When ordering Poppies, Bonds and doing donations, make each check separate, each has its own account it must be logged into and trying to do it from just 1 check number is confusing to the computer program and makes it harder to track properly. Quote from the Weather deck: Two important things in life: (1) Your word is your bond, when your word is proven to be a lie, then your bond isn t worth anything. (2) Never take what is not yours, nor except from others that you know received it wrongly, for if you do then you are as guilty as the perpetrator.

10 10 JUDGE ADVOCATE MEMBERSHIP * Iraq/Afghanistan veterans Steven J. SanPedro Comrades: JA: I have been getting a lot of questions, complaints and Post issues brought to my attention. As always, I welcome all of them and I hope that everyone has been satisfied with my answers and findings, even if they didn t go your way. I use the By-Laws, Manual of Procedures and Rituals Manual rather than my feelings to determine the answers and findings that I have provided. I would like to call to your attention the Manual of Procedures Sec.218 Officers and Chairman, Duties and Obligations for review. Many of the issues I have been dealing with could have been solved by knowing your responsibilities and those of the other positions. Please refresh yourself on this section. Membership Congratulations goes out to Post 1605, Burlington, for reaching 100% in membership. Great Job!! Membership continues to be moving kind of slow. Continuous members have one month left to renew their dues at the current price. Effective 1 January 2014, dues will increase, so pay your dues now! I ask all of you to work harder at Retaining, Recruiting and Reinstating so we can reach our goal of 100%. District Commanders, you have Posts that only need a few members to get to 100% so let s help them reach that. We now have 15 Posts that have conducted a Recruiters Event, filled out and sent the form to me for credit. If you have any questions or need help, please contact me at sanpedro105@roadrunner.com SURGEON SAFETY & DRUG ABUSE * BOOD BANK Richard A. Farris, Chairman Thank you for sending the reports in, good work. The Blood program is going strong with 22 Posts reported and 749 pint collected, Thank you. When a member gives blood, please let us know how much was donated. Safety is doing well with 24 Posts reported. Keep up the good work. IT S FLU SEASON All persons should get the seasonal flu shot every year. This vaccine will protect you from getting the seasonal flu in most cases. The vaccine will also help prevent the spread of the flu to your family members. Influenza or "flu" is a serious disease that spreads easily. It causes fever, chills, cough, fatigue, aches, or loss of appetite. It can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia or death. Flu causes thousands of deaths each year in the US. Flu shots could prevent many of these deaths. Your record suggests that you have at least one health problem that puts you at higher risk of serious complications if you get the seasonal flu. Reminder Term: VA-MHV HIGH RISK FOR FLU Encounter Diagnosis = DMII WO CMP NT ST UNCNTR (10/17/2013@16:00) Our records show that you have not received your seasonal flu shot for this year. Please get your seasonal flu shot soon or tell your Primary Care team if you already got one. Everyone should get a seasonal flu shot. Some people are at higher risk of serious complications from the seasonal flu: * People who are age 50 and older; * Anyone with long-term health problems of the lungs, heart, or kidney, asthma, or diabetes; * Anyone who has a weak immune system from HIV/AIDS, steroid treatment, or cancer treatment; * Residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities; * Pregnant women. Some flu vaccines are not recommended for people who are allergic to eggs or who had a severe reaction to flu shot in the past. Tell your Primary Care team if you have any of these problems. There may be a

11 different vaccine that you can take. Also, tell your provider if you have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) or if you feel sick or have a high fever on the day of your flu shot. The flu shot or vaccine protects most people from the flu. Some may still catch the flu after having the shot but are likely to have a milder case. The flu shot does NOT cause the flu. It protects one from the flu. The vaccine is safe and it works. Most people will not have side effects. A few may feel sore at the site where the shot was given. Fewer may have fever, chills, headaches, or muscle aches. The best time to get a flu shot is in October or November. However, getting the flu shot later in December thru March will still give very good protection. VA Clinics offer flu shots usually from September thru March. CHAPLAIN William R. Doughty Greetings from your Chaplain: We now enter what is known as the Christmas Season which begins at Thanksgiving and ends at the New Year celebration. During that time, it is important for us not to forget the elder members of the VFW who can often feel very much alone and depressed by the lack of company. I want to urge all of you, especially the Post Chaplains to invite your older members to join you in the celebrations that are part of Post activity. Be sure to offer transportation to and from your location. In fact, it would be nice to hold a celebration (lunch is usually better for the elder folks) just for them. Seek these folks out, go and visit them at home or nursing home and make a friend of them for after Christmas visits as well. Don t let them become forgotten Veterans. This is also a good way to build or rebuild your membership and perhaps find in their family members a new VFW candidate (Ladies Auxiliary and Men s take note). I will be traveling with Commander Olson on his visits to a number of Posts around the State. If possible, I would like to spend some time with your Chaplains too so we can share ideas and express concerns about the service to our members and all Veterans. I will have with me the Chaplains Handbook so you can look it over as well. Please invite your Chaplains to join us when we come your way. I wish you a blessed Holiday season no matter what your religious beliefs may be. May the peace of God be with you now and always. PS: If you would like me to visit you, please let me know so I can make arrangements to do so. Wdoughty2@maine.rr.com IMMEDIATE PAST STATE COMMANDER COMMANDERS SPECIAL PROJECT * POW-MIA David D. Williams, PSC/Chairman IPSC: I d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Now is the time to get busy and start completing all your projects and Goals because before you know it and it is too late. Every Post out there is doing great things and that's what we are all about Veterans helping Veterans. Commanders Special Project: As of today, we have $1, with 31 Posts donating until now. Next month, I will provide an update as to which Posts have not Donated, so please keep up the great work and keep your donations coming. Last month Sanford Post 9935 had a fund raiser that raised money for the Commanders Special Project and also for the Beal's House directly, Outstanding job. POW/MIA: Keeping the Promise, Fulfill Their Trust and No one left Behind are several of many mottos that refer to the efforts of the Department of Defense to recover those who became missing while serving our nation. More than 83,000 Americans are missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Vietnam War and the 1991 Gulf War. Hundreds of Defense Department man and women both military and civilian work in organizations around the world as part of DoD s personnel recovery and personnel accounting communities. They are all dedicated to the single mission of finding and bringing our 11

12 missing personnel home. The mission requires expertise in archival research, intelligence collection and analysis, field investigations and recoveries, and scientific analysis. POW-MIA Seats Added to Stadiums Throughout the Country: North Berwick, ME (news Center). On this Veterans Day, we honor those who have served, but there s one group that s working to make sure Prisoners of War or those Missing in Action are remembered year around; starting in stadiums and arenas throughout the country. National motorcycle group, Rolling Thunder, has teamed up with Hussey Seating Company out of North Berwick to create a POW-MIA stadium seats. The latest chair was unveiled Monday inside a room Hussey Seating uses often with their customers. Right now, the seats can be found at venues like Gillette Stadium, TD Bank Garden in Boston, and the University of Toledo in Ohio. The overall goal is to have them in schools, restaurants, and venues throughout the country ensuring no one forgets the men and women who never came home. WW II/Korea War MIA/KIA Identified: WW-II: Army Technician Fifth Grade Oneal Rush, 24, U.S. Army Corps of Galivants Ferry, S.C. was buried Oct 26 in his hometown * U.S. Marine Corps Capt Henry S. White, 23, of Kansas City, MO., and Staff Sergeant Sgt Thomas L. Meek, 19, of Lisbon, LA were buried as a group in a single casket representing the two servicemen at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. * 1 st Lt Louis L. Longman, US Army Air Forces will be buried with full military honors in Clinton, IA in the spring of 2014 * Capt Franklin B. Tostevin, U.S. Army will be buried with full military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO on Dec 13, ** Korea: Army Pfc Norman Dufresne, 20, U.S. Army of Leominster, MA was buried Oct 19 in Leominster, MA. * Cpl George W. Conklin Jr., U.S. Army was buried with full military honors in Phelps, N.Y., Nov 9, NATIONAL COUNCIL MEMBER, MAINE VETERANS ADVISORY TO VA MAINE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Raymond R., Lupo, PSC/Chairman Veterans Advisor to VA Maine Healthcare System: Mini Mac: Most of the last meeting covered a National Management Plan, a blue print for Transforming, Prevention Care, Education and Research. The objective is to develop a system-wide approach to reduce pain and suffering for Veterans who suffer from experiencing acute and chronic pain associated from a wide range of illness. With the ARCH program coming to a close shortly and the VA looking into extending it, no action is in site yet. Flu shots are now available at all CBOC and Togus. You should check on what the schedule is for your CBOC. VBA has completed 1306 case files and are now working on the fully developed one year claims. NCMM: On the other side of the fence...i know that we all hear about membership, membership; however we also know that membership is the backbone of this organization and needs to be addressed. The Department is a little behind and it appears that Post membership teams are not getting their Continuous members to pay prior to the increase on January 1 st. All members need to insure that these members are aware of the increase by calling/visiting these members. Also, if you know of any Veterans who has not enrolled with the VA, you should encourage him/her to do so. On enrollment, he would meet the basic requirements of the Affordable Health Care Act. Please try to attend the Christmas parties at Togus and your CBOC's. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and a healthy New Year. INSPECTOR AUDIT & FINANCE Arthur J. Roy, PSC/Chairman The District Inspectors Reports are coming in very slow. Please set up your meetings with the Posts in your Districts to get them all inspected and send me the reports as soon as you have them completed.

13 So far, D-3 & D-9 have inspected all their Post + DISTRICT. D-1 only needs VFW POST 2599 to be completed. District 6 was inspected BUT no Posts and D-7 needs the District plus Posts 4525 & DISTRICTS , no reports turned in to date. Some Inspectors wait until they have completed them all before sending them in. Membership is coming in slow at this time and many Department Officers elected and appointed haven t even picked up one member? (WHY IS THIS?). Copies of any part of the Membership Program can be found and copied on our Site. If we are to go ahead of last year s membership, we MUST move forward and help ALL VETERANS ALL THE TIME. We have 20 Posts that need less than 10 members to become 100% and many that need less than 20. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2 100% POSTS. 100% VFW POST 6548 KENNEBUNK & VFW POST 1605 BURLINGTON 13 ***************************** HISTORIAN Robert H. Bernard, PSC My wife and I are doing well in Florida, but we will be back in Maine for the Christmas Holidays. I want to reassure everyone whether we are in Florida or in Maine, we are still connected to the Internet and my address is still the same. December always brings a lot of holiday events throughout the State including the Christmas Party at Togus. If any of you are planning to attend some of these events, please bring your camera to take pictures and forward them to me. It would be great to have them in the Commander s history book. If you are unable to the information to me, you can always send it through the USPS as all mail is forwarded to my Florida address. Glenna and I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Thank you to all that have sent in information. Bob Bernard, 78 Robie St., Gorham, ME or me at: rbernard@maine.rr.com CREDENTIALS * WAYS & MEANS Paul S. Colburn, Chairman Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year from Your Ways & Means/Credentials Chairman Paul S. Colburn. May each of you and your families have a joyous and safe Holiday Season and in doing so, please do not forget our troops and all of our service men & women, without them we would not be here today. It was good to see you all at Tom and Lynn s testimonial and COA Meeting in October. Hope you all had a good time. NOW let us get down to business!! All the District Commanders were given their Ways and Means tickets at the meeting. Please make sure you see your Commander and start selling and promoting this special program. Remember the drawings aren t until the Department Convention in June so there is plenty of time to get out there and sell the chances. Remember, if you need more contact Cindy by or call me at and I will get more out to you. Very important to remember, the checks need to be made out Department of Maine VFW and not to me. So come on Comrades, let us all get out there and make this a great year. Fill my mailbox right up other than junk mail. I have also received a couple of envelopes with ticket stubs with CASH in it and no checks. Please make sure that you send a check with the stubs, not monies. As for your Credentials, please do not wait, start now getting your affairs in order. You need to make sure your inspections are done, all your audits are in and your Quartermaster s reports are in. I know this is only December, but you know June is just around the corner and if you want to be able to vote, your need to make sure all the information is correct and up to date. More on this subject as the year progresses. Again, any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me, and I will assist you in any way I can.

14 14 Again Comrades, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Paul HOMELESS VETERANS VETERANS CEMETERY SOUTH James E. N. Bachelder, PSC/Chairman Homeless Veterans: I hope everyone had a Great Thanksgiving. The Stand-Down is over and was a great success. We all hope our Homeless Veterans found a safe, warm place and had a filling Thanksgiving meal. All reports show that the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness is reducing. We have Veterans Inc. from Massachusetts beginning to assist with experience programs that they have used in all the other New England states. Preble Street Resource Center has received grants to assist more Veterans. What can we do? We can get ready for the Point in Time (PIT) Survey that is conducted on the last Wednesday in January. Now that we have more services for our Homeless Veterans, we need to find them. Are they couch surfing? Are they living in substandard housing? They are in your Cities and Towns. We need to know who they are and what do they need. Now is the time to start looking. Contact the nearest MMCN in your area. You can find your local contact information at Continue sending any donations made out to Department. of Maine, VFW with the Homeless Veterans Fund in the memo line. You can send the check to me and I will credit your Post and send it to Comrade Michaud. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at james.bachelder@metrocast.net or call between 9 am to 9 pm. Veterans Cemetery South: Now that we have the flags in our lobby, we need some in our conference room. The association approved the expenditure. We had more discussion about how we honor our Veterans that are buried at sea or who choose to have their ashes spread somewhere outside our grounds. This was also discussed with the VA representative who visited last Memorial Day week. We see it is not only a question among the association but in the greater Veterans community. We are preparing for our Wreaths across America on December 14 th at noon. If you plan to attend, please be here by 11:30. If you do not want to walk far, get here early. Now that winter has set in, there will not be much happening for several months. We will continue meeting monthly and reporting any ideas or changes. We hope everyone has a safe Holiday Season. We meet on the second Thursday at 10:00 am at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery. HOSPITAL/VAVS Robert La Flamme, Director These are the Posts that gave this month for VAVS: Posts 1285, 4525 & I am still looking for GPS systems and gas cards. Things are going well for the Veterans. LEGISLATIVE CONVENTION SITE SELECTON 2015 Peter F. Miesburger, PSC/Chairman My Fellow Comrades: It s hard to believe that we are in the 12 th month of 2013 and I wonder where the time has gone. Early this year, we honored the 60 th Anniversary of the Korean War and continue to support the 50 th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.

15 This past month, I participated in Veterans in the Classroom at the Caribou Middle School and Van Buren Community School, attended a Veterans Town Hall Meeting * Sponsored by Governor LePage s wife, Ms. Ann LePage, the meeting was held at Cary Medical Center, Caribou. The items which were discussed were Veterans Health Care. * I also, participated in Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans in Fort Kent. Seventy five (75) Vietnam Veterans participated in this program. The program was sponsored by Mr. Peter W. Ogden, Director, State of Maine, Bureau of Veterans Affairs. If any Post and/or District wish to sponsor a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans program, contact Mr. Peter W. Ogden, his office is located at Camp Keyes, in Augusta. One of the issues that I am still concerned about is the effects of the Sequestration Budget effects the Department of Defense Budget. I am asking all of you the next time that you meet with any of the State of Maine Congressional Delegation Members, ask them how they Voted on the Sequestration Budget and the effects of the Budget cuts, affecting our military readiness. The State of Maine 126 th Legislature, 2 nd Session will reconvene 6 January 2014 and I am looking forward to see what Veterans Bills and issues that will be on the agenda for the 2 nd Session. As I receive any information in regards to the state of Maine 126 th Legislature, 2 nd Session, I will keep all of you posted. Before we know it, the Christmas holidays will be upon us, I am asking all of you to take the time to visit with our housebound Comrades, stop by one of the six (6) Veterans Homes and spend some time with our Comrades and residents of the Veterans Homes over the holidays. To all Vietnam Veterans, don t worry, I still have not forgotten about all of you in regards to Agent Orange issues and asking how many of you have contacted the VA Health Care in regards to requesting a Agent Orange Exam. Finally, from my family to all of you, I hope that all of you have a safe Christmas and enjoy the holidays and looking forward to seeing all of you at the upcoming Council of Administration meeting. MAINE VETERANS HOMES TRUSTEE Arnold L. Leavitt, PSC Strategic Master Plan (SMRT) site visits were held at South Paris, Augusta and Scarborough this month. The SMRT team reported that they had GREAT participation at each campus. They felt that the visits have been very informative for their team as well as the staff residents, family and community. On Wednesday, November 11, Ms. LePage visited Cary Medical Center and MVH Caribou. Schedule of Veterans Day events at the Homes: Augusta - am with American Legion Post 179 leading the program and Governor and Mrs. LePage attending. Bangor - 11/11 * Veterans' Day Parade in Bangor in morning followed by lunch at the Home from 11 am - 1pm with live music and food from a number of area restaurants. Caribou 2 pm * Veterans' Party in the MPR with a band and singer performing. Machias - 11/11 * Brunch and Veterans sharing stories at UM - Machias and afternoon celebration at the Home including live music. Scarborough - 10:30 am * Veterans' Day program with community participation (Police Color Guard, etc.). South Paris - 2 pm *Mrs. LePage was the guest speaker of the Home's program. 11/11 * Home involved in four different community events. 15

16 16 NATIONAL HOME Charles A. Warden, Chairman Comrades: Christmas is just around the corner and I am sure the VFW National Home could use the Department of Maine VFW support with our donations. When you support the VFW National Home for Children, you are providing hope to children and families of Veterans and active-duty military at a time when they need it most. Your gift today gives love, care and support to the children and families of America s war heroes. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Comrades; hope your Thanksgiving was great and pray you have a very Merry Christmas with your family and friends. Please remember the reason for the season. Thank you and God Bless. NATIONAL MILITARY SERVICE Christopher L. Armstrong, Chairman Hello again everyone, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas season and a Happy New years! I am very happy to report that all checks from all the Posts that have donated to NMS have been written out properly so far! Please, to all the Posts that have not donated yet, make your check out to the Department of Maine, VFW and put in the memo line NMS donation and then mail them to me. I will be happy to check you off on my list that I send in monthly when I receive it. Also, I am receiving a few calls on the Adopt a Unit program, please keep them coming and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Don't hesitate to call, thank you for all you do for our Military and veterans! TOGUS BEAL HOUSE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE Louis A. Peterson II, PSC/Chairman Togus Beals House: The House is running properly under the watchful eyes of the Board of Directors, but let us not forget our house mother Carol Baker. She goes above and beyond the call of duty in fulfilling the numerous everyday duties that come with overseeing the House. Carol, you deserve a very special THANK YOU from our Veterans and their families as well as from the Board. I want to thank Mark Reilly and the Sanford/Springvale Post for a very successful benefit comedy show held on October 19th. The $ raised on that evening will truly make a difference in supporting the needs of the House. I am looking forward to our quarterly meeting/annual Christmas Party that is scheduled for Saturday, December 14th. A special reminder to all: The Beals House mission is to assist only those families who have a veteran that has been admitted to the Togus VA Hospital and that would otherwise have to travel many miles (or have no transportation available) to visit their loved one. Unfortunately, we cannot accept homeless veterans, or veterans that come off the street in need of housing. Again, this is not the intended mission of the House. VSO: Based on feedback I have been receiving this past month, our service officers Rene and James are providing excellent service to our veterans. VFW member or not, they are there for ANY veteran that is in need of their expertise. I extend my thanks to Rene and James and ask that you do the same when visiting the VA facility. Other: The Christmas and New Year holidays will soon be upon us. Please behave responsibly so that you, your family and friends can enjoy the spirit of the season.

17 VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE Rene A. Deschene, SO Claims Processing: 77% of all the claims being processed are not paperless. Togus has received the go ahead to be completely electronic in claims processing. Therefore, any new claims being processed at Togus will be paperless. Some of our claims that are reaching one year old (paper claims) are not being processed as part of the backlog claims. Hunting and Fishing License: This has been mentioned once before in the GOs but still few people know about this. For those Veterans that receive a 50% or greater disability can receive a free Maine Hunting and Fishing license. This also includes trapping. For more detail information, go to: Complimentary License Application. This change was passed this past September. We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Veterans Helping Veterans WREATH ACROSS AMERICA Kevin G. Woodward, PSC/Chairman National Wreaths Across America Remembrance Ceremony- December 14, 2013; 12 Noon EST. I hope that you will be able to attend one of the several ceremonies throughout the state. The list of locations was published in last months GO s. Below is the Arlington convoy route for Sunday December 8 and Monday December 9. This is only the route within Maine. Anyone wishing to view the remainder of the entire route can obtain it at Click in the EVENTS tab and ESCORT TO ARLINGTON. SUNDAY DECEMBER 8, :00am * Escort Breakfast (High School Rt 1 Harrington) 8:45am * Leave factory pick up rest of escort at High School 10:00am * Stop at Ellsworth American Legion Hall, 163 Bar Harbor Rd. Ellsworth, Me 10:30am * Leave Ellsworth Legion (Follow Route 1 South to Belfast to Route 3 West) 11:30am * Stop in Belfast at Bank of America 2:00pm * Camden, Rockport, Rockland Parade (Short Stop at Elks Lodge Rockland) 6:00pm * Arrive at Cabela s MONDAY DECEMBER 9, :30am * Leave Cabela s 7:00am * Arrive Westbrook Middle School 8:50am * Leave Westbrook Middle School 9:30am * Arrive at Kennebunk Town Green 10:30am * Arrive Wells Middle School 11:00am * Arrive Kittery Trading Post 12:15pm * Leave Kittery Trading Post All members are encouraged to take a look at the Wreaths Across America website at State House Ceremony * December 14, 2013, 12 noon EST. For more information about your State House Ceremony, call the WAA Office at or info@wreathsacrossamerica.org. As we pause to remember and honor our veterans, we can never thank them enough for their Service, Commitment and Heroism. 17

18 18 WOMEN S VETERANS Janet L. Michaud, Chairperson The Womens Clinic has started a Wellness Program open to all Women Veterans who are interested in improving overall health. Call , Ext The Patient Advocate is available to all Veterans at Togus who have questions about their care, call A 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. There are also Advocates available through the VA Facility where the Veteran has an appointment upon request. The She Serves website is available to all Women Veterans who join the VFW. They can blog and get any other information concerning our particular needs. District Commanders may set up an Award Ceremony which includes the Women s Coin. The State of Mane Veteran Services Office can assist with a list of those Women Veterans in the area for your Ceremony. Let me know if you would like assistance setting one of these opportunities up for your community. kvmq2003@yahoo.com or call at (207) YOUTH ACTIVITIES James A. Proctor, Chairman Magnificent Martial Arts: Riverview s Martial Arts sampler provides participants with an introduction to an array of basic self defense techniques in a fun and nurturing environment. Participants gain tools to increase physical fitness while enhancing focus, self esteem and personal health. Badge Link: My Best Self, Stay Fit. Date: 25 Jan 14. Reg By: 7 Jan 14. Town: Topsham. Start Time: 1:30 pm. End Time: 4:30 pm. Levels: B/J/C. Girl fee: $8.00. Adult fee: $0.00. Icy Team Challenge: Come on in and enjoy skating and playing on the synthetic indoor ice rink. Fall without getting wet and skate without freezing. Bring your skates if you have them, otherwise; they will be provided. Pizza dinner is included. Journey Link: Amaze Mission: Sisterhood, Bliss. Date: 25 Jan 14. Reg by: 7 Jan 14. Town: Wiscasset. Start time: 7 Jan 14. End time: 5:00 pm. Levels: J/C/S/A. Girl fee: $6.00. Adult fee: $6.00. *************************** CHIEF OF STAFF PUBLIC RELATIONS/RESOLUTIONS/BY-LAWS WEBSITE COORDINATOR CHAIRMAN THOMAS R. LUSSIER, PSC Tlussie1@maine.rr.com Comrades Once Again 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) <><><><><><><><><><>

19 PUBLIC RELATIONS Posts that have turned in clippings from Newspapers to date are: VFW Post 1603 Auburn (66), VFW Post 9787 South Paris (1) VFW Post 6977 York (1), VFW Post 5744 South Berwick (32) VFW Post 6859 Portland (10) VFW Post 9935 Sanford (3), VFW District 9 (1), VFW Post 8835 Winslow (8) VFW Post 7997 Old Orchard (6), VFW Post 3335 Jay (4), VFW Post 9150 Lewiston (2) VFW Post 9328 Harrison (23) Post Newsletters received from VFW Post 2599 Presque Isle (5), VFW Post Yarmouth (5) VFW Post 2197 Topsham (5) VFW Post 6859 Portland (3), VFW Post 9389 Caribou (2) VFW Post 7997 Old Orchard (1), VFW Post 887 Augusta (1), VFW Post 8835 Winslow (1), VFW Post 3335 Jay (1), VFW Post 9935 Sanford (1) Post or Districts having an existing Website or have submitted their Website to the Website Coordinator Hayward-Frazier Post 2599, Deering Memorial Post 6859, MacCrillis-Rousseau Post 8835, Norman N. Dow - Isaac E. Clewley Post 1761 Old Orchard Memorial Post 7997 KEEP ALL YOUR MEMBERS INFORMED ON VFW ISSUES. <><><><><><><><><><> RESOLUTIONS/BY-LAWS All officers should obtain current 2014 copies of the podium edition of the National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual. Copies of the revised edition of the Congressional Charter, By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual are available through the VFW Store at National Headquarters. The 2014 revised edition reflects the amendments adopted by the 114th National Convention, which became effective on August 23, <><><><><><><><><><> Website Coordinator The website is in good working order! 19

20 Recruiter s Event--- Booth National Military Service CDR PROJECT Togus Aid Buddy Poppy Youth Safety Blood Program Patriot s Pen Voice of Democracy POW/MIA Loyalty Day Americanism Community Activities ACTIVITIES PROGRAM STATUS REPORT Post/Location 21 November 2013 DISTRICT Presque Isle X X X X X X X $10 $10 $5 X 6187 Ft. Fairfield X X $50 $50 $50 X 9389 Caribou X X X X X X X $100 $100 $ Ft. Kent X X 9699 Ashland XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT Lincoln 1605 Burlington X X X X X X 500 $25 $ Sherman 4154 Millinocket X X X X X X X 7529 Island Falls X X $20 $20 $20 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT Eastport X 9779 Calais X X X X X X X 500 $100 $100 $25 X Harrington X X X X X X X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT Ellsworth $20 $20 $ Bangor X X X X X X X $50 $250 X 3381 Old Town X X X X X $ Orrington X X X X X Hampden X X X X X X 3000 $50 $50 $25 X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT Dexter X X X X X X 1000 $ Jackman 6924 Fairfield X X X X X X X 500 $ Madison X X X X X 7866 Norridgewock X $ Embden X X X X X Farmington X X X X X X X 500 $25 $25 $25 X Newport XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT Friendship X X X X X X X X 3108 Belfast X X X X X X X 1500 $25 $25 X 4169 Vinalhaven 6131 Northport X X X X X 500 $25 $ Washington X X X X X X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT Topsham X X X X X X 500 $ Waldoboro X X X X X X 500 $ Bath 8395 New Harbor XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 20

21 Recruiter s Event--- Booth National Military Service 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 21 November 2013 DISTRICT 8 9 Gardiner X X X X X 1000 $25 $25 $ Augusta X X X X X X 2000 $120 X 1285 Waterville X X X X X X $ Winslow X X X X X X X 9526 Winthrop X X X X X X X 500 $25 $25 $25 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 100% 100% 100% 100% DISTRICT Auburn X X X X X X X $25 $25 $25 X 1641 Rumford X X X X X X X 500 $100 $100 $25 X 3335 Jay X X X X X $25 $25 $ Lewiston X X 9459 Lisbon X X X X 9787 South Paris X X X X X X Greene X X X X X X $100 $100 $100 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 100% 100% District So. Portland X X X X X X 500 $ Lovell X X 500 $ Portland X X X X X X X 4000 $100 $50 X 9328 Harrison 1000 $ Long Island X X Yarmouth X X X X X X 1000 $500 $100 $ Windham X X 500 $25 $ Gorham X X X X X 500 $ Naples X X X X X X $50 $35 $30 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DISTRICT So. Berwick X X X X X X 1000 $25 $25 X 6548 Kennebunk X X X X X X 500 $ York Beach 1000 $ Old Orchard Beach X X X X X X X Kittery X X X X X X 500 $25 $265 $25 X 9935 Sanford X X X X X 2000 $25 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 100% 21

22 "ALL VETERANS, ALL THE TIME w/ DAVID C. OLSON, STATE COMMANDER D I V I S I O N L E A D E R S <<>> NOV 21, >> 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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ KENNEBUNK % SANFORD % Naples % York Beach % Greene % Lisbon % ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DIV. II (51-100) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. V ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BURLINGTON % Caribou % Bath % O.O.B % Northport % Jay % ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DIV. III ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. VI ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Yarmouth % South Portland % Lewiston % Portland % Harrington % Waterville % ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TEN HIGHEST POSTS BY % I TEN LARGEST POSTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SANFORD % South Portland BURLINGTON % Caribou KENNEBEC % Portland Yarmouth % Jay Bath % Winslow Lewiston % O.O.B Northport % Waterville Caribou % Old Town Island Falls % SANFORD % Augusta ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DISTRICT STANDINGS I MAGIC NUMBERS FOR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. District 11 Spaulding % > 10,455 MEMBERS FOR 100% DEPARTMENT < 2. District 6 Littlefield % WE HAVE = 8,607 - WE NEED 1, District 7 Gagnon % ALL POSTS/DISTRICTS SHOULD BE AT 85% 4. District 2 Buckingham % STATE CONVENTION JUNE , District 10 Demers % 10 N/R MEMBERS AND YOU EARN A WHITE VFW 6. District 1 Saucier % SHIRT 20 YOU EARN A VFW JACKET DEPARTMENT OF MAINE, VFW 82.32% ALL DEPT OFFICERS ARE ASKED TO RECRUIT 7. District 5 Beaulieu % AT LEAST 3 N/R MEMBERS "WELL?" 8. District 9 Davis % LET S ALL WORK AS A TEAM AND 9. District 4 St. Louis % RETAIN RECRUIT & REINSTATE 3 MEMBERS 10 District 3 Mitchell % NEED HELP or HAVE QUESTIONS 11. District 8 Armstrong % ASK ANYONE ON THE MEMBERSHIP TEAM OK? ARTHUR J. ROY, PSC - "ASSISTANT STATE MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN" 22

23 % - Need 2,254 For 100% (+5) Department Statistics Maine as of Monday, October 14, 2013 Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent +/- City N/R LM PRESQUE ISLE FORT FAIRFIELD CARIBOU FORT KENT ASHLAND 0 District Total Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent LINCOLN BURLINGTON /- -5 City SHERMAN STATION MILLINOCKET ISLAND FALLS 0 District Total Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent EASTPORT CALAIS HARRINGTON 0 District Total Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total 385 Prior Year -60 +/ Percent ELLSWORTH BANGOR OLD TOWN ORRINGTON HAMPDEN 1 District Total Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total 1057 Prior Year +/ Percent DEXTER JACKMAN 0 +/- City City City 2 N/R LM 0 0 N/R LM 0 N/R LM 3 N/R LM 23

24 FAIRFIELD MADISON- ANSON NORRIDGEWOCK EMBDEN FARMINGTON NEWPORT 0 District Total Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total 557 Prior Year Percent FRIENDSHIP BELFAST VINALHAVEN NORTHPORT WASHINGTON 0 District Total Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total 394 Prior Year +/ Percent TOPSHAM WALDOBORO BATH 1 District Total Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total 268 Prior Year +/ Percent City City 0 0 N/R LM GARDINER / City AUGUSTA WATERVILLE WINSLOW WINTHROP 1 District Total Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total 1398 Prior Year Percent LEW-AUBURN RUMFORD JAY LEWISTON LISBON SOUTH PARIS GREENE 0 District /- City N/R LM N/R LM 3 N/R LM 24

25 Total Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent +/- City N/R LM S PORTLAND LOVELL PORTLAND HARRISON LONG ISLAND YARMOUTH WINDHAM GORHAM NAPLES 0 District Total 10 1, Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total 1428 Prior Year Percent SOUTH BERWICK /- 100% +0 City 2 KENNEBUNK * YORK BEACH OLD ORCHARD BEACH KITTERY SANFORD** 0 District Total Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total 1147 Prior Year Percent STATE QM HOME 2 +/- City N/R LM 0 1 N/R LM Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent +/- City N/R LM State Total 7, ,607 10, ,

26 Voice of Democracy Patriot s Pen Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet Saturday, January 11, 2014 Winslow VFW Post 8835 SOCIAL HOUR: 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm BANQUET: 6:00 pm ************************* Headquarters Best Western Plus Waterville 375 Main St, Waterville, ME ( or ) VFW Rate: $ tax, up to 4 persons, 2 double beds Please make your own reservations with the Holiday Inn Tell them that you are with the VFW Banquet Tickets are $ per person Department pays for All District Winners Banquet Tickets ************************* Banquet is Buffet Style Baked Ham w/pineapple Sauce, Baked Stuffed Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Garden Salad, Chef s Choice Desert, Coffee & Tea Cut Meals Totals x $ = Name Name Name Name *NO ASSIGNED SEATING* Name Name Name Name ************************* Deadline for Banquet Ticket is: December 31, 2013 Make your check payable to Department of Maine, VFW (No tickets will be sold after the deadline Tickets will not be held without a payment) (There will be no refunds on the banquet tickets) Send to: Cynthia Cowling th St Bangor, ME Phone: