Comrades. Name. Mailing Address

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1 Comrades This will be the only hard copy you re going to receive. Starting with August the General Orders will be available on line (at for anyone to read or print their own copy. For those who insist on getting a hard copy. Please fill out the form below and send it along with $24 to State Headquarters and we will print and mail a copy by first class mail. Post Position Name Mailing Address

2 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA Veterans Helping Veterans NUMBER 1 July 1, Lee Jackson Highway Staunton, Virginia (540) FAX: In Virginia Website: stateheadquarters@va.vfwwebmail.com GUIDE TO THE GO: Articles are listed by number not by pages: 1. Council of Administration 2. Appointments 3. Commander s Message 4. District Meetings 5. Closing 6. Account Access 7. General Orders 8. Important Dates 9. Inspections 10. Leadership Reference Guide 11. National Convention 12. National Convention Registration 13. Post Officers Duties 14. Proof of Eligibility 15. Reporting 16. Scholarship Themes School of Instruction 18. Special Order 19. State Recruiting School 20. Sweepstakes Winners 1. COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION: State Commander Christopher Birch cdr@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 9760 Senior Vice Commander Earle (Buddy) Weekley srvicecdr@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 8644 Junior Vice Commander Doug Keller jrvicecdr@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 392 Adjutant/Quartermaster Kim DeShano qm@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 9480 Judge Advocate Tom Gimble judge@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 1503 Surgeon Mike Boehme surgeon@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 9808 Past Department Commander Margo D Sheridan pastcdr@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 3150 Chief of Staff Charles (Doc) Crouch chiefofstaff@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 3150 State Chaplain Bryan Strickland chaplain@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 9954 State Inspector J Gary Wagner inspector@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 3150 Historian Nelson Betancourt historian@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 3150 District 1 Commander Gilbert Lang cdrdist1@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 8629 District 2 Commander Eric Mallett cdrdist2@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 4809 District 3 Commander Harold Sayles cdrdist3@va.vfwwebmail.com Post District 4 Commander Gus Villalobos cdrdist4@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 9954 District 5 Commander David Kipfinger cdrdist5@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 2820 District 6 Commander Gary Harris cdrdist6@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 776 District 7 Commander John Lam cdrdist7@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 9292 District 8 Commander Richard Raskin cdrdist8@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 7589 District 9 Commander Dan Boyer cdrdist9@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 7726 District 10 Commander Nelson Betancourt cdrdist10@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 3150 District 11 Commander Tom Snook cdrdist11@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 8644 District 12 Commander Charles Johnson cdrdist12@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 8652 District 13 Commander Gary Myers cdrdist13@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 8947 At the 91 st Annual State Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Virginia, held in Williamsburg, Virginia, June 13-16, 2013, I, Chris Birch, being duly elected and installed as State Commander in Accordance with Article V, Section 517 of the National By-Laws, do hereby assume Command. All previous appointments are hereby declared vacant as of June 16, 2013, except those set forth in the By-Laws.

3 2. APPOINTMENTS FOR : COMMITTEES POSITION FIRST Middle LastName Post Audit Committee Chairman John Meehan 1503 Audit Committee Member Geoffrey Lyster 9835 Audit Committee Member Scott Simmons 1860 Awards & Citations Chairman Steve Byrne 1827 Awards & Citations Member Jose Rivera 9808 Awards & Citations Member Gary Myers 8947 Awards & Citations Member Michael Mackowiak 3160 Buddy Poppies Chairman Kim A DeShano 9480 Budget Chairman Earle Weekley 8644 Budget Member Paul Moore 4491 Budget Member Tom Gimble 1503 Budget Member Doug Keller 392 By Laws & SOP Chairman Tom Gimble 1503 By Laws & SOP Member J. Gary Wagner 3150 By Laws & SOP Member Gary Kelch 7327 Community Services Chairman Doug Keller 392 Community Services Vice Chairman Americanism Frank Frevele 392 Community Services Vice Chairman Community Activities M Conrad Agresti 3150 Community Services Vice Chairman Safety Milton L Dye 9640 Community Services Vice Chairman Youth Activities Jill Lynch 4809 Council of Admin & Conv Mtgs Chairman Eugene Chavis Council of Admin & Conv Mtgs Member Joseph T Horan 993 Credentials Chairman Paul T Moore 4491 Credentials Member Jill Lynch 4809 Fund Raisers Chairman Kim A DeShano 9480 Grave Registrar Chairman Bryan Strickland 9954 Homeless Veterans Chairman M Conrad Agresti 3150 Homecoming Homecoming Chairman Member Honor Guard Member Herbert DeGroft 8545 Honor Guard Member William Davis 1115 Honor Guard Member Howard Minton 1115 Honor Guard Member Herbert Goodrich 7166 Honor Guard Member Paul Baker 1994 Honor Guard Member Phillip Hewitt 9808 Honor Guard Member Oscar K Creasy 3103 Honor Guard Member Charles Ferguson 2239 Hospital Chairman Mike Boehme 9808 Hospitality Chairman Mark Winn 392

4 Hospitality Member Eugene Bellando MA1503 Hospitality Member Fred Jennings MA 993 IT Committee Chairman Richard Raskin 7589 Joint Leadership Council Chairman Tom Gimble 1503 Joint Leadership Council Vice Chairman Daniel Boyer 7726 Legislative Committee Chairman Tom Gimble 1503 Legislative Committee Member Geoffrey Lyster 9835 Legislative Committee Member Charles (Doc) Crouch 3150 Legislative Committee Member Daniel Boyer 7726 Legislative Committee Member Richard Raskin 7589 Legislative Committee Member Ron Link 7589 Legislative Committee Member Harold Sayles Legislative Committee Member Michael Poreda Medicare Committee Chairman Charlie Sloan 824 Membership/Life Membership Chairman Tom Hines 9954 Military Services Committee Chairman Ron Link 7589 Outreach Chairman Ron Link 7589 Parliamentarian Chairman Harold Roesch 3219 Patriots Pen Chairman Joe B Martin 1827 Patriots Pen Member Donald L Hall 2216 POW/MIA Committee Chairman Joe B Martin 1827 POW/MIA Committee Member Herbert DeGroft 8545 Resolutions Committee Chairman Richard Raskin 7589 Resolutions Committee Member Charles (Doc) Crouch 3150 Resolutions Committee Member Michael Boehme 9808 Resolutions Committee Member Charles Ferguson 2239 Resolutions Committee Member Ron Link 7589 Scouting Chairman Curtis S Hunter 9835 Service Officer Chairman Mark Marth 1503 State Recruiting Coordinators District 02 Christopher Winfield 3160 State Recruiting Coordinators District 02 Craig Dudley 4809 State Recruiting Coordinators District 02 Doug Keller 392 State Recruiting Coordinators District 06 Greg Woodruff 1033 State Recruiting Coordinators District 08 Richard Raskin 7589 State Recruiting Coordinators District 08 Stephen A Meade 7589 State Recruiting Coordinators District 10 Nelson Betancourt 3150 State Recruiting Coordinators District 10 Stanley Dixon 1177 State Recruiting Coordinators District 11 Earle P Weekley, Jr Student Veterans Committee Chairman Ken Wiseman 2582 Teacher's Recognition Chairman Rodney Lloyd 9760 Teacher s Recognition Member Sandy McNabb 8469 Time & Place Committee Chairman Clarence E Clements 2239 Time & Place Committee Member Boyd Burnett 9808 VFW Riders Chairman Glenn Holman 3160 Virginia Cottage Committee Chairman Randall Schilling 3160

5 Virginia Cottage Committee Member W J Leonard 7327 Voice of Democracy Committee Chairman Don Westerlund 9954 Voice of Democracy Committee Member Geoffrey Lyster COMMANDER S MESSAGE: Greetings, Comrades: Comrades, I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have in me to be your Commander for the next year. I pledge to you that I will do my best to keep Virginia on tract to enable each Post, each District, and the Department to be qualified for All-American status next year. It won t be easy and I can t do it alone. It will take the help and support of each VFW Comrade in the Department to make this happen. We had a good year this past year with the Department making All-American, so we all know it can be done. Let s do it! Attitude is important. All too frequently I hear people expressing negativity about their Post and the VFW in general. We have got to change our attitude into a positive one. Think back to our Charter members who established our Posts many years ago. I m sure there are many who are looking down at their Post and smiling at the way their Post has grown and prospered, supporting the Veterans, active duty members, the youth and our communities. Others, perhaps, are looking down and wondering why their Post is faltering and losing sight of the VFW Mission. My motto for this year is Veterans Helping Veterans. Let s give ourselves an attitude check and point ourselves in the right direction to get the job done. Membership is the lifeblood of this organization. Without it, we wither and die. This past year, 85 Posts had 100% or better membership a significant achievement. Sadly, another 24 Posts missed the 100% mark by 5 or less members. The Department, at the close of our convention, reached % or 130 more members than last year. We did it we halted the downward spiral and began increasing membership. Let s continue this trend. We are going to have a busy year ahead of us. If you haven t done so already, it is time to get your planning calendars out and get your events scheduled. We have State Schools of Instruction scheduled for the first two weekends in August. Schedule at least one recruiting event each quarter. At the same time have Voice of Democracy and Patriot s Pen posters and student applications to hand out. Don t forget the Service birthdays and the commemoration of the 13 outstanding action dates in U.S. History. After your events are completed, don t forget the paperwork. We can t exist without the paperwork, so just let s do it. Let s get back to the VFW Mission! Yours in Comradeship, Chris Birch Department Commander

6 4. DISTRICT MEETINGS: 1 ST - Date: 8/24/13 8 th - Date: 8/25/13 Meeting: 11:00 AM Meeting: 1:00 PM Location: Post 176, Newport News Location: Post 7728, Remington 21 Forrest Drive Corner of Rt 17 and Rt 836 Morrisville Rep: Doug Keller Rep: Mike Boehme State Jr. Vice Commander State Surgeon 2 nd - Date: 8/10/13 9 th - Date: 9/15/13 Lunch: 12:00 NOON Reg: 10:00 AM Meeting: 1:00 PM Lunch: 12:00 Noon Location: Post 392, Virginia Beach Meeting: 1:00 PM 2408 Bowland Parkway Location: Post 7726, Independence Rep: Tom Gimble 115 Klondike Road State Judge Advocate Rep: Buddy Weekely State Sr. Vice Commander 3 rd - Date: TBA Meeting: 10 th - Date: TBA Location: Lunch: 11:30 AM Meeting: 1:00 PM Rep: Location: Rep: 4 th - Date: 8/17/13 Meeting: 2:00 PM 11 th - Date: 9/08/13 Location: Post 8759 Amelia Lunch: 11:30 AM Amelia County Veterans Center Meeting: 12:30 PM Rep: Chris Birch Location: Post 8644, Bridgewater State Commander 118 Dry River Road Rep: Chris Birch 5 th - Date: 8/10/13 State Commander Lunch: 12:00 Noon Meeting: To follow Lunch 12 th - Date: 9/14/13 Location: Post 4637, Martinsville Reg: 10:00 AM 2327 Old Chatham Road Meeting: 11:00 AM Rep: Dan Boyer Location: Prime Steak House Past State Commander 1728 Park Ave NW Rep: Buddy Weekley 6 th - Date: 8/11/13 State Sr. Vice Commander Meeting: 2:00 PM Lunch: To follow Meeting 13 th - Date: 8/24/13 Location: Post 1033, Covington Lunch: 12:00 Noon 710 E. Dolly Ann Drive Meeting: 1:00 PM Rep: Buddy Weekley Location: Post 10574, Colonial Beach State Sr. Vice Commander 107 Hawthorne Ave Rep: Chris Birch 7 th - Date: 8/18/13 State Commander Lunch: 11:30 AM Meeting: 1:00 PM Location: Post 2447, Edinburg 100 Veterans Way Rep: Chris Birch State Commander 5. CLOSING: State Headquarters will be closed at July 4, 2013.

7 6. ACCOUNT ACCESS: This is a reminder to Department Officers, District/Post Commanders, Adjutants, and Quartermasters; your VFW webmail passwords were reset immediately to the default setting after the Department Convention in Williamsburg. Please let your new incoming counterpart Officers know of the password change. Also, passwords are reset for those Officers that are remaining in their previous year s position. This will be the primary means of sending correspondence from State Headquarters to Post and District Officers. You will receive all General Orders, special notices and any other documentation that you need via . This will help cut down on postal expenses and speed up the response time for you receiving the information. Here are directions for logging into your new account for the first time. 1. Go to Department web site 2. Click on Member Tools, VFW webmail. 3. The user name is your address; put that on the first line (see below for your new address). 4. Your default password will be abc123 once you have accessed the mail program you may change your password. For District Officers your address will be cdrdist1@va.vfwwebmail.com or adjdist1@va.vfwwebmail.com or qmdist1@va.vfwwebmail.com for Districts other than the first just replace the 1 with your District #. For Post Officers your address will be cdrpost176@va.vfwwebmail.com or adjpost176@va.vfwwebmail.com or qmpost176@va.vfwwebmail.com for Post other than 176 just replace the 176 with your Post #. All Posts should prepare now for the full transition to the computer age. You can always find a library to get online. 7. GENERAL ORDERS: The cut off for the General Orders is the 20P th P of the month. No EXCEPTIONS. Subscriptions for hard copy via USPS for General Orders are $24.00 for the year or $2.00 per issue. Please contact State Headquarters for more info. 8. IMPORTANT DATES: July 20-25, 2013 National Convention, Louisville, KY August 3, 2013 School of Instruction, Post 3103 August 4, 2013 School of Instruction, Post 2216 August 10, 2013 School of Instruction, Post 5311 August 11, 2013 School of Instruction, Post 637 September 12-15, 2013 September 21, 2013 National Commander in Chief Homecoming, Indianapolis, Indiana Fall Council of Administration Meeting at State Headquarters October 31- November 3, 2013 Southern Conference, Orlando, FL 9. INSPECTIONS: July marks the period for inspections to begin. A year ago, one fairly well-known Post embarrassed itself by having the District Inspector mark No for the post s having By-Laws and being incorporated. I thought this was strange for that particular Post. I checked the Inspection Report for the previous year and the Post did have By-laws and was incorporated then. They simply did not know where their By-Laws and Incorporation papers were. THEY WERE UNPREPARED for the inspection! How do you prepare for the Inspection? Get a multi-section folder or loose leaf binder with sheet protectors. Then go through the inspection form --- you can download it from the State webpage --- and determine which documents you

8 will need for the inspection. Place these documents in your "Inspection Folder". One section can be used for your Post By-laws, Post Incorporation papers, tax filing papers, insurance papers, etc. Another section can be used for copies of the DD-214s (or other documentation) for your Post officers, appointment letters, etc. And another for reports you send to state. Another section can include all quarterly audit reports, Quartermaster bond, and other QM papers. (Obviously some QM information is in the computer or ledger books but you should know where the information is and have it available.) Determine which papers can be grouped together in which section to fit your folder. You might decide to put the Post, District, and State by-laws together in one section. How you arrange it is up to you. The Inspection Folder can then be the permanent "home" for many of these documents. Place the folder in your files and you will always know where to find those important documents when you need them for any other reason. Some other documents you will replace every year as you get new officers, file new tax and corporate papers, etc. By putting all the required papers for inspection together in one folder, you will make it easy on yourselves at inspection time, because you will have everything in one spot and won't have to dig through the files for this or that document. Your District Inspector will also be impressed --- and gratified --- with your organization and preparedness. We don't have space to discuss every document here, but you get the idea. Put as much in the Inspection Folder as you can and know where to find the others and you will be prepared! Don t repeat last year s errors! The Commander or Quartermaster should have received a copy of last year s inspection report when it was done --- or me to request a copy. Check that form for any areas you need to improve. We will! Most every requirement can be found in the By-Laws or Manual of Procedure. Also see the Commander s and the Quartermaster s Manuals, available on the national website (after you login). You can get an advanced look at the Inspection Form and the Inspector s directions by going to the State web site, clicking on Member Tools, then Downloadable Forms, and then Post Inspection Form (which includes the directions). One last thought: Don t get upset when the District Inspector asks to see every document. He/she is not doubting your word that you have it but follows the old Ronald Reagan principle of Trust but Verify. If the Inspector is doing his/her job, you will be asked. BE PREPARED! 10. LEADERSHIP REFERENCE GUIDE: J.Gary Wagner State Inspector inspector@va.vfwwebmail.com Attention Post Commanders and Quartermasters: the VFW Leadership Reference Guide is now available online at the National VFW website ( You will have to create an account and log on as a VFW member to be able to view or print it. 11. NATIONAL CONVENTION: Reservations for the 114th National Convention opened in February. All members who desire to make room reservations for the National Convention are directed to use one of the following procedures: 1) Telephone: M-F 9am to 5pm. 2) Fax: (do not mail after faxing) 3) Mail: LCVB Housing 401 West Main St. Suite 2300 Louisville, KY ) Internet: Visit the VFW website at to access an on-line registration form. All reservations require a valid credit card or check deposit for guarantee at time of confirming reservations. Reservations received without a valid guarantee will be returned and will not be processed. If you choose to

9 guarantee with a check deposit, please include it with your housing request form and mail to the address provided above. All check deposits must be in the amount of $ This housing procedure gives our membership the most efficient and effective method of making and ensuring room reservations in Louisville. The enclosed Housing Form may be duplicated, as needed. 12. NATIONAL CONVENTION REGISTRATION: Attention of 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 was mailed to all Posts as part of the Election Report/Convention Registration. Advanced registration for the 114th National Convention should be mailed with each delegate s name and address to: Convention Registration, 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO POST OFFICER S DUTIES: Attention of incoming Post Officers is directed to Section 218 of the Manual of Procedure which outlines the duties of various Post Officers. 14. PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY: Post, District, Department Commanders, Adjutants and Quartermasters are reminded of the requirements of sections 216, 416 and 516 of the Manual of Procedure with regard to proof of eligibility for all newly-elected and appointed officers. Elected and appointed officers shall not be installed or assume the duties of their office until proof of eligibility has been submitted and properly reviewed. Failure or refusal to submit proof of eligibility within sixty (60) days of election or appointment shall result in the office being declared vacant. 15. REPORTING: Comrades to view whether your Post has submitted an Audit Report, Americanism, Community Service, Safety, Youth or Hospital report you will have to visit the Department website ( We update the website weekly usually on Friday. We hope this will eliminate the confusion of whether or not your Post has been credited with submitting a report. Due to the delay of printing and mailing the monthly General Orders, sometimes, the information is over 3 weeks old in the General Orders. If you have any questions please call State Headquarters. There will be no form for Homeless when reporting for assistance to a homeless veteran please put it on a Community Activity report under aid to others. 16. SCHOLARSHIP THEMES : The VFW scholarship themes for are as follows: Patriots Pen What Patriotism Means to Me Voice of Democracy Why I'm Optimistic About our Nation s Future 17. SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION: There will be a School of Instruction held on the following dates and locations, all times will began at 9:00-4:00 pm August 3 Post Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg August 4 Post Frontier Drive, Staunton August 10 Post High Street, Christiansburg August 11 Post Lynchburg Street, Hopewell

10 All new Post Commanders and Quartermasters are urged to attend, and everyone else is invited. You must register for one of the above locations so we may have a count as to how many are attending at each location so lunch preparation can be made (meals will be provided by the Host Post). IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED MEALS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED. See Flyer for more details. 18. SPECIAL ORDER: Special Order #193 Pursuant to the voluntary resignation upon his acknowledgement of ineligibility for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, it is hereby ordered that the name of John L. Sutor, Membership No , be removed from the rolls of Irvin L. Manning, Post No. 1264, Roanoke, Virginia, and his membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States terminated by reason of ineligibility. 19. STATE RECRUITING CLASS: By order of John Hamilton Commander-in-Chief There will be a State Recruiting class held October 5 th & 6 th at Post 9808 in Mechanicsville. National VFW is flying a person out to teach the class there will be classroom training on Saturday and some hands on training on Sunday. If you are interested in attending the training please contact State Headquarters or your District Commander. We would like to have 2 people from every District attending. The Department will be reimbursing up to two members from each District who participate and are willing to become State Recruiters. 20. SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS: $250 winner David Rhodes Rocky Mount $500 winner Thomas Williams Blacksburg $1000 winner Thomas Mullins Woodbridge $1500 winner Jason Layton Wexford, PA $5000 winner John Alvarez Manassas Park Official: By Order of: Kim A. DeShano State Adjutant Christopher E.M. Birch State Commander

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

12 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO National Convention - Post & Delegate Registration Registration Type Post Registration Fee w/ Delegate O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee (Any change to a delegate's status shall be reported to the Quartermaster General) Membership Number Member Name Member Address Amount Packets not picked up at the convention will not be mailed unless a request is received in writing within 60 days of the close of the convention Post Registration Fee with one (1) Delegate Add $10.00 each additional Delegate/Alternate/Attendee Signature of Adjutant or Quartermaster: INVOICE Due Upon Receipt Section 222 of the National By-Laws states "Each Post will pay, in advance, a national convention registration fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) which shall entitle the Post to a packet of convention information and materials and one identified registered delegate for the National Convention. Each additional delegate attending the National Convention will pay a ten dollar ($10) delegate fee." Each Post is encouraged to register at least one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each thirty (30) members or fraction thereof. Delegates and alternates shall be elected in accordance with the Manual of Procedure. Any member in good standing may register for the National Convention. Registering for the National Convention is another way a member can show support for VFW programs. The ten dollar ($10) registration fee entitles the member to a convention packet which may be picked up at the convention. Please type or print each member's information below and designate as delegate, alternate or attendee. C H O O S E O N L Y O N E R E G I S T R A T I O N T Y P E P E R L I N E O CHECK/MONEY ORDER O VISA O MASTER CARD O DISCOVER O AMERICAN EXPRESS TOTAL ENCLOSED Post # Card Number: Expiration Date: Card Holders Name: Mail completed form to: VFW Convention Registration 406 W. 34th St. Kansas City, MO 64111

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14 Saturday, July 20, 2013 VFW 114th National Convention Louisville, Kentucky Kentucky International Convention Center July 20-24, 2013 All meetings are held in the convention center unless otherwise noted. Times for various functions are subject to change. Meeting rooms will be posted closer to conference dates and are subject to change 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. VFW Health Fair 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. VFW/Registration/Exhibits 8:00 a.m. National Veterans Service Advisory Committee 10:30 a.m. Budget and Finance Committee 12:00 p.m. Vander Clute Memorial Ride - Check Presentation 1:30 p.m.-3:30 pm. National Council of Administration Meeting 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Conference Meetings 6:00 p.m. Catholic Mass 7:00 p.m. Veterans Service Resolutions Committee (for Chairmen) 7:00 p. m. Past Chief s Dinner Sunday, July 21, :30 a.m.-8:00 a.m. Membership Workshop 7:00 a.m. Gold Star Families Reception 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.. VFW Health Fair 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. VFW Registration/Exhibits 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Field Competition 7:00 a.m. Catholic Mass 7:00 a.m. Protestant Service 8:30 a.m. Annual Memorial Service 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. NMS Committee meeting 10:00 a.m. noon Veterans Benefits Forum 10:00 a.m. noon National Legislative Service meeting Committee Meetings: 1:45 p.m. Resolutions Committees 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. National Military Services Workshop 2:00 p.m. National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual Resolutions Committees: 2:00 p.m. Finance and Internal Organization (200 series) 2:00 p.m. General Resolutions (300 Series) 2:00 p.m. National Security and Foreign Affairs (400 series)

15 Sunday, July 21, 2013 (cont.) 2:00 p.m. National Veterans Service Resolutions (600 series) Sub-committee I Health Sub-committee II Benefits Sub-committee III Economic Opportunities/Other 6:30 p.m. VAC Dinner Monday, July 22, :00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.. VFW Health Fair 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. VFW Registration/Exhibits 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Field Competition 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Joint Opening Session 1:00-4:00 p.m. Business Session 1:30 p.m. 2:30 p. m. National Outstanding Community Service Post Reception Tuesday, July 23, :30 a.m.-8:00 a.m. Chaplains Workshop 6:30 a.m 8:00 a.m. All-American Commanders Breakfast 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. VFW Health Fair 6:30 a.m.-8:00 a. m. VFW National Scouting Team Workshop 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. VFW Registration/Exhibits 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. VFW Business Session 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Incoming CIC (Dept. Cmdrs.) Luncheon 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Workshops Communications & Public Affairs Workshop VFW Programs Workshop IAVC Committee meeting NWVC Committee meeting National Home 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Patriotic Rally Wednesday, July 24, :00 a.m. Business Session /Nomination/Election/Installation of Officers 11:00 a.m. National Council of Administration (immediately following installation) 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Commander-in-Chief s and National President s Reception (Ticketed Event) Thursday, July 25, :00 a.m. CIC Assignment Meeting Updated: 2/21/2013 4:54 PM

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22 TO: SUBJECT: ALL MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, VFW SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION There will be a School of Instruction held on the following dates and locations, all times will began at 9:00 am 4:00 pm August 3 Post Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg August 4 Post Frontier Drive, Staunton August 10 Post High Street, Christiansburg August 11 Post Lynchburg Street, Hopewell All new Post Commanders and Quartermasters are urged to attend, and everyone else is invited. You must register for one of the above locations so we may have a count as to how many are attending at each location so lunch preparation can be made (meals will be provided by the Host Post). IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED MEALS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED. Subjects of Instructions will include: Membership MIP & Recruiting Programs Dept. & National Membership Awards Program Rules and Regulations of Club Rooms Parliamentary Law & Procedure, By-Laws (Nat l/dept/post) & SOP Inspections & Reports Duties & Responsibilities of Post CMDR s, SVC & JVC Duties of Post ADJ & QM, QM Records (Ledger & Computer) Post Visits/Roundups VOD, Patriots Pen, Teachers Recognition Program, Scouting, MAP Online Membership System We must know how many will be attending, so therefore, the following form must be completed and returned to State Headquarters no later than one week prior to the School of Instruction you will be attending. No food will be prepared for those that do not register with the Department. SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION REGISTRATION Return this form to: Department of Virginia, VFW 403 Lee Jackson Hwy Staunton, VA Or by Fax: Name of Attendees: (please print) (please use additional paper if necessary) Location Attending No. of People Attending Post: Signed: Post Commander

23 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA 2014 MEMBERSHIP - AWARDS PROGRAM (JULY 1, JUNE 30, 2014) "Veterans Helping Veterans" This Membership - Awards Program has been designed with incentives to work on membership, VFW programs, meeting attendance and submission of reports. MEMBERSHIP PLAQUES will be presented at the State Convention to the Post with the largest membership increase in each category. The judging will be based on Membership as of May 9, Category A - Posts with Membership of 10 thru 75 Category B - Posts with Membership of 76 thru 150 Category C - Posts with Membership of 151 thru 250 Category D - Posts with Membership of 251 thru 500 Category E - Posts with Membership of 501 or more The minimum Post Membership increase Goal for the 2014 Membership Awards Program is 20 members. POST QUOTAS will be the Post Membership listed at National Headquarters on June 30, The quota will NOT be reduced because of members who die, move out of the area in which the Post is located, or transfer to another Post. A NEW POST will be assigned a Membership Quota of 30 members. POST AWARDS A LIFE MEMBERSHIP INCREASE PLAQUE and $ will be awarded to one Post in each Category A thru E. Category A - Posts with Membership of 10 thru 75 Category B - Posts with Membership of 76 thru 150

24 Category C - Posts with Membership of 151 thru 250 Category D - Posts with Membership of 251 thru 500 Category E - Posts with Membership of 501 or more The Post with the greatest increase in Life Members by the day prior to awards judging will determine the Posts selected (must be at least 3 Members). The plaques will be awarded at the State Convention. LIFE MEMBERSHIP DRAWINGS - There will be Four (4) drawings for a Life Membership in the VFW. Posts with 10 thru 75 members will have one (1) chance, Posts with 76 thru 150 members will have two (2) chances, Posts with 151 thru 250 will have (3) chances, Posts with 251 thru 500 members will have four (4) chances, and Post with 501or more members will have five (5) chances. The first drawing will be held on September 28, 2013 and the Post must have 75% of its 2014 membership quota to participate. The second drawing will be held on October 31, 2013 and the Post must have 85% of its 2014 membership quota to participate. The third drawing will be held on January 2, 2014 and the Post must have 95% of its 2014 membership quota to participate. The forth drawing will be held on March 1, 2014 and the Post must have 100% of its 2014 membership quota to participate. DRAWING FOR $ CASH AWARD - There will be one (1) Post selected for this award. Post must meet their membership quota by the day prior to awards judging to be eligible. Drawing will be held on the day of awards judging. A MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL PLAQUE - Will be awarded to each Post that renews ALL of the viable annual members on its unpaid list who were Continuous Members in the previous year.(your deceased members and conversions to Life Membership will not count against your total). POST RECOGNITION AWARDS A POST MEMBERSHIP BANNER will be awarded to each Post that meets their 2014 Membership by June 30, % plus Post Commander and Quartermaster pins to Posts exceeding 100% by May 9, Post Commander and Post Quartermaster Ball Cap to Posts who are 100% in membership by May 9, Post with the largest increase of new Legacy Life Members by the day prior to judging will receive a check in the amount of $ ALL STATE TEAM There will be a maximum of 16 Posts on The All State Team. The 16 All State Posts will receive an All State Post Banner.

25 For a Post to be eligible, it must have reached 101% of their Membership Quota by the day prior to awards judging. The Post Quartermaster must be bonded. The Post must have been inspected by October 31, The Post Commander must attend each District Meeting or have an authorized member attend. The Post Commander or designated Post Officer must attend a Department or District School of Instruction. All Audit Reports must be turned into State Headquarters as required by Section 218 of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure. Posts with less than 50 members are not eligible for the All State Team. To be eligible the Post must increase their membership to 50 members. The Post will then be classified as 100%. The Post must participate in the following programs. Buddy Poppy Program purchase minimum of 5 poppies per member Voice of Democracy Program (must submit a student to the District level for District judging) Patriot's Pen Program (must submit a student to the District level for District judging) Teacher of the Year Program (must submit at least one Teacher to the District Level for District judging) National Military Services (must make a $ donation to National Military Services) Have a Post Service Officer appointed. The Post must have submitted the following reports at least once during the first half of the year (May 1 thru October 31) and once during the second half (November 1 thru April 30) Hospital Report Americanism Report Community Activities Report Safety Report Youth Activities Report Post must submit a Community Service Record Book for judging. Post will receive points for membership - When the Post has completed all the above programs, reports, and submitted Community Service Record Book, one fifth (1/5) of one (1) point will be assigned for each additional member above 100%. Posts reported in 3 categories of Community Activities to include 1 report in support of homeless veterans, 4 categories of Safety, 8 categories of Americanism and 4 categories of Youth Activities during the reporting period of May 1, 2012 through April 30, 2013 will receive a State Citation. Posts submitting Hospital Reports for 1 st and 2 nd reporting periods will receive a State Citation. ALL STATE TEAM AWARDS The All State Post Commanders will receive: A Citation; an All State cap; an All State pin; two (2) free tickets for you and your spouse/guest to the State Convention Banquet to be held on Saturday night. A check in the

26 amount of $300.00, to assist in payment of expenses while attending and participating at the State Convention, will be presented. Time of payment will be at the discretion of the Department Commander. The All State Post Quartermasters will receive: A Citation; an All State cap; an All State pin; two (2) free tickets for you and your spouse/guest to the State Convention Banquet to be held on Saturday night. A check in the amount of $ to assist in payment of expenses while attending and participating at the State Convention will be presented. Time of payment will be at the discretion of the Department Commander. The All State Commanders and All State Quartermasters will be individually recognized at the Awards Program during the State Convention. From the All State Team, the Post with the highest points in the All State Judging will be designated as the Outstanding Post of the Year The Commander and Quartermaster of this Post will be the Captains of the All State Team. The Awards and Citation Committee will break all ties and their decision will be final ALL STATE DISTRICT COMMANDERS For a District Commander to qualify, the Commander must meet the following All State District Commanders criteria: For a District to be eligible it must increase its membership by meeting its assigned membership quota by the day prior to judging Membership Quota: minimum 101% All Posts in the District must be inspected by 31 October, Post Quartermasters, for all Posts in the District, must be properly bonded. District Quartermaster must be properly bonded. All Audit Reports, for the District and all Posts in the District, must be turned in to State Headquarters as required by the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure. All Posts in the District must report in these categories: Americanism, Community Activities, Safety, Youth Activities, and Hospital. All Posts must have purchased Buddy Poppies. District Commander must attend or have a designated elected district officer attend a State School of Instruction. District must conduct a District School of Instruction prior or during its first District Meeting. State representative to the first District Meeting must report SOI on the District meeting report.

27 District must make a donation of at least $250 to National Military Services. ALL STATE DISTRICT COMMANDERS AWARDS Each All State District Commander will receive the following: A Citation and an All State District Commander's cap. The All State District Commander(s) will also receive two (2) tickets for you and your spouse/guest to the State Convention Banquet to be held on Saturday night. Each All State District Commander will receive a VFW Jacket if all Posts within the District are 100% or more in membership. INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP AWARDS All individual recruiting awards will be awarded by using the National Recruiter Reports dated May 1, An annual member who recruits 5 New or Reinstated Members will receive: Annual Dues (National & Department portions) paid, for the current year, by the Department. Name and membership number entered into a drawing for a Life Membership. (For each additional 5 members recruited, an additional entry will be made in the Life Membership Drawing). The drawing for the Life Membership listed above will be conducted on the day of awards judging. A Life Member who recruits 5 New or Reinstated Members will receive: Name and membership number entered into a drawing for one Legacy Life membership level equal to $ (For each additional 5 members recruited, an additional entry will be made in the cash award drawing). The drawing for the Legacy Life Membership award listed above will be conducted on the day of awards judging. Post Commander Membership award: Post Commander who has their Post 100% by Dec will receive a Commanders jacket at the Winter COA meeting in January. An individual recruiter may also receive for: 15 New or Reinstated Members - a Pen and Pencil Set. 25 New or Reinstated Members - a Department Aide-de-Camp Recruiting Award with engraved citation and an official cap.

28 THE SAMUEL B. DeVAUGHAN MEMBERSHIP AWARD is awarded to the member who recruits the most new and/or reinstated members of the Membership Year and will receive the following: Round trip airfare to the 115th National Convention. Expense check in the amount of $ to help defray expenses. Department citation. Distinctive cap and name badge THE GEORGE C. DALBY AWARD is awarded to any Post member for outstanding participation in VFW programs. Rules for this contest are sent to each Post in the spring. Deadline for submission to State Headquarters is the day prior to awards judging. Post and District Commanders are excluded from this award. This award will be presented at the State Convention. THE W. B. SHAFER, JR. MEMBERSHIP AWARD is awarded to the Post making the greatest percentage gain in membership as shown by the State Membership Report dated the day prior to awards judging. This award will be presented at the State Convention. THE RICHARD A. (AL) GUAGER AMERICANISM AWARD is awarded annually and rules for this contest are sent to each Post in the spring. Deadline for submission to State Headquarters is by the day prior to awards judging. This award will be presented at the State Convention. THE GEORGE E. McCRACKEN HONOR GUARD/COLOR GUARD AWARD is awarded to the most outstanding Post Honor Guard/Color Guard. Deadline for submission to State Headquarters is by the day prior to awards judging. This award will be presented at the State Convention. FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR AWARD is awarded to the most outstanding fire fighter. The selectee will receive a plaque and a check for $ The deadline for submission to State Headquarters is January 2, Send resume of nominees' background, resume of background in fire/emergency safety work, accomplishments in fire/emergency safety field, photograph, title and address to State Headquarters. This award will be presented at the State Convention or at a local venue. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD is awarded to the most outstanding law enforcement officer. The selectee will receive a plaque and a check for $ The deadline for submission to State Headquarters is January 2, Send resume of nominees' background, resume of background in law enforcement work, accomplishment in the field, photograph, title and address to State Headquarters. This award will be presented at the State Convention or at a local venue. EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD is awarded to the most outstanding Emergency Medical Technician. The selectee will receive a plaque and a check for $ The deadline for submission to State Headquarters is January 2, Send resume of nominees' background, resume of background in paramedic work, accomplishment in the field, photograph, title and address to State Headquarters. This award will be presented at the State Convention or at a local venue. TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS are presented to the most outstanding Teachers. The selectees will receive a Citation and a check for $ There are three winners - Kindergarten through Fifth, Sixth through Eighth and Ninth through Twelfth. The deadline for submission to State Headquarters is December 20, These awards will be presented at the Winter Council Banquet or at a local venue.

29 Entries (3 levels) can be submitted from Posts to their respective District. Districts will judge all entries and select the winners (3 levels) to be sent to Department for judging. The Department will judge entries (3 levels) from each Districts and select winners (3 levels) to be sent to National for judging. THE W. I. WOODDELL MEMORIAL POST QUARTERMASTER AWARD is awarded annually to the Post Quartermaster who has shown outstanding dedication to his Post and the Department. The Post Commander must send in a nominating letter on why the Post Quartermaster should be considered for Quartermaster of the year. Submission must be received the day prior to the awards judging. The recipient is to be selected by a committee headed by the State Quartermaster. The award will consist of a custom-lettered citation, plus a check in the amount of $ from the Department. This award will be presented at the State Convention. THE CLAIR B. POFF PUBLIC RELATIONS AWARD is awarded to 3 Posts for the most outstanding newsletter or publication for their size group and then forwarded to National for judging. To enter, send two different copies of your Post Newsletter to State Headquarters along with the editor's name and address. Deadline for submission to State Headquarters is January 2, This award will be presented at the State Convention. Group 1 membership 99 members or less; Group 2 membership 100 to 179; and Group 3 membership 180 or more. THE ROBERT H. RINER AWARD is awarded to the District Commander with the highest percentage gain in membership over last year. Membership gain will be as shown by the State Membership Report dated the day prior to awards judging. This award will be presented at the State Convention. WILLIAM T. (BILL) ALLEN HOSPITAL AWARD is awarded to Posts for their outstanding reporting in hospital work. Plaques for Categories A-E Category A - Posts with Membership of 10 thru 75 Category B - Posts with Membership of 76 thru 150 Category C - Posts with Membership of 151 thru 250 Category D - Posts with Membership of 251 thru 500 Category E - Posts with Membership of 501 or more The winning Posts will be determined by the State Hospital Chairman. These awards will be presented at the State Convention. CLARENCE E. KELLEY MEMORIAL VOICE OF DEMOCRACY AWARD (Trophy) is awarded to the Post that sponsors the State's first place winner and will be presented at the Winter Conference Banquet. Each Post that participates in the program will receive a citation. The State VOD winners will receive: 1 st place - $1,000.00; 2 nd place - $600.00; and 3 rd place - $ and a plaque, to be presented at the winner s school. The 1 st place winner is expected to attend the Winter Conference Banquet, read entry. LARRY MATTERA MEMORIAL PATRIOT'S PEN PLAQUE is awarded to the Post that sponsors the State's first place winner and will be presented at the Winter Conference. The State Patriot's Pen essay winner will receive: 1 st place - $500.00; 2 nd place - $300.00; and 3 rd place - $ and Citation, to be presented at the winner s school. The 1 st place winner is expected to attend the Winter Conference Banquet, read entry.

30 EAGLE SCOUT AWARD The Eagle Scout selected for this award will receive a plaque and a check for $ The award will be presented at the State Convention. This competition is open to any Eagle Scout between the ages of 15 and 18 who is still in High School. Each scout must submit his application to a VFW Post for sponsorship. The Post may select an Eagle Scout of the Year entry and submit the application to the District Scouting Representative, for judging, no later than March 15, Each District may submit one (1) entry to the Department. Entry must be submitted no later than April 1, Each Post participating in the Eagle Scout Program will receive a citation. Department judging for this award will be conducted by the Department Eagle Scout and Scouting Committee. The Department's winning entry will be submitted to National for judging. COMMUNITY SERVICE RECORD BOOK should be kept from May 1, 2013 to April 30, 2014 for State judging. Plaques will be awarded to the top three (3) entries. Special Citations will be awarded to the fourth through tenth places; and all other entries not placing in the top ten will receive a citation. The top ten winners will be presented plaques/citations at the State Convention. One award from National will be presented for the top State entry. In addition to the above awards, all Posts entering a Community Service Record Book will have a chance to win a monetary award in the amount of $ if judged best overall entry in their respective membership category. One (1) check will be issued to each membership category. Category A - Posts with Membership of 10 thru 75 Category B - Posts with Membership of 76 thru 150 Category C - Posts with Membership of 151 thru 250 Category D - Posts with Membership of 251 thru 500 Category E - Posts with Membership of 501 or more. NOTE: To receive the monetary award for a record book entry in any of the four categories a Post must be 100% in membership. NOTE: Record Book entries may be used to help break any ties in the All State Team Judging. The amount of effort placed in preparing the entry will be considered. BUDDY POPPY CITATIONS will be presented to the District Commander whose District purchased the most Buddy Poppies and to the District Commander whose District had 100% participation in the Buddy Poppy Program. These awards will be presented at the State Convention. The Post in each District who purchased the most Buddy Poppies will be given a citation. LOYALTY DAY CITATIONS will be given to District s and Post s participating in Loyalty Day Programs.

31 POST MEN S AUXILIARY RECOGNITION AWARD Outstanding Community Service Award will be presented to the Post Men s Auxiliary who has submitted the most outstanding reports on the following Community Service Activities by May 10, Hospital Report Americanism Report Community Activities Report Safety Report Youth Activities Report A plaque and a check in the amount of $300.00, to assist in payment of expenses while attending the State Awards Ceremony during the State Convention. All judging material must be at State Headquarters by 5:00 P.M. (1700 Hours) on May 9, (NO EXCEPTIONS!)

32 Approved 5/7/2013 NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM William (Bill) A. Thien Commander-in-Chief