GUIDE TO THE GO: GUIDE TO THE GO: 1. COMMANDER S MESSAGE: DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA Articles are listed by number not by pages: VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

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2 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS GUIDE TO THE GO: DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA Articles are listed by number not by pages: Faithfully Serving the Deserving NUMBER 10 April 1, Lee Jackson Highway Staunton, Virginia (540) FAX: In Virginia Website: GUIDE TO THE GO: Articles are listed by number not by pages: 1. Commander s Message 2. District Meetings 3. Audits 4. By-Laws and Manual of Procedure 5. Community Activities Books 6. Computers Available 7. Delegates to District/Department Convention 8. District Meetings and Convention 9. Account Access 10. General Orders 11. Important Dates 12. Leadership Reference Guide 13. Legacy Life Membership 14. Legislative 15. Membership 16. Membership Webinar Training 17. National Convention Housing 18. National Convention Registration 19. Partners in Patriotism 20. Patriot s Pen 21. Post Elections 22. POW/MIA 23. Reporting 24. Resolutions 25. Roster Updates 26. VFW Program Changes 27. VFW Riders 28. Virginia Veteran 1. COMMANDER S MESSAGE: Time doesn t stand still, time marches on. By the time this messages goes to print all Posts should have nominated their officers for the incoming year. Yes, that s correct, nomination in March, election in April, and install in May. I hope your Post considered nominating some of your younger members who are active in your Post. Sometimes that is all it takes to make a struggling Post an active Post again. The first week in March, most all Departments ascended on Washington, D.C. for our annual Legislative Conference. The conference gives us the opportunity to meet with our representative and discuss Veterans issues. Although the weather was horrible, Virginia was well represented. I would like to thank Doc Crouch for arranging all the appointments with our representatives. The highlight of the conference was the awarding of the Voice of Democracy scholarships. Unfortunately our entry didn t place first. Brady Jernigan placed twenty-third and received a $2,000 scholarship. Finally, membership, membership, membership, without it we would not be able to do all the great things we do for veterans and our communities. I want to thank Tommy Hines and Ken Wiseman for their recruiting efforts in the Fourth and Fifth Districts. I talked to Ken and the recruiting drive was a success and they also did a little coaching with the Posts they visited. I would also like to thank Ken Wiseman for the excellent job he has done with our hospital program. I have visited three of our VA hospitals and am looking forward to visiting with the Salem VA in the near future. Yours in Comradeship, Earle P. (Buddy) Weekley, Jr. Department Commander

3 2. DISTRICT MEETINGS: 1 st Date: 05/02/15 Meeting: 11:00 AM Lunch: to follow meeting Location: Post 3219, Phoebus 122 E. Mellen Street, Hampton Rep: Ken Wiseman State Surgeon 2 nd Date: 05/16/15 Lunch: 12:00 Noon Meeting: 1:00 PM Location: Post 4809, Norfolk 5728 Bartee Street Rep: Doug Keller State Sr. Vice Commander 3 rd Date: 05/16/15 Meeting: 10:00 AM Lunch: To follow meeting Location: Post 9808, Mechanicsville 7168 Flag Lane Rep: Mike Boehme State Judge Advocate 4 th Date: 05/16/15 Meeting: 2:00 PM Dinner: To follow Meeting Location: Post 7166, South Hill 1472 N. Mecklenburg Ave Rep: Ken Wiseman State Surgeon 5 th Date: 05/16/15 Lunch: To follow Meeting Meeting: 12:00 Noon Location: Post 4637, Martinsville 2327 Old Chatham Road Rep: Buddy Weekley State Commander 6 th Date: 05/17/15 Meeting: 2:00 PM Lunch: to follow Meeting Location: Sponsored by Post 4522, Vinton Salem VCS Rep: Tom Gimble State Jr. Vice Commander 7 th Date: 05/17/15 Lunch: 11:30 AM Meeting: 1:00 PM Location: Post 9760, Berryville 425 S. Buckmarsh Street Rep: Ken Wiseman State Surgeon 8 th Date: 04/12/15 Meeting: 1:00 PM Location: Post 2524, Culpeper Sperryville Pike Rep: Mike Boehme State Judge Advocate 9 th Date: 5/17/15 Registration: 10:00 AM Lunch: 12:00 Noon Meeting: 1:00 PM Location: Post 1184, Pulaski 2 Dora Hwy Rep: Mike Boehme State Judge Advocate 10 th Date: 5/17/15 Lunch: 11:30 AM Meeting: 1:00 PM Location: Post 1503, Dale City Minnieville Road Rep: Buddy Weekley State Commander 11 th Date: 05/02/2015 Lunch: Before meeting Meeting: 11:30 AM Location: Post 632, Harrisonburg 450 Waterman Drive Rep: Buddy Weekley State Commander 12 th Date: 05/09/15 Registration: 10:00 AM Meeting: 11:00 AM Location: Prime Steak House, Norton Rep: Buddy Weekley State Commander 13 th Date: 05/16/15 Lunch: 12:00 Noon Meeting: To follow Lunch Location: Post 8947, Louisa Rep: Tom Gimble State Jr. Vice Commander

4 3. AUDITS: Attention of Post Commanders is directed to Section 218 (a)(11) of the National Manual of Procedure, Officers: Duties and Obligations. Trustees Report of Audit must be prepared in detail within thirty (30) days from the end of each quarter, one of which ends March BY-LAWS AND MANUAL OF PROCEDURE: All officers should obtain current 2015 copies of the podium edition of the Congressional Charter, 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 2015 revised edition reflects the amendments adopted by the 115th National Convention, which became effective on August 20, COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES BOOKS: Community Activities Books are due at State Headquarters for judging no later than 1700 hrs. May 8 th. No Exceptions. 6. COMPUTERS AVAILABLE: I have a number of Pentium 4 desktop computers available. They are professional quality (think mil spec) and are Windows 7. Each has 1 GB of RAM. If you are in need of a replacement machine for your Post or need to add an additional computer, they are available at no charge. Please contact me at qm7589@verizon.net or by phone I can also load a free office suite and a free antivirus program on request. 7. DELEGATES TO DISTRICT/DEPARTMENT CONVENTION: Rick Raskin Department IT Chair Section 222 of the National By-Laws provides that Posts shall elect delegates and alternates to District conventions at a regular meeting of the Post held not less than thirty (30) days prior to the District convention at which District officers are to be elected: one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each thirty (30) members or fraction thereof in good standing in the Post at the time of the election. Delegates and alternates to the Department conventions shall be elected at a regular meeting of the Post held not less than thirty (30) days prior to the Department convention. Posts are entitled to one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each thirty (30) members or fraction thereof in good standing in the Post at the time of the election. 8. DISTRICT MEETINGS AND CONVENTION: Pursuant to Section 403 of the National By-Laws and the Manual of Procedure, each District shall hold an annual District convention for the purpose of electing District officers, such convention to be held not less than ten (10) days nor more than seventy-five (75) days prior to the convening of the Department convention. Pursuant to Section 403 of the National By-Laws Regular Meeting, unless otherwise provided for in Department By- Laws, Districts shall hold at least three (3) regular meetings each year for purposes as prescribed in the Manual of Procedure. Pursuant to Section 403 of the National Manual of Procedure Regular Meeting, at least one (1) regular meeting shall be held by the District each year for the purpose of promoting schools of instruction for Post officers. Pursuant to Section 417 of the National Manual of Procedure, District officers shall not assume the duties of their office until the Department Commander is installed. District officers shall not be installed or assume the duties of their office until proof of eligibility has been submitted and properly reviewed in accordance with Section 416 of the Manual of Procedure.

5 9. ACCOUNT ACCESS: All accounts will be reset so the new Officers can take control of their s as of June 10 th. 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 Virginia1 once you have accessed the mail program you will be asked to change it, it must contain at least one uppercase letter and one number. For District Officers your address will be or or 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. 10. 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. Please contact State Headquarters for more info. 11. IMPORTANT DATES: April 18, 2015 Department Commander and President s Homecoming, Harrisonburg, VA June 11-14, 2015 Department Convention, Williamsburg, VA. Room Rate $87.00, cut-off date Phone July 18-22, 2015 October 2-4, 2015 November 19-22, 2015 National Convention, Pittsburg, PA National C-I-C Homecoming, Pittsburg, PA Southern Conference, Savannah, GA 12. LEADERSHIP REFERENCE GUIDE: 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. 13. LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP: Legacy Life Membership: This prestigious program is available to all Life Members. Three levels of membership each offer their own package of exclusive member benefits. Financial contributions to the Legacy Life Member program are tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. Enrollment Cost: Annual Payouts: Post: Department: National: Levels: Gold- $1200 $18.00 $18.00 $18.00 Silver- $800 $12.00 $12.00 $12.00 Bronze- $400 $6.00 $6.00 $6.00 What will your Legacy be?

6 14. LEGISLATIVE: The VFW Commander in Chief and other members of the VFW were on Capitol Hill last month talking about a variety of issues: Sequestration, the Veterans Choice & Accountability Act, Veterans Health Care, VA Benefits Delivery and Veterans Success After Service. As a part of a National VFW effort, the Department visited the offices of all of Virginia s Senators and House members in D.C. on 3 and 4 March. Leading that effort was State Commander Buddy Weekley, accompanied by his wife Debbie (LAux-8644 Bridgewater). I would also like to thank the following members who took time off from their jobs to assist in this important effort: Pete MacLeod (VFW-7568 Manassas), Ross Meglathery (VFW-5412 Burke), Shawn Poulin (VFW-3150 Arlington), Grant Vaught (VFW-3150 Arlington), Ken Wiseman (Dept. Surgeon) and Dee Guillory (LAux Natl. Chaplain). Members of Congress are always happy to meet with the VFW but if there is a constituent present among us we re even more well received. Copies of our VFW Legislative Priority Goals and the talking papers that support those goals have been sent to ALL Post Commanders to share with Post Members. However, if you would like your own copy via please do not hesitate to contact me at cgdc1@juno.com. 15. MEMBERSHIP: Commanders and Comrades, Yours in Comradeship, C. D. Doc Crouch National Legislative Committee We have just finished the 9th month of Buddy s year. I know we all want to make the Department All American for him. We can do it but we have to work together as a team. If any Post is uncomfortable planning or executing a recruiting event, please contact me or State Headquarters for assistance. We would be more than happy to help you with anything. Time is getting short. There has been 14 additional spots made available for All State this year. We now can have 30 Posts make All State instead of the usual 16. Thanks to Buddy, you will have until June 30th to get your membership, if you meet all of the other criteria by State Judging in May. I would love to see all 30 spots taken by a Post. We have District Recruiters in most Districts that are able to help within their Districts. They are waiting to hear from District or Post Commanders so they can show off the skills that they have acquired. Please give them a call, if you don't know who is available in your District, give me a call and I will help you. All we can do is offer, the success or failure of your Post lies in your hands. Never set up to recruit without have a supply of Poppies at your table. They make people walk right up to the table. Then you have the chance to ask if they or any members of their family are veterans. 16. MEMBERSHIP WEBINAR TRAINING: Yours in Comradeship, Tom Hines-PDC Membership Chairman Continuing Membership webinar training will be held on the second Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. 12 p.m. CST. All interested parties are encouraged to participate, and each session will be recorded for those unable to participate live. 17. NATIONAL CONVENTION HOUSING: 116th National Convention Housing officially opened February 16, Housing reservation information will be located on the convention website accessed through the main VFW website at The convention website will also have general convention information including the registration form and links to other convention related information for Pittsburgh July 18-22, 2015 including a tentative agenda.

7 18. NATIONAL CONVENTION REGISTRATION: Section 222 of the Manual of Procedure 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 provided the Post has paid the mandated $25 advance registration fee. All advance registrations should be mailed to the VFW National Headquarters, 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111, ATTN: Convention Registration or you may register on-line by going to PARTNERS IN PATRIOTISM: Have You Heard About the VFW s Partners in Patriotism? Would you like to support the VFW s life-changing programs for veterans, service members and their families without receiving all of the unwanted mail? The VFW has developed an option that lets you support VFW programs on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis, as well as reduce expenses and eliminate unwanted mail. It is called Partners in Patriotism. As a member of Partners in Patriotism, you choose a set dollar amount for your donation (minimum amount of $10) that is either charged to your credit card or set up as an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) from your bank account. If you are interested in joining Partners in Patriotism, you may contact the VFW Development Department Donor Services at , ext. 6318, or us at partners@vfw.org with Partners in Patriotism Application in the subject line. 20. PATRIOT S PEN: Patriots Pen national judging is complete and our Department winner, Parker Moore from Post 7059 placed 33 out of 215, 000 students Nationwide. Congratulations Parker. 21. POST ELECTIONS: Attention is directed to Section 217 of the National By-Laws and the Manual of Procedure covering the nomination, election and installation of Post Officers. Post Election Report forms are being mailed to Post Quartermasters with instructions that they complete the form online through the Online Membership System (OMS) or they can complete the form and return directly to National Headquarters immediately following the election of Post Officers, by not later than June 1st. 22. POW/MIA: January 23, 2015 Vietnam War MIA Recovered The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Air Force Capt. Richard D. Chorlins, 24, of University City, Mo., who was piloting an A-1 Sky raider aircraft on a night strike mission over the Mu Gia Pass in Laos when his aircraft was shot down by enemy ground fire on Jan. 11, He was assigned to the 602nd Special Operations Squadron, 34th Tactical Group. He will be buried with full military honors on a date and location yet to be announced. January 30, 2015 Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Becomes Operational The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) officially merge today into the newly established Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in ceremonies at both locations. In March 2014, Secretary of Defense Hagel directed the department to reorganize efforts into a single, accountable organization with comprehensive oversight of the past conflict personnel accounting resources, research, and operations. The new agency combines DPMO, JPAC, and select functions of the U.S. Air Force's Life Sciences Equipment Laboratory (LSEL). "Today marks an important step in establishing the new agency and the continued commitment to the families of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and remain unaccounted for," said Christine E. Wormuth, undersecretary of defense for policy. On Jan. 9 the secretary announced Rear Adm. Mike Franken as the interim director of the agency, Maj. Gen. Kelly McKeague as the interim deputy, and Lt. Gen. Mike Linnington as the senior advisor. They will lead the agency into this phase of the consolidation process and are committed to fulfilling our obligation to the families who have lost a loved one and providing the answers they deserve, while increasing identification capacity.

8 February 06, 2015 Three MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains belonging to one airman and two soldiers who had been missing and unaccounted for since World War II and Korea. Returned are: U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. James F. Gatlin, 25, of Jacksonville, Fla. On Dec. 23, 1944, Gatlin was copiloting a B-26C Marauder that was shot down while on a bombing mission near Ahrweiler, Germany. Gatlin and four other crew members were reported killed in action. He was assigned to the 575th Bombardment Squadron, 391st Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force, and was buried with full military honors Jan. 30 in Bushnell, Fla. Army Sgt. Gilberto L. Sanchez, 19, of New Braunfels, Texas. Sanchez was assigned to Medical Company, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 31st Regimental Combat Team. His unit was deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea when it was attacked by overwhelming numbers of Chinese forces. On Dec. 1, 1950, remnants of the 31st RCT, known historically as Task Force Faith, began a fighting withdrawal to more defensible positions south of the reservoir. Sanchez was reported as missing in action on Dec. 2. He was buried Jan. 23 with full military honors in San Antonio. Army Cpl. C.G. Bolden, 24, of Van Buren, Ark. Bolden was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was captured by enemy forces on Jan. 5, 1951, and reportedly died in a North Korean POW Camp on April 30, He was buried Jan. 27 with full military honors in Clinton, Ark. March 13, 2015 Seven Korean War Soldiers Identified The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced the identification of remains belonging to seven Army soldiers who had been lost and unaccounted-for since the Korean War. Returned home for burial with full military honors are: Sgt. 1st Class Donald R. Strum, Company C, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, who was lost in North Korea on Nov. 4, Cpl. Robert Higgins, 21, of Bucks County, Penn. He was assigned to Battery C, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, when lost in battle in South Korea on Feb. 13, Sgt. Floyd J.R. Jackson, 20, of Warrensburg, Mo., died while a POW in North Korea on Feb. 13, He was assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, which made up part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team. Pfc. John R. Bowers, of Greenville, S.C. He was assigned to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, when lost in South Korea on Feb. 14, Sgt. Arnold V. Andring, 25, of Gary, Minn., died while a POW in North Korea after being captured on Feb 14, He was assigned to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 8th Army. Pfc. Lotchie J.R. Jones, 18, of Jasper, Tenn., died while a POW in North Korea on Feb. 28, He was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Cpl. Lindsey C. Lockett, 25, of Henrico, Va., died while a POW in North Korea on May 31, He was assigned to Medical Detachment, Headquarters Battery, 503rd Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. 23. 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 ( The website is updated daily. 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. 24. RESOLUTIONS: It is the time of year to begin thinking about any changes you would like to see concerning the operation of the VFW at the Department and National levels. All changes must be presented in the form of a resolution and be submitted to the Department for consideration at the Department Convention. If a Post wishes to make a resolution or By-Law change, it is not necessary that a draft of the proposed new text be submitted through your District. However, by obtaining the support of the other Posts within your District you can reinforce your Post's position. The Resolutions Committee consists of Rick Raskin, Post Chair; Tom Ferguson, Post 2239; Ron Link, Post 7589; and Harold Sayles, Post

9 Any member of the committee can assist you in drafting your resolution. Please see additional information in these General Orders or ask any member of the Resolutions Committee about your thoughts. We encourage everyone to have any proposed resolutions and by-laws changes submitted by 15 May Resolutions may be submitted at the Department Convention up until 1700 hrs the evening prior to scheduled voting. However, since those resolutions will not be included in the abstract document they may not receive due attention by the Convention Delegates. Please send all resolutions to Department Headquarters either via U.S. mail or electronically via ROSTER UPDATES: Rick Raskin Chair, Resolutions Committee New Department Honor Guard Member Jon Merrill Boydton Plank Road Dinwiddie, VA New Sr. Vice Commander VFW Post 993 Timothy Charvat 634 Roland Drive Norfolk, VA New Jr. Vice Commander VFW Post 7059 Diane Aslanis 1692 Persimmon Tree Fork Rd Farmville, VA VFW PROGRAM CHANGES: At the Jr. Vice Commanders/Quartermaster s Conference recently held in Kansas City, we announced some changes that affect our VFW programs. These changes take effect March 1. The first change is the changing of the National Team Scouter title to Department Scouting Chairman. This positions this chairmanship in-line with all other programmatic chairmanships and eliminates any confusion that may have been associated with National in the old title. Additionally, as a result of National Military Service no longer being a directorate and now a classification of programs, we re renaming that classification of programs from National Military Services to Veterans & Military Support Programs. We believe the new classification will better resonate with our Posts and also the public. Those programs under Veterans & Military Support classification have not changed. They still consist of; Unmet Needs; Operation Uplink; VFW Sport Clip s Help A Hero Scholarship program; and the Military Assistance Program. There will be more details to follow concerning the 3-year appointment and whether there will be a Veterans & Military Support Committee. Equally important to note, this change will not affect those persons currently appointed this year as part of the National Military Services Committee. Lastly, a couple changes were made to the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award program. We are now allowing past state winners who were not selected as a National winner to be eligible for the program. Furthermore, we are changing the deadline date for this program for nominations to the Post from November 1 to February 15, with Department winners to National now April 5. Here are the following deadlines for this program: *February 15 - Teacher nominations to the Post February 28 Completion of Post judging March 15 Completion of District judging March 30 Completion of Department judging *April 5 Department winners to National *April 15 Department reports to National * Required deadline. All other deadlines are suggested, and can be internally set at the discretion of the Department leadership.

10 We ask for your assistance in making these changes known to your Posts. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support of our VFW programs. 27. VFW RIDERS: Comrades, Kevin C. Jones Director, VFW Programs/NMS This July the VFW Riders of Virginia are going to ride to the VFW National Convention in Pittsburg. My name is Shep Shepherd and I m the VFW Riders Department of Virginia Chairman. Our goal is to raise monies to carry to the VFW National Convention parade prior to the start of the Convention and present a check from the Posts of Virginia and the VFW Riders Virginia to the VFW Commander in Chief. I am asking for donations from you to help us raise money for the Howard E Vander Clute Jr. Memorial Motorcycle Ride. The monies raised this year will go to help out our veterans through the National Military Services program (NMS). Last year with slightly more than 70 riders they raised more than $23,000. This year with your help and monies raised by the VFW Riders Virginia we are hoping to double last year s numbers. Thank you Comrades for all you do for our veterans. Please send your donations to Kim Deshano, Department of Virginia Quartermaster. Earmark your donations VFW Riders Virginia Howard Vander Clute Memorial Ride 28. VIRGINIA VETERAN: Shep William J Shepherd VFW Riders Virginia Chairman The next edition of Virginia Veteran will be published electronically in April. Copies will be ed to all Virginia officers so that they may be distributed locally. Also, the paper will be posted on the Department website The deadline for articles to be included in the next edition is March 31, Articles may be ed to qm7589@verizon.net or physically mailed to: VFW Post 7589, PO Box 10206, Manassas, VA This is YOUR newspaper and we want to showcase all of the great work we are doing in Virginia. Rick Raskin Editor Official: By Order of: Kim A. DeShano State Adjutant Earle P. Weekley Jr. State Commander

11 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA AMERICANISM RECORD BOOK GUIDELINES Post Americanism Record Book Program There will be a Post somewhere that will be recognized for their efforts in Americanism. How will this recognition be earned? By participating in the Americanism Program and by being the Outstanding Americanism Post in the Department. From the entries received the Post selected number one will receive a trophy at Department Convention. The Post placing second through ten will receive a Department Citation. The rules governing this completion are relatively simple. 1. To qualify a winner at the Department level, the Post must be selected by the Department s Awards Committee. 2. The entry must include the name and address of the person to whom the entry is to be returned. 3. Selection by the Department shall be based on Americanism projects performed during May 1, April 30, For the Post to qualify as an entrant, it must be reported in Americanism for the current year. 5. In order for the judges to have something on which to base their decision, some form of substantiating data (newspaper clippings, photographs, correspondence, etc.,) must accompany each entry. All substantiating data should be organized into a record book format. You should record the following programs and any other Americanism Projects completed in your entry. Independence Day Parades Loyalty Day Legislative Program Buddy Poppy Education Program Flag Presentation Voice of Democracy POW/MIA Program Veterans Day Memorial Day Services Other Patriotic Holidays Citizenship Education Programs Flag Day Post and District Americanism Chairmen have to begin their program early because the Department entry must be received at Department Headquarters no later than May 8, For further information contact your Department Chairman.

12 OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE POST RECORD BOOK ENTRY FORM 1. This form must be filled in and attached to the inside cover of the Community Activities Record Book that your Post enters in the Department Community activities Record Book Contest. 2. Be sure to provide the name, address and zip code of the person to whom the Record Book should be returned following the judging. 3. This form must be signed by the Post Commander CATEGORIES FOR RECORDING PROJECTS The Community Activities Program is divided into seven general categories: 1. Community Involvement 4. School and Church Assistance 2. Cooperation with other organizations 5. Safety 3. Aide to others 6. Americanism 7. Youth and Voice of Democracy Post No. City State Total Projects Since 5/1/14 Total Hours (Volunteered) Total Funds Used/Donated Total Post Members as of 4/1/15 Total Auxiliary Members as of 4/1/15 City Population COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES CHAIRMEN Post Auxiliary (Name of Chairman) (Name of Chairman) JUDGES, NOTE THE FOLLOWING LEADING PROJECTS Page, Page, Page, Page, RETURN RECORD BOOK TO: Name Address City State Zip Signature - Post Commander Post Commander's Name (Print) Address City State Zip

13 COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES RECORD BOOK GUIDELINES 1. Record books should contain community service projects that are completed during the period May 1, through April FASTENER and COVER: If books have metal posts, steel is preferable to brass or aluminum. If covers have decals, place self-adhesive clear plastic over the decals so they will not be damaged during shipping and handling. Please use superior quality page dividers and index tabbing; the extensive handling that the record books experience must be considered. 3. CLIPPINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS: Show dates and captions. Include supporting information. 4. ACCOUNTING OF EXPENSES: In a brief statement show how money was spent for each category (one or two pages at the most for each category). 5. ARRANGEMENT OF BOOK: Enter each project by category. (Chronological or month by month listing makes your entry more difficult for the judges to evaluate.) 6. ENTRY FORM: Complete and fasten inside front cover of volume one. 7. MAIL OR SHIP RECORD BOOK ENTRY FOR THE DEPARTMENT CONTEST to your Department Headquarters or the address they designate. 8. Avoid non-community service related items in your record book entry. Pictures of Post Officers, installation of officers, meeting, etc., will not be credited. (This material should be assembled in a separate section and kept by the Post until the record book is returned after the competition, then it can be added to the record book for permanent reference). PREPARING A RECORD BOOK Posts and Auxiliaries carry on many projects which are of public service. The best way to tell the story of your Post and Auxiliary's work in the community is through a Community Activity record book that contains evidence of the many projects and programs your Post and Auxiliary perform. The contents of your record book should be arranged and in such detail that it tells the story of each project, clearly and completely, to those who may read and judge it. Posts and Auxiliaries should combine their community activity programs into one book or one set of books the Post and its Auxiliary are judged as a unit. When making up a record book it is advisable to group your projects and programs into one of the seven categories. If a project qualifies for more than one category, select and list it under one category. It will be given credit, regardless of whether it is listed under the proper category. For example: Lite-a-Bike could be listed under categories five or seven. Do not duplicate your efforts by placing them in each of the categories. Remember, when compiling your community service record book you are telling a story of your work to judges who generally are not familiar with your efforts or community. The easier it is for the judges to read the facts, the easier it is for them to evaluate your work. Some Community Activity record book entries have an additional index for each category which lists the subgroups within the categories. Some entries have an index only in the front of volume one. Remember, also if you enter your record book in other competitions, the judges will be less likely to know about the VFW Community Activities Program. Just like composing a good letter, let your record book present the story so there will be no misunderstanding.

14 RULES FOR CONTEST GEORGE C. DALBY PERPETUAL TROPHY VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA 1. Post Commanders and District Commanders are excluded from this award because other awards have been set up for them. 2. Contest will run from Convention to Convention - the award to be made at the Annual Department Convention and based on: A. Number of dues collected; B. Hospital Visits - (visits to Comrades in hospitals and in homes); C. Community Activities : Number of projects participated in and what part the contestant performed; D. Youth Activities: Number of projects in which the contestant participated in and what he did; E. What part the contestant took in Buddy Poppy sales; F. How much time was lost from work in each project; G. How much money contestant spent in attending meetings out of his area in which he was not reimbursed; and H. Approximately the time, money, and miles traveled in performing tasks beyond the call of duty. 3. Nominee from each Post to be submitted to the District Commander, who will appoint a committee of at least three members to select the winner in his District. Each District Commander will be responsible for forwarding the application of the winner in his District to Department Headquarters. **ENTRIES MUST BE AT STATE HEADQUARTERS BY MAY 8, 2015 by 5:00 PM.

15 GEORGE C. DALBY PERPETUAL TROPHY NOMINATION BLANK VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA Name of Comrade (Post Commanders and District Commanders excluded): Post Number: Address: A. Number of dues collected: B. Hospital Visits (visits to Comrades in hospitals and in homes): C. Community Activities (number of projects participated in what part the contestant performed): D. Youth Activities (number of projects in which the contestant participated and what he did): E. What part the contestant took in the Buddy Poppy Sales: F. How much time missed from work in each project: G. How much money contestant spent in attending meetings out of his area in which he was not reimbursed: H. Approximately the time, money, and miles traveled in performing tasked beyond the call of duty: REMARKS:

16 GEORGE E. McCRACKEN HONOR GUARD/COLOR GUARD PLAQUE ENTRY FORM George E. McCracken served for over 30 years as the State Honor Guard Captain and knows of the many hours, out-of-pocket funds given by these truly special groups, who serve with pride, dignity, and honor throughout the state, representing their Posts and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. This contest runs from July 1 to the following May. To enter, a Post must submit a complete detailed report of the participation and activities of their Post Honor/Color Guard, including the following: Post Number: Post Name: Number of Parades: Number of Funerals: Number of Flag Raising Ceremonies: Number of Members Participating: Other Activities: This report must be submitted to STATE HEADQUARTERS by 5:00 p.m., May 8, 2015 for the STATE AWARD JUDGING.

17 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA CHAIRMAN, CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE 93rd Annual State Convention, Fort Magruder Hotel, Williamsburg, Virginia June 11-14, 2015 Below are listed the Delegates and alternates duly elected at a regular meeting of Post on the day of, Official: Post Adjutant Yours in Comradeship, Post Commander MAIL TO: State Adjutant 403 Lee Jackson Hwy Staunton, VA Elect one (1) Delegate and one (1) Alternate for each 30 members or fraction thereof in good standing in the Post at the date of election. Delegate strength to be based on State Quartermasters records as of May 11, 2015, with the exception of New Posts organized after that date and prior to opening date of State Convention - June 11, 2015.

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19 93 rd ANNUAL CONVENTION DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES FORT MAGRUDER HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER, WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA JUNE 11 14, 2015 Eugene Chavis Convention Chairman Tentative Subject to Change Kathy Goodall Convention Vice Chairman Thursday, June 11, :30 AM 1:00 PM REGISTRATION, MOC CLARA BARTON 11:00 AM NOON COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATON MEETING EARLY S NOON 4:00 PM REGISTRATION, VFW CLARA BARTON 2:30 PM 4:00 PM JOINT MEMORIAL SERVICES RICHMOND HALL 6:00 PM 10:30 PM JOINT PRESENTATION OF AWARDS RICHMOND HALL Friday, June 12, :00 AM 5:00 PM REGISTRATION, VFW CLARA BARTON 9:00 AM 11:00 AM JOINT OPENING SESSION HILLS & MCCLELLANS 9:30 AM 1:00 PM REGISTRATION, MOC 11:30 AM 2:00 PM COMMANDERS CLUB LUNCHEON EMORYS 2:30 PM 5:00 PM BUSINESS SESSION PETERSBURG HALL (NOMINATION OF STATE OFFICERS) 5:30 PM 8:00 PM COOTIE GRAND SCRATCH EMORYS 9:00 PM 1:00 AM COOTIE DANCE DJ RICHMOND HALL Saturday, June 13, :30 AM 8:30 AM PAST STATE COMMANDERS/PRESIDENTS BREAKFAST STUARTS 9:00 AM 1:00 PM REGISTRATION, VFW CLARA BARTON 9:00 AM 12:00 PM BUSINESS SESSION PETERSBURG HALL 1:00 PM 3:00 PM BUSINESS SESSION PETERSBURG HALL (ELECTION & INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS) 3:00 PM 4:00 PM VFW RIDERS MEETING TBD 3:00 PM 4:00 PM MENS AUX MEETING TBD 6:00 PM 10:00 PM RECEPTION/ DANCE DJ PETERSBURG HALL Sunday, June 14, :00 AM 9:30 AM JOINT DEVOTIONAL SERVICE EMORYS 9:30 AM 12:00 PM NEW DISTRICT COMMANDERS SCHOOL PETERSBURG HALL 12:00 PM 1:00 PM COUNCIL MEETING IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CLOSE OF CONVENTION PETERSBURG HALL Registration $5.00 (All VFW members are required to register) FRIDAY COOTIE DANCE: $10.00 per person SATURDAY RECEPTION/ DANCE WILL BE FREE TO ALL ATTENDING THE STATE CONVENTION Bottles will be permitted in the ballroom during Fridays dance. The hotel will furnish ice and mix. HOSPITALITY ROOMS State Kearney s **Second District Room 467** Tenth District - Room 367** Cooties 269 & 271

20 JOIN US FOR A DAY OF FUN GOLF SPONSOR BY VFW STATE GOLF TOURNAMENT WHERE AT FORT EUSTIS, NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA 3518 MULBERRY ISLAND JUNE 10, :00 AM CHECK IN 9:00 AM SHOTGUN START-CAPTAIN S CHOICE ENTRY FEE-$65.00 PER PERSON SPONSOR-A-HOLE AND FOURSOME-$ SPONSOR A HOLE-$ VFW POSTS AND PUP TENTS IF YOU CAN NOT MAKE IT WE WOULD LIKE YOUR DONATION OF $ TO SPONSOR A HOLE FOR VFW NATIONAL HOME FOR CHILDREN. THANK YOU!! ENTRY FEE INCLUDE RANGE BALL, GREEN FEES, CART, DRINKS ON THE COURSE AND LUNCH THERE ARE PRIZE FOR FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, AND FOURTH PLACE LONGEST DRIVE, BEST WOMAN, BEST MAN, CLOSEST TO THE PIN 50/50 AND DOOR PRIZES $10, HOLE-IN-ONE PRIZE ALSO OTHER HOLE-IN-ONE PRIZES (ALL PROCEEDS SUPORT THE VFW NATIONAL HOME FOR CHILDREN) PLEASE COMPLETE THE ENTRY FORM AND RETURN IT WITH YOUR PAYMENT BY 5/30/2015 VFW DEPARMENT OF VIRGINIA 403 LEE JACKSON HIGHWAY STAUNTON, VA SPONSOR NAME SPONSOR-A-HOLE $ SPONSOR A HOLE AND A FOURSON$ PLAYER 1 PLAYER 2 PLAYER 3 PLAYER 4 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ROBERT (ARCH) #

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23 PREPARING A RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE NATIONAL CONVENTION The policy of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is established by resolutions adopted by the delegates attending Department and National Conventions. Most such resolutions originate at the Post level and are passed through the District and Department before being acted upon at a National Convention. Many times, an otherwise worthy idea gets nowhere merely because it is not correctly presented. A resolution contains two separate parts; a statement of the problem to be solved, and the proposed solution to the problem. The problem is outlined in the "WHEREAS" clauses, and the proposed solution is given in the "RESOLVED" section. The "RESOLVED" section of a resolution should be complete in itself without depending on the "WHEREAS" clauses to give it meaning. EXAMPLE: WHEREAS, the rising cost of living has created an intense hardship on those disabled veterans whose only income is a meager pension check; now, therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that we petition Congress to enact legislation which would provide a substantial increase in non-service connected pension rates. (Note: The "RESOLVED" section has a proposed solution that makes sense and can stand alone without the "WHEREAS" clause giving it meaning.) A resolution may deal with a local problem. It needs no action on a level higher than that of the Post. If the problem concerns an area larger than that served by the Post, it should, after Post approval, be presented before the District or County Council. All resolutions of statewide, regional or national concern must be acted upon by the Department Convention. Those resolutions approved by a Department Convention, which affect persons or matters outside the state boundaries, must be forwarded to the National Convention for final disposition. When submitting a resolution to the Department Convention, a notation on the bottom should show the previous action taken, such as, approval by Post and, if applicable, by the District. A Post or District submitting a resolution to its Department Convention must follow guidelines established by the Department, which may require submitting the resolution to the Department Adjutant prior to the convening of the convention. Resolutions not in proper form, unclear as to meaning, or concerning matters clearly not within the scope and purpose of the Veterans of Foreign Wars cannot be considered by the National Convention. Resolutions approved by a Department Convention, which affect matters outside state boundaries, must be forwarded by the Department Adjutant to the National Convention for final disposition. Approved resolutions should be sent to national headquarters at the close of the department convention. The Adjutant General requests all resolutions be forwarded to National Headquarters on or before the first working day of July. A resolution disapproved by the Department Convention or not acted upon by the Department Convention will not be considered by the National Convention. Resolutions may also be originated by Department officers or by the Department Convention itself and acted upon by the Department Convention. A National Officer may originate a resolution concerning National affairs and submit it directly to the National Convention without Department action. Likewise, a National Convention Committee may originate a resolution and present it for approval during the National Convention. Policy set by the National Convention is binding upon all subordinate units of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. No Post or Department is permitted to take any individual action or espouse any cause contrary to the National By-Laws or to the actions of the National Convention except that it may propose changes in policy by the preparation of a resolution for consideration as outlined herein.

24 PREPARING PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE NATIONAL BY-LAWS, MANUAL OF PROCEDURE OR RITUAL By-Laws: Any member in good standing, a Post, a District, or a Department, may propose an amendment to the National By-Laws; provided, however, before consideration at the National Convention, the proposed amendment must be approved by a Department Convention. Immediately following a Department Convention, the proposed amendment(s) must be forwarded to National Headquarters. Manual of Procedure and Ritual: Any Post, District, or Department may propose an amendment to the Manual of Procedure or Ritual; provided, however, before consideration at the National Convention, the proposed amendment must have been forwarded, through channel and have been properly approved. In order to meet National By-Law/Manual of Procedure Article XIV requirements, to provide 15 day notice to all Posts of all amendments, the Adjutant General requests all amendments be forwarded to National Headquarters on or before the first working day of July. By-Law, Manual of Procedure or Ritual changes not in proper form, unclear as to meaning, or concerning matters clearly not within the scope and purpose of the Veterans of Foreign Wars cannot be considered by the National Convention. A proposed change to the National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure or Ritual must be submitted as such, not as a resolution. Proposed amendments must be definite and specific as to the verbiage to be deleted or added. Use of the most recent amended copy of the National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual is encouraged, as proposed changes considered by convention delegates cannot be amended on the floor. EXAMPLE 1: Proposed Amendment to National By-Laws proposed by Department of. Section By-Laws Amend Section 202, National By-Laws, by deleting the words "two-thirds (2/3)" in the first sentence of paragraph one, and inserting, in lieu thereof, the following: "majority". EXAMPLE 2: Proposed Amendment to National Manual of Procedure proposed by Department of. Section 518- Officers: Duties and Obligations. Amend Section 518, Manual of Procedure, by deleting paragraph (a) (1) d. in its entirety and inserting, in lieu thereof, the following: "Plan and organize all social functions." EXAMPLE 3: Proposed Amendment to National Ritual proposed by Department of. Amend the Ritual by deleting on page 48, in the last sentence of the Member's Obligation, the words "and a citizen of our great republic." Further amend by placing a period after the word "comrade" in the same sentence. If you require help composing a proposed change to the Bylaws, Manual of Procedure or Ritual, please contact Administrative Operations at National Headquarters for advice and assistance in properly preparing a proposed amendment to be voted upon by your department convention.

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26 Saturday, July 18, 2015 VFW 116th National Convention Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania David L. Lawrence Convention Center Tentative July 18-22, 2015 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) Sunday, July 19, :00 a.m. Gold Star Families Reception 7:00 a.m. Catholic Mass 7:00 a.m. Protestant Service 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.. VFW Health Fair 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. VFW Registration/Exhibits 8:30 a.m. Memorial Service 10:00 a.m.-noon Membership Workshop 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 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. VFW Programs Workshop Committee Meetings: 1:45 p.m. Resolutions Committees 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)

27 Sunday, July 19, 2015 (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 Monday, July 20, :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.-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 21, :30 a.m.-8:00 a.m. Chaplains Workshop 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.-11:30 a.m. VFW Business Session 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Incoming CIC (Dept. Cmdrs.) Luncheon by invitation 11:30 a. m.-1:30 p.m. All-American Commanders Lunch 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. SVC/SVP Luncheon by invitation 1:00-2:30 p.m. JVC/JVP Luncheon by invitation 2:00 p. m 3:00 p.m. Grants and Fundraising Ideas for Posts 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Communications & Public Affairs Workshop 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Workshops National Home 6:30 p.m. Patriotic Celebration Wednesday, July 22, :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) Updated: 11/4/2014 1:18 PM

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