DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA

Transcription

1 State HQ received many complaints regarding the Membership Divisions in the original Membership Program. Many were dissatisfied with only ten (10) divisions. We have realigned the Department Membership Divisions to allow for twenty (20) divisions as shown in this document. Please keep in mind that this is for the Department s membership contests. National s membership contests are based on the ten (10) divisions found on page 36 of the Membership Program. DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES Department Headquarters 4002 Fenton Ave. Harrisburg, PA Phone: (717) Fax: (717)

2 Table of Contents Page Commander s Message 1 Membership Chairman s Message 2 Special Notices and Exceptions 3 Individual Membership Recruiting Rewards 4 State Commander s Pin, Tie Bar & Shirt Order Form 5 State Commander s Pin, Tie Bar, Shirt & Hat Order Form 6 Post Early Bird Reward Contests 7 Post Level Contests 8 Commander s Contest for Post Commanders/QMs 9 All State Post Commander/QM Contest 10 All State Post Membership Divisions 11 Mandatory All State Worksheet District Awards 14 District Commander Awards 15 District & Department Membership Chairmen Awards 16 Membership Plaques and Awards 17 Tools to Boost Membership The Three Rs Department Membership Team 21 PA VFW District Membership Map 22 Dates to Remember Planning Calendar National Membership Program All American Program All American Post & District Divisions 36 Post All American Check List 37

3 Message From State Commander Ruth Fairchild It has been said that there is strength in numbers. Each year the number of members in the VFW decreases. With this decrease our speaking voice on Capital Hill gets weaker, softer, and harder to be heard. If we let this happen, what s to happen to ensure our benefits and the benefits of our current and future veterans are maintained and increased when needed? In order to combat these legislative issues we must do three (3) things: #1 We must Recruit new members. If each member in our post recruits one new member, think how many members that would add up to across the state. #2 We must Reinstate members. Show members that have left, that the VFW is not just a bar. It s a place to do things not only for each other, but, for our youth, our community and our military. #3 The biggest one of all. We must Retain our current members. If we don t hang on to the members we have or the new members we brought in, then our efforts are in vain. I encourage each post to put together their own membership team. I encourage each of you to reach out and make a phone call or better yet, personally visit potential members and lost members and show them the VFW cares and they and their families are welcome to become a part of the VFW family. Please don t hesitate to contact myself or any of the Membership team with any questions you may have. May God bless each of you, your families, our troops and as always, the United States of America. Ruth 1

4 Message From Membership Chairman - Cecil Dennis You asked for a change, and you got it. At the suggestion of the Council of Administration, the Department Divisions are now the same as the National Divisions. The National Divisions changed this year so make sure you make yourself aware of the Division and Membership Quota for your respective Post. Take time to read over the Membership Program and familiarize yourself with the individual contests, awards, and deadline dates. Department All State Program cut-off date is April 30, For National All-American, the cut-off date is June 30, To qualify for All State award, the Post Commander and Quartermaster Worksheet found on pages must be completed and sent to Department Headquarters by April 30, In all reality it is not difficult to obtain a 100% rating. It just requires dedication. Dig in and renew your delinquent members! Get on the phone. Be in the public eye and let folks in your area know that the VFW is not a drinking club, but rather a vital part of the community. Ensure that your active duty troops dues are maintained as continuous as long as they are serving. If they are willing to spill their blood for us, the least we can do is to maintain their membership. Visit the local nursing and assisted care homes in your area. Do not let residents there have their membership lapse. Spend some time with them. All too often their comrades forget them and they are left all alone in a crowd of people. Make yourselves familiar with the membership contests and set your goals early. Awards have increased in the contests. Get out and recruit! Set up a table at fairs, parades and community activities. Host a veteran s open house at your Post with VA Reps, healthcare providers and other organizations that help veterans. You will be amazed at how many new memberships you will get by simply letting fellow veterans know that you care about them. Let s keep our common bonds strong and remain as an organization that honors our fallen comrades by providing for the living. I m only a phone call away and will be glad to help you get your membership program rolling in the right direction. Our other nationally trained recruiters are also ready to help you Cecil K. Dennis 2

5 Membership Programs Special Notices and Exceptions All continuous, new, and reinstated life members must be verified by National Headquarters for all Department Contests. All Department Membership Contests end April 30, 2013 unless otherwise stated. Individuals, Posts and Districts can only win one time in each contest or category unless otherwise stated. The Department Membership Team will make the final determination of all Department awards. All contest checks will become the property of the Post or District unless otherwise stated. All checks will be made out to the Post or District Quartermaster unless otherwise stated. All Awards are non transferable. All requirements for All State Awards must be met in the current Commander s Membership Deadlines July 1, 2012 until April 30, 2013, unless otherwise stated. All membership transmittals for All State Status must be recorded at National Headquarters (NOT POSTMARKED) by noon April 30, All membership transmittals for All American Status must reach National Headquarters (NOT POSTMARKED) by noon, June 30, If contest per diem overlaps, state per diem value will be paid. Posts receiving Legacy Life Memberships will determine the recipient and contact Department with the name within 60 days of notification of the award. 3

6 Individual Membership Recruiting Rewards Convention Recruiting Award Contest # 1 Any VFW or Auxiliary member who recruits a new VFW member will have his or her name entered into a random drawing for one of the following Convention Recruiting Awards. Awards are non-transferable. Win 1 Trip to the 113 th National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. This award will include round trip airfare (air travel arrangements must be made with Veterans Travel Service) and $300 to help defray hotel accommodations. Win 1 Award of three days hotel per diem to the 2013 Department Convention in Lancaster, PA. Win 1 of 10 Admission Tickets to the 2013 Department Convention Dinner/ Banquet in Lancaster, PA. State Commander s Pin, Tie Bar, Shirt and Ball Cap Program Contest # 2 A State Commander s Personal Pin and Tie Bar will be awarded to the member who signs up 5 new and/or reinstated members. (Form on Page 5 must be submitted) Contest # 3 A State Commander s Personal Pin, Tie Bar and Polo Shirt will be awarded to the member who signs up 10 new and/or reinstated members. (Form on Page 5 must be submitted) Contest # 4 A State Commander s Personal Pin Tie Bar, Polo Shirt and Ball Cap will be awarded to the member who signs up 15 new members. (Form on Page 6 must be submitted) Contest # 5 Any member who recruits 20 new and/or reinstated members will have his/her name entered into a random drawing for one (1) of two (2) Bronze Legacy Life Memberships. (National Recruiter Report will be used to determine names). If the recipient is currently a Bronze Legacy Life Member the award will be upgraded to the next level. 4

7 VFW Membership Program State Commander s Pin and Tie Bar Award This will certify that I have signed up 5 new/reinstated VFW members between July 1, 2012 and April 30, 2013 Name (please print) Address Post # District # Print the names of the individuals you have signed up as a new VFW member below This form must be verified by the signature of your Post Quartermaster Post Quartermaster s Name Quartermaster s Signature VFW Membership Program State Commander s Pin, Tie Bar and Shirt Award This will certify that I have signed up 10 new/reinstated VFW members between July 1, 2012 and April 30, 2013 Name (please print) Shirt Size: Address Post # District # Print the names of the individuals you have signed up as a new VFW member below This form must be verified by the signature of your Post Quartermaster Post Quartermaster s Name Quartermaster s Signature 5

8 VFW Membership Program State Commander s Pin, Tie Bar and Shirt and Hat Award This will certify that I have signed up 15 new/reinstated VFW members between July 1, 2012 and April 30, 2013 Name (please print) _Shirt Size Address Post # District # Print the names of the individuals you have signed up as a new VFW member below This form must be verified by the signature of your Post Quartermaster Post Quartermaster s Name Quartermaster s Signature 6

9 Cash Bonus Early Bird Specials for Posts All Posts that attain their membership goal properly reported by the dates listed below will receive the monetary award for each member and a bonus for each member properly reported over their membership goal. Contest # 6 Contest #7 Contest #8 December 31, $1.00/member + $3.00 bonus February 28, $0.50/member + $2.00 bonus April 30, $0.25/member + $1.00 bonus Early Bird Bonus for New Members Who Sign Up as Life Members Any Post that properly reports 10 New Life Members by the dates listed below, will receive the monetary award for that contest. Posts do not need to be 100% in membership. (The new life member must be a new member to the VFW or reinstated member who had not paid dues the previous year.) Contest #9 December 31, 2012 $10.00 per new life member Contest #10 February 28, 2013 $5.00 per new life member Early Bird Bonus for New or Reinstated Members Contest #11 Each Post that properly reports 30 new members or 30 reinstated members or a total of 30 new/reinstated members by December 31, 2012 will receive a $200 gift certificate for the VFW Store. Post does not need to be 100% in membership. Post reporting the most new, reinstated or total of both will receive a Legacy Life Membership. Contest #12 Post that reports the most reinstated members by December 31, 2012 will receive two (2) Legacy Life Memberships. 7

10 Post Level Contests (Post Divisions 1-10) Life Membership Achievement Awards All Posts that properly report their membership goal including 5 New Life Members, by the dates listed below, will receive the monetary award and Legacy Life Membership for that contest. (The new life member must be a new member to the VFW or reinstated member who had not paid their dues the previous year.) Contest #13 December 31, 2012 Contest #14 February 28, 2013 Contest #15 April 30, 2013 $400 plus a Legacy Life Membership $150 plus a Legacy Life Membership $50 plus a Legacy Life Membership (Post Divisions 11-20) (Grass Roots Posts) Grass Roots Posts that properly report their membership goal including 10 new/reinstated members on the dates listed below will receive a monetary award and Legacy Life Membership Contest #16 December 31, 2012 $400 plus a Legacy Life Membership Contest #17 February 28, 2013 $150 plus a Legacy Life Membership Contest #18 April 30, 2013 $50 plus a Legacy Life Membership 8

11 Commanders Contest for Post Commanders And Post Quartermasters A total of 5 Life Memberships or Bronze Legacy Life Memberships will be awarded by a drawing to the Post Commanders or Post Quartermasters that have properly reported their membership goal by the dates listed below. Names will be placed separately in a random drawing with new names added on each contest date. The earlier your Post achieves their membership goal the more chances you have to win. Contest #19 December 31, Awards Contest #20 February 28, Awards If the recipient is currently a Bronze Legacy Life Member, the award will be upgraded to the next level. Contest #21 Commanders New/Reinstatement Award The Post Commander, Post Quartermaster and Post Member from each All-State Membership Division with the most new/reinstated members over their membership by February 28, 2013 will be awarded an all expense paid trip (destination and itinerary TBD by State Commander Fairchild) and a personal gift from the Commander. 9

12 All-State Post Commanders and Quartermasters Contest A team of Post Commanders and Quartermasters will be selected as All-State." The selection will be based on the top two (2) Posts in each Department Membership Division with the highest increase in membership and have met all the mandatory requirements. If a Division does not have 2 Posts that qualify for All State Status, a selection will be made from other membership divisions with more than two (2) qualifying Posts. A maximum of twenty (20) posts will be selected. Completion of Mandatory Requirements for All-State Status as listed on All-State Worksheet and Worksheet sent to Department Headquarters. Post's participation in VFW programs as listed on All-State Worksheet. MANADATORY SUBMISSION OF ALL STATE WORKSHEET ON PAGES 12 AND 13 BY APRIL 30, Contest #22 All-State Post Commanders will receive a distinctive VFW Cap and an All-State Commander's Pin. In addition, All-State Post Commanders will receive a gift if they attend the first general session of the State Convention. An outstanding Post Commander will be selected Captain of the All-State Team based on the scoring of the All-State worksheet & membership over their goal and will receive a special gift from State Commander Fairchild at the State Convention. Contest #23 All-State Quartermasters will receive a distinctive VFW Cap and an All-State Quartermaster's Pin. In addition, All-State Post Quartermasters will receive a gift if they attend the first general session of the State Convention. An outstanding Post Quartermaster will be selected Captain of the All-State Team based on the highest total percentage increase in membership over their % membership goal and will receive a special gift from State Commander Fairchild at the State Convention. 10

13 ALL-STATE POST DIVISIONS & QUOTA Membership Minimum % Division UP 105% Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % DISTRICT DIVISIONS & QUOTA Membership Minimum % Division UP 101% Division % Division % Division % Division % Division % 11

14 All State Post Commanders and Quartermasters Worksheet To be considered for All State Status this worksheet must be submitted to Department Headquarters, 4002 Fenton Avenue. Harrisburg, PA Postmarked no later than April 30, 2013 ALL STATE WORKSHEET IS MANDATORY Name Post # District # Mandatory Criteria Membership Properly Reported as attaining percentage goal. Purchase Buddy Poppies (5 per member). Voice of Democracy Entry or Donation to Dept Scholarship Fund (Dept. Division 1-10 $200 Dept. Division $100) (Must be sent to State Headquarters). Patriot s Pen Entry or Donation to Dept Scholarship Fund (Dept. Division 1-10 $200 Dept. Division $100) (Must be sent to Department Headquarters). National Military Service Fund Raiser or donation to NMS Fund (Must be sent to Department Headquarters Earmarked National Military Service).. National Home Donation (Dept. Division 1-10 $100 Dept. Division $50.00) (Must be sent to Department Headquarters Earmarked for National Home) All Quarterly Trustee Reports Including June, 2012 must be on file. Post must have Quartermaster Bonded and on record at Department HQ. Post Commander and/or Sr. Vice Commander and/or Jr. Vice Commander must attend 50% of all District Meetings (Post Cdr must attend at least one). Post must have a registered Service Officer (Current Fee Paid). Post must not be in arrears. (current and prior year) Post Inspection is recorded for All State requirements must be completed July 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013 MANDATORY SUBMISSION OF ALL STATE WORKSHEET 12

15 To be considered for All State Status this worksheet must be submitted to Department Headquarters, 4002 Fenton Avenue. Harrisburg, PA Postmarked no later than April 30, 2013 ALL STATE WORKSHEET IS MANDATORY Pointed Criteria: Points Score Membership % goal by Dec. 31, Or Membership % goal by Feb. 28, Or Membership % goal by Apr. 30, New or Reinstated Member by Dec. 31, each Community Activity Record book Submitted for Judging 10 Americanism Program 5 Community Activities Participation 10 Safety Program 5 Buddy Poppy (quota 10 per member) 20 Youth Activities Participation 10 - Participate in the Adopt a Unit Program 10 Participate in Citizenship Education Teacher Award 10 Donation to Barger Nursing Scholarship 10 Post Officers attend the Dept. Regional School of Instruction 10 Post Inspection completed by December 31, Donation to Homeless Veterans Program 10 Voice of Democracy Student 30 Patriot s Pen Student 30 Records must be on file at Dept. HQ to qualify for contest Total 13

16 District Awards District Membership Achievement Awards* All Districts that properly report their membership will receive an award for the District; dates and awards listed below. Contest #24 December 31, 2012 $600 plus Legacy Life Membership Contest #25 February 28, 2013 $400 Contest #26 April 30, 2013 $ District Life Membership Achievement Award* All Districts that properly report 30 new Life Members will receive an award for the District. (Each new Life Member must be a new member to the VFW or reinstated member who has not paid dues the previous year). Dates and awards listed below. Contest #27 December 31, 2012 $600 Contest #28 February 28, 2013 $400 Contest #29 April 30, 2013 $ District New/Reinstated and New Life Member Award* Contest #30 All Districts that properly report 150 total new/reinstated members and 25 new Life Members by December 31, 2012 will receive an award of $500 for their District. (Each new Life Member must be a new member to the VFW or reinstated member who has not paid dues the previous year). Districts can only win one District Award in each contest category

17 14 District Commander Awards Contest #31 State Commander Fairchild will award a trip to the National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky to all District Commanders who attain their membership goal by December 31, 2012 Each award will include round trip airfare (Air travel arrangements must be made with Veterans Travel Service) to the 114 th National Convention and $300 to help defray hotel accommodations. Contest #32 All District Commanders who have attained their membership goal by April 30, 2013 will receive: All State District Commander s Cap All State District Commander s Shirt Legacy Life Membership Commander s Jacket Special Recognition at the State Convention Contest #33 All District Commanders who have attained their membership goal between May 1, 2012 and May 31, 2012 will receive: Outstanding District Commander s Cap Legacy Life Membership Commander s Jacket Special Recognition at the State Convention Contest #34 If we become an All-American Department, all District Commanders, District Membership Chairman and Certified Recruiters will receive a very special reward from State Commander Fairchild

18 15 District and Department Membership Chairmen Award District Membership Chairmen Awards Contest #35 The first District Membership Chairman from each membership area (East, West, Central) achieving their membership goal by December 31, 2012 will receive a $300 gift certificate from the VFW Store and a Legacy Life Membership. Contest #36 All District Membership Chairmen who attain their membership goal by April 30, 2013 will receive a $200 gift certificate from the VFW Store and a Commander s Jacket. Contest #37 The Certified Recruiter who recruits the most reinstated members from the Delinquent List by April 30, 2013 will receive a Legacy Life Membership or a Gift Certificate from the VFW Store for the value of the Legacy Life Membership, if they are a Gold Legacy Life Member. (Must have at least 25 to qualify and documentation must be sent to Department Quartermaster.) County Council Commander s Award* All County Council s who properly report their membership goal will receive an award for the County. Dates and awards listed below. Contest #38 December 31, 2012 $300 Contest #39 February 28, 2013 $200

19 16 Membership Plaques and Awards The Joe Salvo Award for Individual Post Members Contest #40 A $250 cash award will be presented to the individual member who signs up the most new and reinstated members (over 25 members) between July 1, 2012 and April 30, This award will be presented at the 2013 Department Convention. The National Recruiter Report will be used to verify the member. Chosnyk Plaque Contest #41 This plaque is awarded to the District having the greatest percentage increase as of April 30, Commander s Plaque Contest #42 This plaque is awarded to the Post with the highest numerical increase as of April 30, Robert Musser Memorial Plaque Contest #43 This plaque will be awarded to the Post having attained the greatest percentage of increase as of April 30, Van Zandt Award Contest #44 To be eligible, a Post must recruit at least 25 new/reinstated members prior to April 30, The Post recruiting the most new/reinstated members as a percentage of existing membership receives a plaque. Special Note Districts and Posts must meet their membership goal, properly inspected, and report participation in Community Service, Patriot s Pen Essay, Voice of Democracy, Safety, Youth Activities, Buddy Poppy, Citizenship Education in the current Commander s Membership Year to qualify for trophies and awards. The plaques and the Van Zandt Award will be presented at the first general session of the Convention.

20 17. Tools to Boost Membership Silent Recruiter The silent recruiter is a display that encourages veterans to register to win a flag set courtesy of the VFW, by filling out a coupon and depositing it in a box. To use this tool, select six to ten businesses with high traffic areas in your community. Then, once a month collect the response cards. Hold a drawing to award the flag set. Follow up recruiting the eligible veteran s that filled out a coupon. Outreach Recruiting Set up booths at state, county or local fairs, bazaars, shopping malls, super markets, community shows or events. Have well-dressed members man the booths with flags and membership information of interest to veterans. You may also use this venue to promote the many civic, patriot and youth programs sponsored by the VFW. You may even wish to include the Ladies Auxiliary in this outreach recruiting effort. Posters Make up posters with your Post name, address and phone number and place in the local stores and businesses. Periodicals Offer to make the State and National publications available for the waiting rooms of professional offices doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc. in your town. Place a membership application in the publication. Public Service TV/Radio/Cable Network Advertise your Post. Tell the people you are going to have a Memorial Day Service, Veterans Day Service, Loyalty Day program or other Post or Auxiliary event that would attract community members. Remember, everyone is welcome. Get the word out through Public Service Announcements mailed for fazed to TV and radio stations. Call News Directors or Editors at your local stations for information about submitting Public Service Announcements.

21 18 Post Open House Tools to Boost Membership Have an open house at your Post with your officers, and invite all veterans and their families from the surrounding community. Maybe you can sponsor a free buffet or dinner for local troops or military units that are departing to or returning from overseas deployment. General Networking Ask your relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers if they are veterans eligible to join the VFW or Ladies Auxiliary. You may wish to cross reference the membership of your Post and the Ladies Auxiliary to see that you have recruited every eligible member. National Guard and Reserve Outreach Visit the armory in your area; set up a display table or booth during a training weekend. Coordinate with the National Military Service Program (NMS) established by National. Participate in the Adopt a Unit Program. Support the Military Assistance Program. Welcome Wagon Business people welcome new neighbors to the area. Put a message and/or gift with your Post name and location with the presents the new people receive. This might even include invitations to post community events or post sponsored social events and fundraisers.

22 19 The Three R s Recruit - Retain - Reinstate Remember these Three Rs -Recruit, Retain and Reinstate. They are the foundation of the Department s Membership Program There are far more than 300,000 Pennsylvania veterans eligible to join the ranks of the. The goal of membership growth in the VFW is indeed a realistic one. A good recruiting program is needed to make certain that every eligible veteran is contacted and invited to join our organization. Membership is not an automatic by-product of an effective organization. Increasing our membership takes planning, organization and a year round effort. Membership is the strength that enables us to influence legislation favorable to veteran s entitlements and to assist our Washington Office in ensuring them. As a leader, you have chosen to organize your Post, County Council or District Membership Program. You have taken on a job of tremendous importance. The goals of an effective membership campaign are: 1. To retain our continuous members. 2. To reinstate previous members. 3. To recruit new members from a pool of eligible veterans. 4. To offer Life Membership to new, reinstated and non-life Members. When was the last time you asked a veteran to join the VFW?

23 Department Membership Team Department Membership Chairman Cecil K. Dennis Post Fauncetown Road, Townville, PA District 28 Home (814) Cell (814) Assistant Membership Chairmen Eastern Area John J. Rybcinski Post Willow Street, Dunmore, PA District 10 Home (570) Cell (570) Central Area William J. Mayer Post West King Street, East Berlin, PA District 21 Home (717) Cell (717) National Recruiter Eastern Area Thomas J Nesbitt Post N. 54 th Street, Philadelphia, PA District 1 Home (215) Cell (267) bluehouse5ga@yahoo.com Thomas Starke Post York Rd Apt 4B, Willow Grove, PA District 16 Phone: (215) tjsvpost3612@yahoo.com National Recruiter Central Area William A. Crampton Post Holland Ct., Avondale, PA District 9 Home (610) Cell (484) wacramp@msn.com National Recruiter Western Area Leonard Franklin Post Country Club Ave, Youngstown, OH District 28 Home (330) Cell (330) lfrank2511@aol.com

24 21 Our Department Headquarters: Department of PA VFW 4002 Fenton Avenue Harrisburg, PA (717) Fax (717) Don t forget to check our Department Website at:

25 22 PLANNING CALENDAR SCHEDULE OF VFW MEETINGS AND EVENTS 2012 July 4: Independence Day (HQ s Closed) July 14 & 15: July 21-25: August 10 & 11: Ladies Auxiliary Instructional Weekend- Holiday Inn (York) 2012 National Convention- Reno, NV Department Flying Squadron, Best Western Hotel and Conference Center 800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA August 12: Central Area Officers Training, Post Walnut Hill Road, Millersville, PA (717) August 18: Western Area Officers Training, Post Clairton Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA (412) August 19: Western Area Officers Training, Post Virginia Avenue, Rochester, PA (724) August 25: Eastern Area Officers Training, Post Winola Road, Clarks Summit, PA (570) August 26: Eastern Area Officers Training, Post Mac Dade Blvd., Folsom, PA (610) August 24-26: August September 3: September 4-7: September 7-9: September 10-13: September 11: September 21 September 16-21: September 20-23: October 4-8: October 8: Ladies Auxiliary Fall Conference- Holiday Inn (York) National President s visit Harrisburg, Labor Day- Department HQ Closed Sharing & Caring Commander-In-Chief s Homecoming- Jacksonville, FL Fall Legislative Committee Meeting (Washington D.C.) Patriot Day POW-MIA Day NVS Basic/Phase I Skill Level Training, Annapolis, MD National President s Homecoming- Cedar Rapids, IA Eastern States Conference, Garmish, Germany Columbus Day- Department HQ Closed

26 23 October 11-14: October 19-20: October 28: Junior Vice Commanders Conference (with Adjutant/Quartermasters), Kansas City, MO State Commander s Testimonial-Double Tree Pittsburgh (formerly Radisson Greentree) Statue of Liberty s Birthday November 11: Veterans Day (Department HQ Closed Monday November 12) November 22-23: December 1-6: December 24-25: December 31: 2013 January 1: January 21: February 1-3: February 7-10: February 18: March 2-6: March 2-6: March 4: March 29-April 1: April 5-6: April 21-24: April 26-28: May 1 : May 27: June Thanksgiving Holiday (Department HQ Closed) NVS Advanced/Senior Skill Level Training Christmas Holiday (Department HQ Closed) New Year Holiday (Department HQ Closed) New Year s Day (Department Closed) Martin Luther King Jr Day (Department HQ Closed) Mid-Winter Convention, Lancaster Host, Lancaster, PA National Ladies Auxiliary Mid Year Conference, Clearwater, FL Presidents Day (Department HQ Closed) Voice of Democracy, Washington, D.C. Legislative Conference, Washington, D.C. Senior Vice Commanders Meeting, Washington, D.C. Easter Holiday (Department HQ Closed) Jr. Girls Conference, Holiday Inn (York) NVS Proficiency Training Conference, Annapolis, MD Ladies Auxiliary President s Testimonial, Holiday Inn (York) Loyalty Day Memorial Day (Department HQ Closed) State Convention- Lancaster Host, Lancaster, PA

27 24 Department of Pennsylvania CARING, COMPASSION & CAMARADERIE Department Headquarters 4002 Fenton Avenue Harrisburg, PA (717) Fax: (717) Web Site: Facebook: Search VFW Department of PA