August Military Order of the Purple Heart & Auxiliary. Department Commander. Dept of MI MOPH Newsletter

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1 Dept of MI MOPH Newsletter Military Order of the Purple Heart & Auxiliary August 2018 Special points of interest: Department Commander Officer articles Nick Luxon sharing news Fall Convention information and registration Deadline for next newsletter December 20th, 2018 Patriots, First and foremost, I'd like to say thank you for giving me the honor of being your Commander. It's not until you actually become a Commander do you fully understand what that entails. So, for all you Past Commanders, my hat goes off to you. I'm pleased to say that as far as visiting our Battle Creek and Grand Rapids Medical and Veterans Home facilities I've had the pleasure of the company of the Auxiliary President Sharon Paul and Regional President Chris Cole who assisted in our tour at Grand Rapids. Janet has been with us for all our travels. Together we enjoyed being toured around each facility by one of the Staff members. It was clear to see that our Veterans were well taken care of. There were plenty of activities, such as Wood Working, Arts and crafts, Ceramics and an internet room. The Veterans can sell their finished Crafts for extra money, and from what I've seen, some of the items are worthy of buying. After each visit, the Staff couldn't thank us enough for the support MOPH and MOPH Auxiliary have given them over the years. Sharon and I revisited Grand Rapids for the Veterans Fair. Again, Chris met us there. It was exciting to see how many Veterans came and enjoyed themselves. We walked around and talked to many Veterans and took time to thank each of the Vendor's for taking time to show their support. As a former UAW Skilled Tradesman I made my way to their booth to thank them for their support. I am from Local 900, who also supports all the Veterans by putting up a huge wooden American Flag that hangs on their wall for all to see whenever there's a function going on. Now that the National Convention is over and changes have been made a National Commander voted in, bypassing the Jr. and Sr. Commanders Chair, who has promised to bring THE MOPH out of financial problems and work with the Foundation to do what they were contracted to do. I want to thank Dennis Wallot for his part as an Officer for the MOPH Dept of Michigan and for giving me some insight information about the candidates. As an update to the two bylaw changes Michigan submitted to National - when they came to be voted on, the recommendation of the Bylaws Committee was to vote against them. it was Dennis that explained why these bylaws should be passed and the vote was unanimous for approval by the Order. Dennis is well respected by the National Convention MOPH. On a lighter note, Janet and I attended an invitation to Mount Vernon Ceremony for MOPH and the Anniversary for the Badge of Merit. It was a great two days. This is something every Purple Heart Recipient should put on their Calendar. We all know that August 7th is the time frame, give it some thought. Best regards, Department Commander Ron Gainer, MOPH Commander, Department of Michigan Continued

2 Department Commander cont. Photos (right) that Janet and I took while in Mount Vernon. It was an extraordinary event and I recommend it to all. Dept Sr Vice Commander Patriots, Boy, where has this summer gone? Since our last department meeting I ve attended a memorial dedication at Hastings, followed by a Memorial Day event at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Later in the month of June, I had my back operated on. That was followed by the National Convention at Spokane Washington. Now that was painful but we survived it. I am now getting ready to visit two VA hospitals in the UP with Ronnie Gainer and Sharon Paul. Just a little letter of appreciation to the MOPH for promoting me with the responsibility of the Sr. Vice position. It is such a great organization that I love from the bottom of my heart - it gives fellowship with a group that totally understand the most important thing that we ever went through in Vietnam. Most of us did not want to be there (me included) but it became most memorable in my life. For years I thought it about it every day, the events seem like it happen just yesterday. Even though at times you would like to forget them, there s always the deep friends that you learn to love and those that you lost. It became the most important thing in my life and it still is, though the fellowship that I formed with in the Purple Heart group and is the best thing I have had since then. The many things that I can know share with people who can actually understand what I have been though with those who have been though similar experiences because they have been there too. The Purple Heart is the best and fairest organization I have belong too. So thank you so much for what you have trusted me with. Robert Eaton, Sr Vice Cmdr. Dept of MI Dept Jr Vice Commander As your Jr Vice Commander, my travels have taken me to Ludington with the Fish on for Freedom and the Walleye for Warriors in Linwood. This past June I signed and transfer Purple Heart Family from Texas. Talked with families in Port Sanilac about P.T.S.D issues and where to find help. I ll be looking forward on seeing everyone this October. Alex Valenzuela, Jr Vice Cmdr. Dept of MI In pictures (rt) On June I attended Fish on for Freedom and talked with veterans about joining purple heart. While there I found time to present two merit coins to WW-2 veterans bringing tears for everyone there. Continued Page 2

3 Dept of MI MOPH Newsletter Dept Jr Vice Commander cont. On June 16 I participated with Walleye for Warriors. I talked with veterans having issues and directed them to the National Service Office for M.O.P.H Thanks to Greg Jajo Chapter 514 member for collecting can goods donations for our area veterans, The items were distributed by Jr Vice and Auxiliary 514 along with some area school volunteers. Page 3

4 Department Adjutant Patriots, First of all, I would like to thank all of the Chapter Finance Officers that have completed their 990-N filing with I.R.S. completed and turned in. We are still missing a couple of those. All Finance Officers need to make sure these documents are completed and submitted with copy of confirmation to me. I would also like to thank the Chapter Adjutants that paid attention to the Fall Convention mailing that included a Life Membership Verification report. In trying to make this as painless as possible, all that was required was to sign and return to me. Again, I am missing some that have not returned the necessary form. Remember, NO I.R.S. filing, NO REBATE. NO LIFE MEMBERSHIP VERIFICATION REPORT, NO REBATE! Your funds from Department are also jeopardized if the Chapter is not in compliance. When the necessary documents are not submitted your CHAPTER IS LOSING FUNDS! These completed reports are the easiest way for Chapters to receive funds to assist other veterans in the community. Our Newsletter has changed to allow for more articles, pictures and information to share. If no one sends in articles then why do we need a newsletter? Your officers are lead by example by letting you know what they are accomplishing and can share that in your newsletter. Please encourage sending events your chapter is or has participated in to Jan at jknapp@purpleheartmi.com and ask your elected officers to do the same. Without more input, we will be forced to discontinue it. You can make the difference! Thanks Ron Knapp, Adjutant Department President Auxiliary Members, So far this year, I ve been busy visiting the VA Hospitals and Homes. Just one day before leaving for the National Convention in Spokane, I joined up with Commander Ronnie and his wife Janet where we had the pleasure of attending the Grand Rapids Carnival that was so amazing. We all truly enjoyed the it. July 29 th we got on our planes and flew to Spokane Washington We had some good meetings at he National Convention which I will share with you at Fall Convention. The Memorial Service was very nice and our Past National/ Past Department MOPH Chaplain was recognized. He was highly respected and a true inspiration to the members of this organization. August 21 we will be going to tour Saginaw which I am looking forward to. Then on August 29th and 30th we are going to Jacobetti and Iron Mountain. I am really excited to see the Hospital. Every Hospital we go to is different but they all meet the Veterans needs in their own unique way. Please see the following page with a few pictures I ve collected along the way. Sharon Paul, President Dept of MI MOPHA Continued Page 4

5 Dept of MI MOPH Newsletter Department President cont. Chapter 1879 News Chapter 1879 bought 8 guitars for the behavioral health at Oscar G Johnson VAMC in Iron Mountain where they teach guitar lessons to veterans. Page 5

6 Dept of MI MOPH Newsletter The following 2 pages are information provided to us by Nick Luxon. Thanks Nick for keeping us in the loop on newsworthy articles. Macomb County s Sebille Manor returns to service as site of new Southeast Michigan Veterans Home The site has strong military ties. Sebille Manor is named for Air Force Major Louis Sebille who was the first member of the United States Air Force to receive the Medal of Honor since its establishment as a separate military service in September of He was born on November 21, 1915, in Harbor Beach, Michigan and was killed in action near Hanchang, Korea, on August 5, It is a tremendous honor to build a new veterans home on a site that formerly housed military servicemembers and their families and is named for a true Michigan hero, said Major General Gregory Vadnais. I want to thank the Department of the Army for working with us to secure this purchase and return Sebille Manor to service. SITE ARIAL NEIGHBORHOOD FLOOR PLAN COMMUNITY CENTER Highlights of the meeting held Monday August 13, at Ann Arbor VA Healthcare Hospital. Ginny Creasman, Pharm.D., FACHE new Director of Ann Arbor Healthcare System gave the management report. She explained all the new construction, - the Trust Agreement which calls Veterans after their appointments to have them share their experience at the Medical Center. - Ann Arbor currently has 67,000 Veterans coming to the Medical Center and Community Based Outreach Clinics. - Dr. Creasman explained capture program, working hard with the Veterans to make sure they are satisfied with their medical experience, giving us recommendations and input. Bev Conatser, Chief Voluntary Services gave report on Volunteer program and activities. - Ann Arbor currently has 715 active volunteers, - Suicide prevention Ann Arbor has had 95 outreach events, 335 unique Veterans have been identified with 56 in program for help. AA is getting faith based organizations to help the VA identify Veterans suffering from PTSD and Depression. - AA VAVS will go in with the hospital employee association to hold a fund raiser and share the funds. - Hospital in need of a volunteer barber to come in for the CLC to give haircuts. Ann Arbor Fisher House group has raised 2.1 million dollars toward the 3.5 they need to start construction in 2019 with many events planned. - Ann Arbor received 5 star sail rating on their CLC program and Primary care 3 days Specialty care 6.3 days - POW MIA program September 21, Veteran Days program November 12, VAVS Summer kick off event raised $1,900 - AA Caregiver Veteran Program currently has 25 Veterans in program with 24 Volunteers giving 526 hours to date. - AA would like more volunteers for their outreach program to work with staff and attend outreach events. - CWTP (compensated work therapy program) will be holding their picnic and need help - Cheryl Allen, Women Veteran Program Manager gave an update on this program and all they are doing for female Veterans. AA has 6,000 female Veterans going to the medical center. Page 6

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10 Backpack and Troop Package Project Update Chapters - The Backpack and Troop Package Projects are well underway and we welcome your donations. Our Troop Package Committee is looking for donations for the following items. Monetary donations are always welcome, we would be happy to do the shopping. I know our Troops Appreciate that we are thinking of them, especially at the Holidays. Sherry, Chris, and Connie Pocket Kleenex Chap Sticks Hand Creams (sample size) Licorice Halls Cough Drops Coffee and Drink packages (single) Pop Tarts Granola bars Cereal Bars Raisins (small boxes) Peanuts (single servings) Beef Jerky Hard Candy Gum Decks of Cards Dried Fruit Tuna and chicken in (small boxes with crackers) Black Socks Black Stocking Caps