Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars

Transcription

1 1 Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars May We Remember The Fallen June 2018 GENERAL ORDERS No. 12 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> SPECIAL NOTICES <> SPECIAL NOTICES Congratulations to the following Posts for achieving 100%+ in membership James-Longley-Normand Dionne Post 9150, Lewiston * 100% * Commander Robert E. MacDonald Special Notice from the Adjutant s Office: Recently, this office has been notified by several people that some of my outgoing s have been going into the recipients Spam and/or Junk folders or not receiving answers to their s and/or information that I have sent out. Please check your incoming s in those areas and let me know if I have failed to answer any of our s. In checking with my server, they have informed that they control my incoming s but do not control outgoing s with my server being GWI. Uniform of the Day for State Convention: >Joint Opening Session/Business Meetings > Summer Uniform (White Shirt, Grey Slacks) >Memorial Service > Blue and Grey Uniform or proper attire (No jeans, shorts, T-Shirts or Tank Tops) >State Banquet > Business Casual (No jeans shorts, T-Shirts or Tank Tops) >Installation of Officers/Chairman > Blue & Grey Uniform, VFW Hats for all participants >CoA Meeting > Summer Uniform (Grey Slacks, White Shirts) <><><><><><><><><><><><><> 1. State Convention: Will be held at the Ramada Inn Bangor, 357 Odlin Rd., Bangor, ME. Rates for rooms are $ Tax (1-4 persons)(all Non-Smoking rooms). Cut-off date for Reservations is 8 June Please make sure that when calling for reservations that you inform the Ramada that you are with the VFW for our State Convention. Several other motels in the area are available as listed on the flyer as attached to these GOs. Out National Representative will be Quartermaster General Debra L. Anderson. Let us give all be there to give her a great welcome to the Department of Maine, VFW. NOTE: All functions for our State Convention will be held at the Ramada Inn to include the annual Memorial Service. 2. State Convention Flyers: Please note that the following flyers for our upcoming State Convention are listed in this General Orders as follows: >Hotel Information: Deadline to make reservations at the Headquarters Hotel is 8 June >Pre-Convention Registration: Deadline for Pre-Registration is 15 June 2018 where you will save $3.00. >VFW Convention Banquet: Cost is $ Please note deadline for ticket purchase is 18 June Meeting dates for Year : The following dates have been established for the Department: Jun 18 > State Convention, Bangor, ME 24 Jun 18 > CoA Meting, Bangor, ME 13 Oct 18 > CoA Meeting, State President Testimonial, Bangor, ME 12 Jan 19 > CoA Meeting, Voice of Democracy/Patriot s Pen/Teacher of the Year Banquet * Bangor, ME

2 13 Apr 19 > CoA Meeting, State Commander/President Joint Testimonial, Portland ME Jun 19 (Tentative) > State Convention/CoA Meeting, Bangor, ME 4. Post, District Commanders, Adjutants and Quartermasters: Are reminded of the requirements of Sections 216, 416 and 516 of the Manual of Procedure with regard to proof of eligibility for all newly-elected and appointed officers. Elected and appointed officers shall not be installed or assume the duties of their office until proof of eligibility has been submitted and properly reviewed. Failure or refusal to submit proof of eligibility within thirty (30) days of election or appointment shall result in the office being declared vacant. 5. Attention is called to the provisions of Section 703 of the National By-Laws: Require that each officer accountable for funds or property pursuant to any provision of these By-Laws shall be bonded with an indemnity company as surety in a sum at least equal to the amount of the liquid assets for which, so far as can be anticipated, they may be accountable. The bond premium shall be paid from the funds of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Department, District, County Council or Post, as the case may be, to which each officer is accountable. The bonds of such accountable officers, in amount and as to surety, shall be approved by their respective units and held by their respective Commanders. The Commander of each unit shall be responsible for the proper and adequate bonding of all accountable officers in their unit. 6. Section 218 of the Manual of Procedure: Requires that the Post Commander shall see that the Post Trustees Reports of Audit are properly prepared and submitted each quarter. 7. Attention is Directed to the Provisions of Section 222(d) of the National By-Laws: Each Post will pay, in advance, a national convention registration fee of $25.00 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 $10.00 delegate fee. Post Quartermasters are encouraged to register their delegate on-line through the Online Membership System (OMS). Posts failing to comply with this provision will be considered delinquent and in arrears. 8. Arrearage: Any Post in arrears for National, Department or District dues, Poppy monies, supply monies, or other financial obligations, or failing to have the Quartermaster properly bonded, or failing to submit properly completed Quarterly Post Trustees Report of Audit or Post Election Report shall be deprived of all representation in District, Department and National Conventions. Representation will be restored upon proper adjustment of such deficiencies. 9. All Members: Members are reminded that their annual membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars is now subscription based and expires on their anniversary date. All officers are encouraged to make every effort to renew the membership of each and every continuous member prior to their expiration. Reports showing members 30, 60, and 90 days from expiration can be obtained by the Post Quartermaster through the Online Membership System (OMS). 10. Commanders: On all levels are reminded that according to Section 105 of the National By-Laws, a member whose dues are unpaid after their anniversary date ceases to be a member in good standing and loses all rights of membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. They shall not attend meetings or conventions and shall not participate in Post, County Council, District, Department or National functions. 11. Flag Day, June 14: All VFW Posts are reminded to properly display the U.S. on Flag Day, Thursday, June 14 th and t conduct a ceremony or program as feasible. You may contact the VFW Communications Department for a Flag Day speech. It is also suggested Posts should award the VFW Patriotic Citizen Award for those who have daily displayed our National flag. 2

3 12. Dates to Remember: 19 May > Armed Forces Day 28 May > Memorial Day 14 Jun > Flag Day 17 Jun > Father s Day Jun > State Convention, Bangor, ME 4 Jul > Independence Day Jul > National Convention, Kansas City, MO 13. Candidates for Department High Office : Department Commander > Christopher L. Armstrong > Post 9437 Department Senior Vice Commander > Christopher L. Robison > Post 1761 Department Junior Vice Commander > Michael K. Davis > Post 1603 Department Quartermaster > David D. Williams > Post 1641 Department Chaplain > David O. Sivret > Post 9779 Department Judge Advocate > Herman L. Littlefield Jr. > Post 6131 Department Surgeon > Roger A. Felix > Post 9389 Department Surgeon > Roland A. Choate Jr. > Post 887 Department Surgeon > Randolph S. Michaud > Post 2599 Department Surgeon > Jennifer L. Lane > Post Candidates for National Council Member, Maine : David D. Williams > Post 1641 Steven J. SanPedro > Post 6859 Kevin G. Woodward > Post Andre L. Dumas > Post 9389 BY COMMAND OF: Richard A. Farris Richard A. Farris Commander Official: Andre L. Dumas Andre L. Dumas Adjutant 3

4 State Commander Richard A. Farris Comrades: Congratulations to James Longley-Normand Dionne VFW Post 9150 for having attained 100% in membership for the year A great Thanks and a job well done by all! As we are ending our year and this being my last report as your Department Commander, I must say that it has been a tremendous pleasure to serve as your State Commander and I want to wish incoming Commander Christopher Armstrong and his officers great success. I want to Thank all of the Officers and Chairmen, all Districts and Posts for the great work that you have done this year. Please remember that it is you who make the Department of Maine, VFW great, not one individual. Finally, I also want to Thank the Auxiliary for the great work that they do at all level, they are a great force to deal with and it has been a pleasure to be associated with them all. I must say that it has been a real pleasure visiting Posts and Districts in the Department during the year, several functions throughout the year and I want to Thank everyone for the great reception that both my wife Nellie and I have received during our visits. Keep up the great work and next year, shoot for higher levels and the moon and make the Department of Maine a great Department. I wish to Thank everyone who supported my Commanders Special Project The Travis Mills Foundation. We will be presenting the check at the State Convention Joint Opening ceremony on Friday, 22 June 2018 at the Ramada Inn Bangor Joint Opening ceremonies at 12 noon. I am hoping to see a lot of people present as Travis Mills is a dynamic speaker to listen to. There were donations of all sizes and no matter what the size was, they are all greatly appreciated. We have just finished Memorial Day and I am sure that every Post attended a function in honor of our deceased Veterans; this is a time of year that we must all pull together and let our Communities know who we are since all of the soldiers paid the ultimate price and many of them are resting in peace. Thank you for your service to our Country, the great United States of America. As for membership, we were not able to reach our goal this year but I want to give a great Thanks to our Chairman Steven J. SanPedro for the outstanding work that he has done and continues to do since becoming State Chairman. Also a great Thanks to all of the Posts for the work that you did on membership. We must continue to Recruit and Retain our members for membership is what is needed when our Commander-in- Chief goes to Washington, D.C. and makes his annual report to preserve our benefits that everyone so gallantly earned. Remember that everyone is a Recruiter. I am looking forward to seeing every one of you at our State Convention in Bangor for another great convention and election of new Officers. This year, our VFW National Representative will be the Quartermaster General Debra Anderson. Let us give her a great Maniac Welcome by having a great turnout of members. I am looking forward to seeing each every one of you there on June 2018 and a safe journey to Bangor, ME. Keep up the great work that you are all doing and will keep on doing for our Veterans, their families and our Community as we continue to preserve our benefits and make the Department a great Department as always. In Comradeship Richard A. Farris Richard A. Farris Commander 4 Remember, NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS. May We Remember The Fallen

5 Deceased Roll Call Department of Maine, VFW David O. Sivret, Chaplain 26 April ~ 25 May 2018 May our Comrades Rest in Eternal Peace in Post Eternity? <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> District 1 District * MERCHANT, Eugene H. * DS/DS 5744 * HASTY, Robert M. Jr. * Korea 9609 * CORRIVEAU, Gedeon P * CASTELVETRO, John L. District 2 Members-at-Large 4154 * COUSINS, Ralph M. * WW II * FOLEY, Lawrence HARTLEY, Paul * WW II District * DUPLESSIS, Francis X. MEISTER, Alfred L. * Kora District * HISH, Walter W. LANGE, Michael D * JOSEPH, Harold District * VOSE, Wayne D. District * DEROSIER, Joseph A. LeVASSEUR, Conrad L. McKENNEY, Gary W. RAYMOND, Bertrand O. SLEEPER, Kenneth E. THOMAS, Roger A * SMITH, Albert G * CHOUINARD, Danny M. HOWES, Hugh L. District * GIUSTI, John E. * Vietnam MERSON, Jerry C. PERRY, Daniel D. 5

6 SENIOR VICE COMMANDER HOSPITAL/VAVS ~ MAINE VETERANS HOMES AUGUSTA NATIONAL VETERANS & MISSION SUPPORT (NV&MS) VETERANS CEMETERY, CENTRAL Christopher L. Armstrong Hello Comrades: Hope everyone is having a good spring; hopefully summer will be here soon. As we close out this year, donations for Togus VAVS and NVMS were good and will help out a lot of our fellow Veterans. We are entering a new year, please remember your donations are still needed and appreciated in this upcoming year. It has been my pleasure serving as your Department Senior Vice Commander and I'm looking forward to the upcoming year as Department Commander and working with all of you to ensure we do all we can for our Veterans. Hope everyone that is able to come to this year s state Convention enjoys all it has to offer. Thank you for all you do for our Veterans ************************* JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES (C/A) Christopher L. Robison, Chairman Greetings Comrades! June is now upon us and our State Convention is right around the corner. I look forward to seeing everyone in Bangor on the 22 nd, 23 rd & 24 th. As a reminder, Community Activities reporting for the VFW year closed April 30 th. Any reports received after then will be counted towards the administrative year. There is still time to earn All-State Honors, so please continue to work towards that goal. I want to THANK all the Posts in the Department for their diligent reporting this year. I look forward to another successful year. Congratulations to Commander Rich Farris for a great year! I look forward to another fantastic year under Commander Chris Armstrong! ****************************** QUARTERMASTER NATIONAL COUNCIL MEMBER, MAINE BUDDY POPPY ~ CHRISTMAS CARDS & LABELS INSURANCE & BONDS David D. Williams, PSC QM: Hello everyone, where has the last year gone? Seems as though we just had our last State convention? I remember my grandfather (who was an All State Post Commandeer 1641) that the older you get, the faster the years go by. At the time, I did not believe him, but now he sure was right. It Has been a privilege to serve as the State Quartermaster with my 4 th year coming to an end. Each year, we have finished with a surplus ending the year with more money then we started. Hopefully if I'm reelected, we can continue this way into the future. I would like to Thank Al Michaud for all his assistance and direction, he continues to do an excellent job with the grants as well as keeping an eye on me. Also, would like to Thank Andre Dumas as he is always keeping me going in the right direction as well. Also my Assistant Quartermaster Arthur Roy who keeps me supplied with labels and always helping me with computer issues. Would everyone please look at the check-off sheet in the next week or so and make sure you have turned in all your Quarterly reports. If they are not tuned in, then your Post is not eligible to vote. So make sure and if you have any questions, you can call me and I ll let you know. It s not up to me to remind each Post if they are lacking any Quarterly Reports. So again, if you are not sure, check the back of the GOs or give me a call. There 6

7 are always 1 or 2 Posts that get to the convention and say Oh I didn't know that they need to be turned in before the convention actually, there late now. Congratulations to Commander Farris and his entire crew. Also; best of luck to all in incoming Officers for the year ! NCM,M: The last year has really been exciting and a learning experience as a member of the National Council of Administration. I look forward to the next 3 years and the things it may bring. As we get ready for the National Convention in July, I will proudly represent Maine and all of our 8000 plus members. I will vote as the Department wants me too. I d like to congratulate all the Officers for a job well done and to wish all the new incoming Officers the best of luck and let s get Maine back to 100 %. I know we can do it if we all chip in and help out. If every member could recruit 1 new member, Maine could double in size. Anything is Possible. I have included a couple of articles from the VFW weekly for your reading. >VFW Foundation: It is a sad realization that 1 out of 8 Americans do not have enough to eat and that 27% of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans face daily hunger. In response, the VFW will be collaborating with Humana and local Kansas City-based nonprofit food providers, Harvesters The Community Food Network and After the Harvest to launch the Uniting to Combat Hunger campaign on June 6. The goal of the campaign is to provide 50,000 meals in the Greater Kansas City area. The campaign coincides with the 119 th VFW National Convention, July 21-25, also in Kansas City. The kickoff will begin with volunteers participating in an After the Harvest gleaning event on June 6 to include hand picking edible crops that still remain in local farmers fields after a formal harvest. In addition, Harvesters will place food donation barrels at various Kansas City businesses as well as on the convention floor. Convention attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods to donate. The Harvesters mobile pantry will be on-site if attendees prefer to purchase food items at convention. There will also be a convention food packing opportunity on July 21-22, where VFW/Auxiliary members can be part of the VFW efforts to combat hunger. The VFW Foundation in conjunction with Humana will take this hunger alleviation campaign to many different U.S. cities/regions in the upcoming months. The involvement of VFW Posts will be crucial to the program s success. Stay tuned for details as they develop. For questions, please contact Richard Freiburghouse, VFW Foundation Manager at RFreiburghouse@vfw.org or >The VFW has teamed up with Ace Hardware to distribute 1,000,000 American flags for Memorial Day in an effort to mark as many Veterans graves as possible. Participating Ace retailers nationwide have donated up to 200 flags to their local VFW Posts and distributed additional flags free to customers. If your Post received a shipment of stick flags, be sure to use them to decorate Veterans graves or distribute them throughout your community this Memorial Day. Please note that participating Posts were selected by Ace Hardware based on their proximity to participating stores. Not all Posts received flags. Look for more information by visiting vfw.org or following us on social media. For questions, please contact Kevin Jamison, VFW Foundation Assistant Director of Corporate Relations at KJamison@vfw.org or >Henry Repeating Arms continues to offer the Henry VFW Tribute Edition rifles directly from their factory at very special pricing to VFW Posts and members. These rifles are a great way for your Post to boost fundraising efforts, increase profits, recognize member volunteer efforts or milestones, and for members to build a personal collection. There are two models, both made in the USA; the VFW Post Tribute Edition and the VFW Tribute Edition. Both models are collector s items and unique to the Posts and/or members ordering these one-of-a-kind rifles. For information or to order your Henry VFW Tribute Edition rifle, contact Sandra with Henry Rifles at or by at sandra@henryusa.com, or visit their website and type VFW in the search box. Contact: VFW Foundation Administrator Richard Potter, RPotter@vfw.org. 7 ******************************

8 JUDGE ADVOCATE DEPARTMENT SCOUTING WAYS & MEANS (WAA) ~ CREDENTIALS Michael K. Davis, Chairman VFW year is almost behind us. My time as Judge Advocate was short but eventful. Two things that I take way from my time as Judge Advocate is that petty jealousies are abundant and problems are not being handled at the Post and District levels. Districts should disseminate information to and from the Posts. Districts will also conduct training as needed. Problems and questions that the District Commander and his Officers cannot answer, the District Commander will contact the State for guidance and assistance. I have enjoyed serving in the Department and serving the Veterans of the State of Maine. I hope to have everyone's support in my bid for Junior Vice Commander. WAA: Only a few more weeks left to sell raffle tickets to collect monies for the Convention Hospitality room. We did get a late start on the ways and means raffle but have made up some ground. I do believe that with a late push on ticket sales that we will make our goals. I know that a lot of Posts will turn in monies at the Department convention. If Posts or District Commanders have monies to turn in, you may mail them to me at 135 Conant Ave., Auburn, ME Collection of monies for the Ways and Means will close at the Department convention Saturday. The winners of the raffle will be announced during the Saturday business session. Credentials: Thank you to the Posts that have mailed their credentials to me. This will help me get a head start for the Convention in determining who can vote and tallying votes. Those that have not mailed me their credentials may still do so. Scouting: The VFW Scouting year is now completed. The Department has selected Scout of the Year Alex Cote of Troop 007. Alex will represent the Department well at National. Alex's Eagle project was collecting items for the Homeless. He worked the Togus Homeless stand-down the past two years. It has been a pleasure working with Alex at the stand down. Alex's mentor is Post 1603 Scouting Chairman Jennifer Lane. Jennifer did an awesome job putting together the Scout of the Year package. She was also instrumental in helping Alex gather donations for the Homeless stand down. If you know of a Scout that has completed his Eagle project and will be awarded Eagle rank, contact me. I have certificates that can be presented to the Scout. Please visit the below web sites for scouting events in your area. Girl Scout Web Page: Boy Scout Web Page: Scouting reports, credentials, ways and means tickets may be mailed to me at 135 Conant Ave., Auburn ME ****************************** SURGEON BLOOD BANK ~ SAFETY ~ DRUG ABUSE AMERICANISM ~ LOYALTY DAY Herman L. Littlefield Jr., Chairman Greetings Comrades: This is my final report for the GOs for the year. I am hoping that you have all had a good year with Commander Farris and have been working hard for our fellow Veterans. Commanders, you still have time to accomplish your commitments and to make your posts 100% before the end of this reporting year. Safety/Drug Abuse: Enjoy the bounty of nature but please be safe in your travels, wherever they may take you. Remember that alcohol is a drug and abuse of it can adversely affect your (and others) life in many ways. Blood: Give a pint save a life! If you are unable to donate blood, please volunteer at a local blood drive and support the cause. 8

9 Americanism/Loyalty Day: There are still many ways to show your loyalty and patriotism through the summer. Comrades, visit your State and national parks this summer. They honor Veterans by giving free admission to the parks. Loyally, 9 ****************************** CHAPLAIN David O. Sivret, Father Greeting Comrades: As you read this, we are gearing up for our State Convention. Everything has to be just right for it to come off without a hitch. Comrades; that is the same for each of us in our daily life. So if everything is not just right, than things can and will go very wrong. This past Memorial weekend, I was in Portland with my AFS daughter Cecilia (exchange student); we decided to take a side trip to Portland Light. Looking out over the ocean, I was reminded of a story of altering our course in life to fit the realities of our lives. Some of you have heard it before, I m sure, but humor me. There was an officer in the US Navy who had always dreamed of commanding a battleship. He achieved his dream and was given the command of a newest ship in the fleet. One stormy night, the Captain saw a strange light rapidly approaching his ship from the port side. The captain ordered the signal man to flash a message to the other ship to alter his course by 10degrees to the south. It wasn t long before the answer came back alter your course by 10 degrees to the north. At this point the signalman was given the order to send this message; Alter your course 10 degrees, I m the Captain. The answer came back alter yours I am Seaman Third Class Jones. Now the captain was infuriated, the Captain grabbed the signal light and sent a message, Alter your course, I am a battleship. The reply came back, alter your course I am a lighthouse. Comrades, no matter how big or important any of us thinks we are, God s Word stands fourth as an unchanging beacon. All other courses must be altered to His. Whenever I hear this story I have to smile because God is always in control of our lives. Yours in Comradeship, Fr David O. Sivret +, Pro Deo Et Patria NOTES: Quarterly Chaplain Reports are due NLT June 30 th. This is for District and Post Chaplains.. Please get these reports in to me. The Form is on our Department WebSite. Thank You! If there is someone sick in your Post, please let me know so that I can send a card. Please remember to give me their Name and mailing address plus Zip code. **************************** IMMEDIATE PAST STATE COMMANDER MVH TRUSTEE ~ LEGISLATIVE ~ MEMBERSHIP Steven J. SanPedro, PSC Comrades: The VFW year is almost over. We have one more month to complete all the things we are required to do. Please check all of the programs and make sure your Post has completed everything. I wish Commander Farris best of luck as he finishes this year out and steps into the role of immediate Past Commander. Legislation: The Department of Maine VFW applauds Maine s Legislator for passing the VA Mission Act. It passed in the Senate 92-5 and the House The Act creates a new Veteran Community Care Program to streamline the delivery of health care and help Veterans access care closer to home. The bill also expands eligibility for the Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program. This legislation will empower more Veterans to access the care they need and deserve. We are waiting for President Trump to sign it which it is believed that he will. I will follow up with this and many other issues with the offices of Maine s Legislators. Membership: Congratulation to Post 9150 Lewiston for reaching 100%! We now have 9 Posts that have reached their goal. We have 25 Posts that have 10 or less member needed and 17 of those only need 5 or less member. We didn t have enough Posts qualify for the drawing so there is no winner to report. The cutoff for

10 Community Activities for All-State ended on 30 April but the Membership part goes through 30 June The Department is currently sitting at 89.30% with 7944 Members. That is an increase of.78% and 69 Members. We need 874 Members to reach 100%. We have decreased our New Members by 7 and decreased our Reinstated Members by 176 from this time last year. We still have one month to try and turn this around. At this current pace, we will fall below 8,000 Members for the Department. We need to get these Members signed back up. We are all recruiters and we must Retain, Recruit and Reinstate members. We have 18 Posts that have completed a Recruiter Event and submitted the proper paperwork to me. Make sure you read and understand the Membership Program. If you have any questions on Membership please contact me at or me at sanpedro105@roadrunner.com Maine Veterans Homes: Our Veterans Homes are all doing well! The new Augusta Home is moving forward and they should break ground this summer. The Bangor Home renovation is coming to a finish. The summer months are very busy at all of the Homes and all the Homes could use more volunteers. Would you like to join the team and help the nurses and staff live up to their motto of caring for those who served!? Remember in everything we do MAY WE REMEMBER THE FALLEN 10 ***************************** CHIEF OF STAFF WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA (WAA) ~ VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE (VSO) MAINE OFFICERS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (MOLD) Kevin G. Woodward, PSC WAA: On June 2, Wreaths Across America will be hosting the dedication ceremony for the Medal of Honor Remembrance Park in Maine. The event is part of Wreaths Across America s Stem to Stone Remembrance Tree program and will honor the 3,517 Medal of Honor Recipients by dedicating an 8-acre park to them on the tip land where balsam is harvested for Veterans wreaths each December. The dedication ceremony will begin at 11:30 am ET and be shared live on our Face book page. MOLD: The locations and dates for year s MOLD have not been determined yet; we hope to have things worked out that the information can be passed along at the Convention. Commanders, Quartermasters, Adjutants, Trustees, Chaplains as well as any members are encouraged to attend. I am sure that we will have several new individuals elected or appointed to positions at both Post and District levels. This training is designed to assist those individuals as well as a refresher for those remaining in positions. The Department Officers are here to assist you in any way. Please take advantage of having them as a captive audience and pick their brains in order to help the Department of Maine thrive. ****************************** INSPECTOR ~ POW-MIA John J. Bouchard, Chairman Inspector: The end of the year is coming upon us and there still some Posts that have not been inspected as we have little time left for the year. Please review the C/A spreadsheet to see which Posts are not inspected and I ask those Deputy Inspectors to get them done before the end of the year and forward them to me. Thank You. Smile, God Loves You. POW/MIA: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of Missing in Action (MIA) since World War II, Korea and Vietnam and is returning home with full military honors. Returning home for full military honors is: >Marine Pfc. Billy R. Ball, Matthews, MO >Army Cpl. Terrell J. Fuller >Army Sgt. 1 st Class Rufus L. Ketchum >Army Pfc. Oscar E. Sappington >Marine Corps Pfc. Harold V. Thomas, Columbus, OH >Army Pvt. Kenneth D. Farris >Marine Corps Pfc. William F. Cavin >Army Maj Donald G. Carr, San Antonio, TX >Army Cpl. Albert E. Quintero, Los Angeles, CA >Marine Corps Cpl. John V. McNichol, Altoona, PA >Navy Seaman 1 st Class Natale I. Torti >Navy Fireman 2 nd Class George C. Ford

11 >Navy Shipfitter 3 rd Class John M. McDonald >Army Pfc. Willie Blue, New Orleans, LA >Marine Corps Pfc. Jack H. Krieger, Larned, KS >Army Sgt Eugene W. Yost >Marine Corps Pfc. Francis E. Drake, Framingham, MA >Army Sgt John W. Hall >Army Cpl DeMaret M. Kirkley >Army Sgt Joseph Akers >Navy Seaman 2 nd Class Carl Nichols >Navy Radioman 2 nd Class Walter H. Backman, Wilton, N.D. >Navy Seaman 1 st Class Edward F. Slapikas, Wanamie, PA >Navy Reserve Pharmacist s Mate 2 nd Class Thomas J. Murphy, Greencastle, ID >Navy Radioman 2 nd Class Quentin J. Gifford, Mankato, MN >Navy Seaman 1 st Class Clifford G. Goodwin, Diamond, MO >Navy Hospital Corpsman 1 st Class William G. Payne, Springfield, MO >Marine Corps Reserve 1 st Sgt David H. Quinn, Temple, NH >Marine Corps Reserve Cpl. Raymond A. Barker, Evanston, IL Please send your monthly reports to me either thru the Maine VFW website and/or USPS. Many Posts have hosted their POW/MIA program, having a Table for One within their respective Posts and/or flying the POW/MIA flags at either their Post or town Memorial Park. We must never forget our POW/MIAs and especially their families. Keep reporting monthly. 11 **************************** COMMANDERS SPECIAL PROJECT (CSP) Dana W. Beaulieu, Chairman I hope this finds everyone well. This month, we had one donation for the Commanders Special Project which is VFW Post 10881, Farmington. Thank you for your donation. Please check out the website for Travis Mills; ****************************** HOMELESS VETERANS Charles J. McGillicuddy, Chairman Focusing on helping Homeless Veterans and promoting active lifestyles, the 8 th annual VA2K Walk & Roll event was held on May 16 th at Togus and most of the CBOCs. Here is a shout out to the Comrades and Posts that participated or donated. Great job! The Homeless Stand-down will be held at Togus on Saturday, October 20th. The Veterans Crisis Helpline is Keep it in mind; be ready to help a Veteran. I am available at vfwmcgill@msn.com. Get Outlook for ios. ****************************** NATIONAL HOME Charles A. Warden, Chairman Want to Thank District 11 for the donation of $ to the VFW National Home for Children. I Thank you and the Home Thanks you. THE NATIONAL HOME IS LOOKING FOR RESIDENT FAMILIES They are looking for resident families that want to accomplish significant life goals by participating in their no cost program. They offer case management services, education support, daycare, housing and more. If you know of a Veteran connected family in your community that could use the National Home, please encourage them to call Thank you and God Bless and please keep the donations coming.

12 12 ****************************** TOGUS BEALS HOUSE Jennifer L. Lane, Chairperson Greetings Comrades! Another beautiful season in Maine and I hope all are doing well and enjoying your time. The Beal's House Togus continues to operate and has been a blessing for many of our Comrades' families. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I Thank you for the donation to the House on behalf of the Department of Maine VFW Posts and personal donations. The new dishwasher was purchased and installed without problems. I would like to express my gratitude for the donations that made this new appliance possible. The Fischer House is now under construction on the VA Togus campus. The future of the Beals House is unknown at this time. We hope that the House will continue to operate in conjunction with the Fischer House as we provide boarding to adults only. The Beal's House in not funded by the Department of Veteran Affairs or any government agency, we do accept donations. Currently we need coffee pods (regular and decaf), bed linen (twin XL), bed spreads (twin XL), and bottled water. For more information please contact me at or via lanejena@msn.com. Thank you!" ***************************** VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE Cornelius J. Ware, SO VSO Office Closure: The office will be closed on Friday 22 June so that the staff can attend the VFW State convention in Bangor. Looking forward to seeing you at the convention! Next Service Officer Post Outreach: We will conduct our next Outreach on Tuesday 21 August 2018 from 9 am until 2 pm at Post 4633 Hampden. Please get the word out to the Veterans in your community. You can contact our office at if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting and working with our Comrades, their families and Veteran s in the community. Recent Post Outreach: I recently conducted an Outreach event at the Sanford-Springvale Memorial Post I had the opportunity to meet with and help several Veterans and family members with VA issues. It was a very busy but productive day. I look forward to more of these events in the future. Please, if your Post would like to host an Outreach event, please contact our office at so we can coordinate and schedule the event. We are here to help our Comrades, their families and the community. Thank you: Thanks once again James Bachelder and the members of the Sanford-Springvale Memorial Post 9935 in Sanford for hosting and supporting our Outreach event on 23 May Thanks to you in was a great success. VETERANS SERVING VETERANS ****************************** VETERANS ADVISORY TO VA MAINE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Raymond R. Lupo, PSC/Advisor Want to keep your VA or put your care to be privatized? Veterans groups worry with the firing of David Shotkie has prompted concern that the present administration is ramp up to privatize your VA. The communication director of AMVET is quoted to say "Another change in leadership threaten to Stymie that, even worse it could be the impetus for the force backing privatization to reassert themselves" Vietnam veterans of America said "the shakeup could well lead to more aggressive privatization efforts". The fear is that the expansions of the Choice program created to let Veterans Standards on the VA wait list get care from private doctors and to a full scale privatization that is already taken up resources that could go toward the VA system.

13 Veterans organizations have long touted the benefits of a federally run system they argue that the VA has developed singular expertise on Veterans medical needs. The question you need to ask yourself is "Where do I stand, keep the VA or privatize it?" Call, write your congress Delegates and ask where do they stand and tell them what you believe in! 13 ****************************** VETERANS CEMETERY, SOUTH ASSISTANT LEGISLATIVE OFFICER, AUGUSTA James E.N. Bachelder, PSC/Chairman Cemetery: By the time you read this, we will have completed our 7 th Memorial Day Ceremony at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery. Thanks to the South Berwick Post 5744 for the loan of 2-20 by 30-foot canopies. We were able to place them on Friday between services. The ground is difficult for the tent stakes. The grounds crew has a very heavy sledge hammer that over come all obstacles. We are now having concerns as to how do we remove the stakes with minimal damage to the stake and the grounds. The Vietnam War Tablet, a part of the POW/MIA Memorial will be our next major event. It is scheduled to be dedicated on Saturday, September 22 nd. More information will be available when it is confirmed. The fundraising is continuing. The annual Ride for the Stone motor cycle ride out of Iron Tales in Acton was well attended even though there were 2 other rides that same day. We are waiting for the final count of the donation. The State s final approval for the WW I Memorial was completed. It will be dedicated on Veterans Day this year at 11:00 am. The area was stripped of all vegetation. The full plant order was placed. The soil and manure arrived so the seed can be planted now. Some plants have been placed. Other flowers will be started in the green house and transplanted later. We still need around $ 7,500 to complete the project. We are hoping the South Berwick Post s canopies are available for these 2 ceremonies. The Walter Wheeler Memorial is in place. We have a problem with spelling of Grandfather in one instance. The manufacturer will be/were contacted on Tuesday the May 28 th. We meet on the second Thursday at 9:30 am at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at james.bachelder@metrocast.net or call between 9 am to 9 pm. Legislative Assistant (Augusta): Unless there is a Special session, the Legislature is on the summer break. Now is the time to talk with your Legislator to gain support on any issues that may need Legislator s support. ***************************** VOICE OF DEMOCRACY * PATRIOT S PEN * TEACHER OF THE YEAR CONVENTION SITE SLECTION 2018 Ronald F. Smith, PSC/Chairman Greeting s Comrades: It is JUNE and I m looking forward to the warmer weather and summer fun with the family. Again I want to stress that now is the time to get started on next year s program. Get the topics out to the students so they have plenty of time to put together a winning essay/speech. This year s topics are: Voice of Democracy Why my Vote Matters Patriot s Pen Why I Honor the American Flag Both are going to be very interesting to see what our youth thinks about these subjects. Again, I want to Thank everyone that helps make this program so special within our Department. I m looking forward to seeing you at the State Convention, have a safe trip. Enjoy your time with family and friends. Be Safe!! Help a fellow veteran or family that needs our help. It is a reward in itself. God Bless! *****************************

14 WEBSITE COORDINATOR Thomas R. Lussier, PSC The Department Website is in good working order. Please remember National has a new website and is still offering Departments and Post free grants to build a new website. The VOD & PP themes for are now posted on the site to include all student entry forms. Also, all National Resolutions are posted. All National Bylaw amendments will be posted as soon as we receive them, please keep checking the site. The Department directory is up to date. Please insure any directory changes are sent to the Department Adjutant. Also if you have any photos of Department events, please forward to me. The website includes a Department Photo Gallery that I would like to keep updated and I always would like to see more guestbook entrees. Comrades, the Department website contains an incredible amount of information designed to make everyone s job more helpful. Many years have been devoted to creating this site so please utilize it! If anyone has any problems, please don t hesitate to contact me. Thank You! ***************************** YOUTH ACTIVITIES James A. Proctor, Chairman Tall & Small: What is a fossil and what can it tell us? In this tall and small overnight, you ll experience the life of a fossil through dramatic play and get to explore the children s museum & theater s collection of prehistoric fossil replicas to determine which creatures they once belonged to. You ll even get to touch the T-Rex jawbone replica. Spend the rest of the evening playing and sleeping in the museum & theater s exhibits and wake up to a complimentary breakfast. This overnight is a perfect opportunity for parents & guardians to help preserve their daughters for a troop overnight. (Troops are all welcome). Date: 9-10 Jun > Reg. By: 23 May > Town: Portland > Start Time: 5:30 pm > End Time: 9:00 am > Levels: D/S > Girl Fee: $28.00 > Adult Fee: $ Watch the Animals Eat: Visit the Maine Wildlife Park and learn about what animals eat and when. Watch the animals how much they eat and when. Watch the animals munch on their lunch and learn about the exiting animal s native to Maine. Date: 16 Jun > Reg. By: 30 May > Town: Gray > Start Time: 9:30 am > End Time: 12:00 pm > Levels: D/B/J > Girl Fee: $6.00 > Adult Fee: $

15 Department of Maine By-Laws Recommended Changes Recommended Changes are highlighted in bold letters and underlined and will be brought up at the State Convention for voting by the membership in present. ARTICLE VII DISTRICT FORMATION AND CHARTERING Add Section 10 to Read: District Inspector/Deputy Inspector will insure that all Post in the District are inspected but shall not inspect his/her own Post. The District Commander shall assign another member in good standard to complete the task. Delete Entire Article ****************** ARTICLE VII DISTRICT FORMATION AND CHARTERING Section 1. The Department shall be divided into the number of districts as voted on by the Department Convention, each of which shall be under the supervision of a District Commander. Section 2. Assignment of Posts, Districts and geographical boundaries thereof shall be established by vote of the Department Convention. New Posts that are instituted between Department Conventions shall be temporarily assigned by the Department Commander to the District whose Commander signs the application for charter. Section 3. Department Districts shall function within the jurisdiction and subject to the authority of the Department Convention and shall be governed by National and Department By-Laws and lawful orders. Section 4. Elective Officers of each District shall be the Commander, Senior Vice Commander, Commander, Quartermaster, Chaplain, Judge Advocate, Surgeon and three (3) Trustees. Junior Vice Section 5. Appointive officers in each District shall be an Adjutant, Chief of Staff, Service Officer and Inspector and such additional appointive officers as the District Commander deems necessary for the proper functioning of his District. Section 6. The District Commander shall prepare and furnish to each Post in his/her jurisdiction and the Department Adjutant a schedule of proposed District Meetings for the current year. Each schedule to indicate date, time and place of meetings. The schedule is to be furnished not later than the fifteen day (15) days after the District Convention to the Department Adjutant. Notice of changes in schedule that may become necessary must be forwarded to the Department Adjutant at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled meeting. In case of an emergency (i.e., weather, etc.), the Department Adjutant will be notified via or telephone call and will notify the Department Representative of said cancellation of meeting. Section 7. Each District Adjutant in the Department shall submit a copy of each District meeting minutes to the Department Adjutant not later than seven (7) days following each District Meeting via USPS and/or . Section 8. Each District Commander shall hold one meeting for the purpose of promoting schools of instruction for Post officers. Section 9. Each District shall hold meetings IAW Section 403 of the National By-Laws. 15

16 *************************** ARTICLE X MISCELLEANOUS Delete Section 8(a) (a) Any and all canteens or bars located so as to be part of any Veterans of Foreign Wars facility and/or premises owned or rented by the Veterans of Foreign Wars shall close and remain closed during any Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, Districts or Department Meeting or formal installation. (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) Rename (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f). 16

17 % - Need 875 For 100% (1+) Department Statistics Maine as of Monday, May 28, 2018 Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent % -62 PRESQUE ISLE % -4 FORT FAIRFIELD % -42 CARIBOU % -19 FORT KENT % -7 ASHLAND 0 District Total % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent % -9 BURLINGTON % +/ /- -6 City City SHERMAN STATION % -5 ISLAND FALLS 1 District Total % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent % -14 CALAIS % -23 HARRINGTON 0 District Total % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent % 4 ELLSWORTH % -28 BANGOR % 4 OLD TOWN % -23 HAMPDEN 0 District Total % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent % 2 DEXTER % -2 JACKMAN % -5 FAIRFIELD % -37 MADISON-ANSON % -1 NORRIDGEWOCK % -7 FARMINGTON % 3 NEWPORT / / /- City City City N/R LM N/R LM N/R LM N/R LM N/R LM 17

18 District Total % ost Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent % -2 FRIENDSHIP % -14 BELFAST % -3 VINALHAVEN % 2 NORTHPORT % 0 WASHINGTON 0 District Total % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent % -5 TOPSHAM % -7 WALDOBORO % -9 BATH 0 District Total % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent % -10 GARDINER % -63 AUGUSTA % -33 WATERVILLE % -11 WINSLOW % -4 WINTHROP 0 District Total % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent % -47 +/ / / /- -21 City City City City LEWISTON- AUBURN % -39 RUMFORD % 3 JAY % 0 LEWISTON % -5 SOUTH PARIS % -1 GREENE 0 District Total % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent % -51 S PORTLAND % -1 LOVELL % -48 PORTLAND % -3 HARRISON % -5 YARMOUTH % -5 WINDHAM /- City N/R LM N/R LM N/R LM N/R LM N/R LM 18

19 % -1 GORHAM % -2 NAPLES 0 District % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent % +/- -18 City SOUTH BERWICK % -8 KENNEBUNK % -87 OLD ORCHARD BEACH % 11 KITTERY % -54 SANFORD 0 District Total % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total Prior Year Percent % -97 RUMFORD 5 District Total % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont Total State Total Prior Year Percent % / City QM'S HOUSE 5 City N/R LM N/R LM N/R LM 23 EVERYONE S HELP IS NEEDED TO BRING THE DEPARTMENT TO 100% THIS YEAR - WILL YOU HELP? MAY WE REMEMBER THE FALLEN RETAIN-REINSTATE-RECRUIT 19

20 "MAY WE REMEMBER THE FALLEN RICHARD FARRIS, STATE COMMANDER D I V I S I O N L E A D E R S <<>> MAY 28, >> LET S WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR DEPARTMENT GROW << DIV. I (10-50) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. IV ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV KITTERY % OLD TOWN % NEWPORT % WINSLOW 96.30% WASHINGTON % YORK 95.61% DIV. II (51-100) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. V ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV NORTHPORT % JAY % DEXTER % AUBURN 94.61% LEWISTON % CARIBOU 89.52% DIV. III ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. VI ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV ELLSWORTH % PORTLAND 89.45% SOUTH PARIS 96.85% FAIRFIELD 96.40% 3. TEN HIGHEST POSTS BY % I TEN LARGEST POSTS KITTERY % PORTLAND NEWPORT % SOUTH PORTLAND NORTHPORT % AUBURN DEXTER % CARIBOU ELLSWORTH % JAY OLD TOWN % WINSLOW JAY % WATERVILLE WASHINGTON % BANGOR LEWISTON % AUGUSTA FRYEBURG-LOVELL 97.95% OLD TOWN 255 DISTRICT STANDINGS I MAGIC NUMBERS FOR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. District 6 LITTLEFIELD 95.18% WE HAVE = WE NEED District 4 SLININGER 94.79% ALL POSTS/DISTRICTS SHOULD BE AT 100% 3. District 9 DU FOUR 94.66% 4. District 7 STEVENS 91.76% 5 N/R MEMBERS - EARN A GREEN BALL CAP 5. District 10 MEUCHEL 90.58% 10 N/R MEMBERS - EARN A WHITE VFW SHIRT 6. District 2 EWING 90.45% ALL DEPT OFFICERS ARE ASKED TO RECRUIT 7. District 5 BEAULIEU 90.34% LET S ALL WORK AS A TEAM AND DEPARTMENT OF MAINE, VFW 90.08% RETAIN RECRUIT & REINSTATE 3 MEMBERS? 8. District 3 WOODWARD 88.47% NEED HELP or HAVE QUESTIONS 9. District 8 CHOATE 88.36% ASK ANYONE ON THE MEMBERSHIP TEAM? 10. District 11 BATES 85.23% 11. District 1 BOUCHARD 85.02% STEVEN SANPEDRO - STATE MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN 20

21 th STATE CONVENTION Bangor, Maine Ronald F. Smith, Chairman Carolyn Smith, Co- Chairperson The 98 th Annual Department of Maine VFW and 88 th Auxiliary Convention will be held this year in the Ramada Inn Bangor with Norman N. Dow ~ Isaac E. Clewley Post 1761 of Bangor as the Host Post. Dates are: June June 2018 and the Department Headquarters will be the Ramada Inn Bangor, 357 Odlin Rd, Bangor, As in the past, all meetings, Memorial Service; the banquet and Council of Administration will be held at the Ramada Inn Bangor. Motels & Rates Ramada Inn (Headquarters Hotel) 357 Odlin Rd., Bangor, ME 0440 * Tel: Rates: $ Tax (1-4 Persons) (All Non-Smoking Rooms) * Cutoff date for Reservations June 8, 2018 * Other Motels for the State Convention Roadway, 327 Odlin Rd Rates $ tax (1 or 2 beds) Has continental breakfast Tel Howard Johnson, 336 Odlin Rd Rates $ tax (2 Queens), $ tax (1 King) Tel Quality Inn, 250 Odlin Rd - $ tax for King, $ tax for 2 doubles (Has a continental breakfast) Tel: Holiday Inn, 404 Odlin Rd Rates $99.00 with breakfast included for all types; $89.00 without breakfast for all types Tel Fairfield Inn, 300 Odlin Rd Rates $ tax (1 or 2 beds) (Must ask for government rates) (Has a hot complimentary breakfast buffet Tel Super Odlin Rd - Rates $$ (2 doubles), Has a hot complimentary breakfast Tel ** Please mention that you are with the Department of Maine, VFW ** ******************************************************************************************************** ~~ 98 th STATE CONVENTION ~~ Bangor, Maine Convention Book Advertising Rates Rates are for VFW and VFWA members advertising in the Convention Book Back Cover - $ Inside Cover - $ Full Page - $ Half Page - $ ¼ Page - $ /8 Page - $ Please send your advertisement copy in a finalized format Make check made payable to Department of Maine, VFW 21 Mail to: Andre L. Dumas, Adjutant 64 Washburn St., B-1, Caribou, ME All Advertising and monies must be received as soon as possible CUT OFF DATE IS MAY 10, 2018

22 98 th State Convention *** Pre-Convention Registration *** Department of Maine VFW State Convention June 2018 Ramada Inn Bangor 357 Odlin Rd., Bangor, ME Pre-Registration Rates - $ 5.00 Registration at Door - $ 8.00 Come Celebrate the 98 th Department of Maine VFW State Convention & 88 th Department of Maine Auxiliary State Convention ********************************************************************** ** Pre-Registration Form ** Please register the following members of Post/Auxiliary #: Name VFW Aux Title/Position Total Amount Due $ 5.00 x = $ Please Print clearly the name you will be using, Post # &Checkmark VFW or Auxiliary Deadline: 15 June 2018 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> MAKE YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO: Department of Maine, VFW and earmark on the check Pre-Registration MAIL YOUR CHECK TO: Shirley M. Dumas 64 Washburn St., B-1, Caribou, ME Any Question Please Call: Shirley or thedumas@gwi.net 22

23 ~~~~ Banquet Reservations ~~~~ 98 th Department of Maine State Convention Saturday, 23 June 2018 Ramada Inn Bangor 357 Odlin Rd., Bangor, ME Social Hour * 6:00 7:00 pm Dinner * 7:00 pm ******************************************************* Banquet Tickets Cost * $ per person Banquet Menu Tossed Garden Salad with House Dressing Carved Baked Glazed Ham Baked Haddock Filet Topped with Stuffing Seasoned and Slow Roasted Top Round of Beef Garlic Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Almondine Assorted Desserts Rolls with Butter Coffee & Tea Dress Attire: Business Casual (Jacket & Tie) NOTE: No Jeans, Shorts, T-Shirts, Tank Tops ******************************Cut****************************** Meals Totals x $ = Name Name Name Name Name Name Name Name *NO ASSIGNED SEATING* ******************************************************* Deadline for Banquet Ticket is: 18 June 2018 Make your check payable to Department of Maine, VFW (No tickets will be sold after the deadline Tickets will not be held without a payment) (There will be no refunds on the banquet tickets) (Special Needs Meals must be notified 1 week prior to the banquet, no Choice * Hotel Policy) 23 Send to: Shirley M. Dumas 64 Washburn St., B-1, Caribou, ME Phone: * Cell: * thedumas@gwi.net