Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars

Transcription

1 Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars Ensuring our Veterans Fair Winds & Following Seas November 2014 GENERAL ORDERS No. 5 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> *** SPECIAL NOTICE ***** SPECIAL NOTICE *** Happy Thanksgiving from Commander Smith and Department Officers State Quartermaster: Post Quartermasters: Be advised that our Quartermaster David Williams is still having problems with Posts mailing correspondence to Past State Quartermaster Alfred E. Michaud Sr. who retired. Be advised that David Williams is the current State Quartermaster and that all correspondence is to be addresses as follows: Quartermaster David D. Williams, PO Box 56, Rumford, ME His telephone is: ; Cell: and davidpost1641@live.com. State Adjutant Be advised that the addy for the State Adjutant is thedumas@gwi.net. DO NOT, repeat DO NOT use the gmail addy as it has been deleted due to several problems with it. Special Notice from Membership Chairman Steven J. SanPedro: You may have noticed that your Post and the Department Reinstated Members number have changed, they are a lot lower. However, your Continuous Members have grown. I talked to National about this and it was because of a programming issue. They had to reprogram their data base due to subscription dues. What was happening was Members that were subscription dues payers were coming up as Reinstated Members. This just changes where the Member is in the stats not your total number. If you have any question on this feel free to contact me. Convention Book Ad Solicitation: As approved by the Council of Administration, the only company that has been authorized to sell ads for our State Convention is Consult Tele-Communications of New Hampshire. They have started selling ads throughout the State of Maine. If you receive any inquiries on this subject from a local business and/or Law Enforcement, please inform them that they are only legal solicitor for the Department. Also inform them that businesses purchasing ads are to mail their check and ad to: Department of Maine VFW, 405 Western Ave, #329, So. Portland, ME Please remember that the money raised from the selling of ads pays the bills for the State Convention. Special Notice from Adjutant General John Hamilton Office: A brand-new feature available to help VFW members learn the many aspects of our organization is the newly released VFW leadership and program training videos. Simply access them by using your member logon. They can be found under a new tab title VFW TRAINING HUB located in the General Member and Tool Resources section. Current topics include Administrative, Post Service Officer, Program and soon upcoming Membership Recruiting. The VFW Training Hub will be continually expanded and updated with other video topics. 1

2 1. January CoA Meeting: Will be held on January 2015 in Winslow. The Headquarters hotel is the Best Western Plus Waterville, 375 Main St., Waterville, ME. Rates are $ tax for up to 4 persons, 2 double beds. Please make your reservations by calling directly to the Best Western to receive the rates or Please make sure that you inform them that you are with the VFW when making your reservations. 2. January CoA Meeting: Will be held on January 11 at MacCrillis-Rousseau Post 8835, 175 Veteran Dr., Winslow, ME. The CoA meeting will 8:30 am sharp. All Council members and Chairman are requested to be in attendance and make their reports at that time. Anyone not able to attend the meeting are to forward a copy of their report to the State Adjutant at least 5 days prior to the meeting for reading at the CoA meeting. Please make sure that you notify this office that you wish to be excused for the CoA meeting. Saturday meetings will commenced at 9:00 am at the Best Western Plus Waterville as follows: VSO, Audit & Finance, Convention 2015 & Special Executive Board meeting to follow. 3. Voice of Democracy/Patriot s Pen/Teacher of the Banquet: Will be held on January 10, 2015 at the MacCrillis-Rousseau Post 8835, 175 Veteran Dr., Winslow, ME. Cost of banquet tickets is $30.00 per person. Please send your check and application to Shirley M. Dumas, 64 Washburn St., B-1, Caribou, ME and make your check payable to Department of Maine, VFW. Deadline for ticket purchase is 3 January NOTE: There will be no tickets sold at the door, tickets will not be held without payment and there will be no refunds on the banquet tickets.) Anyone wishing a special meal are to notify Shirley M. Dumas. Banquet ticket order and hotel information form is attached to these General Orders. The VFW National Representative will be Past National Commander-in-Chief Richard L. DeNoyer from the Department of Massachusetts. Let us plan on having a great turnout and welcome him and his wife to the Department of Maine. 4. CoA Reservations for State Convention: A reminder that the deadline for all CoA members to make their room reservations at the Ramada Inn is 31 January After that date, all rooms at the Ramada Inn will be opened to the general membership. 5. Annual Membership: Members are reminded that their annual membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars is now subscription based and expires on their anniversary date; for many continuous members this date remains December 31. 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). 6. Section 220 of the National By-Laws, Vacancies and Removal of Elective Officers or Committee Members : States that "Any elective Post officer removed by the Department Commander, by reason of failure to pay current dues or by vote of the Post under the provisions of this section, shall not be eligible to serve in any Post office in the same administrative year in which the officer is removed." 7. Continuous Membership: For the purpose of establishing continuous membership, a member may reimburse Department and National dues for all delinquent years, provided he was a member in good standing for five (5) consecutive years prior to the delinquency. 8. Duties of Trustees: Attention of Post Commanders is directed to section 218 of the Manual of Procedure, Duty of Trustees. Trustees Report of Audit must be completed in detail at the close of each quarter, one of which ends December 31, Commanders are reminded that accurate and complete 2

3 records shall be kept by all persons handling Post funds, including the Club Manager and Bingo Chairman. These records shall be audited by Post Trustees in the same manner as Post Quartermaster and Adjutant records. 9. Post Inspections: A thorough program of Post inspection is necessary to ensure compliance with National and Department By-Laws and directives. and Department Inspectors to include Assistant Inspectors shall make every effort to inspect every Post under their cognizance on an annual basis and correct such discrepancies as may be disclosed. 10. Distribution of Buddy Poppies: The distribution of VFW Buddy Poppies will be conducted according to the provisions set forth in sections 711 of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure. Department,, County Council and Post Commanders should arrange now for the distribution of Buddy Poppies for the Memorial Day campaign in their respective areas. All profits accruing from the distribution of Buddy Poppies shall be used in accordance with sections 219 and 704 of the Manual of Procedure. 11. Post Commanders: Are directed to the Commander-in-Chief s decision in response to questions raised concerning alcoholic beverages in the Post meeting room during the Post meeting as set forth below: It is held to be objectionable and contrary to accepted rules of order and proper decorum implicit in the ritual of the Veterans of Foreign Wars to permit alcoholic beverages in the Post meeting room during the Post meeting. Accordingly, the presence, dispensation, and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in VFW meeting rooms during VFW meetings is unacceptable and is prohibited. Any such practice known to exist shall be terminated. It is the intent of the Commander-in-Chief s decision, regarding this response, to include Post, County Council, and Department meetings, whereas it is held to be objectionable. Please refer to Section 1001 (24.) of the National Manual of Procedure. 12. All VFW Members: The National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri moved in May 2011 but they are still receiving mail at their old address which delays responses to the veterans. Please ensure that all requests are addressed to their new mailing address at: National Personnel Records Center, Military Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO Please share this information to all your fellow veterans. 13. Veterans Day Observance: Posts are urged to start planning suitable programs now for the observance of Veterans Day (see section 223 of the Manual of Procedure). 14. Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance: Posts are urged to start planning program for the observance of Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance, December 7 th. 15. Dates to Remember: 2 November * Daylight Savings Time Ends 4 November * Election Day 10 November * Marine Corps Birthday November 11 # Veterans Day November * Eastern States Conference, Newport, RI 27 November * Thanksgiving Day 7 December * Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance 25 December * Christmas Day 1 January * New s Day 3

4 16. Candidates for Department High Office : Department Commander * Gerald L. Francis * Post 1641 Department Senior Vice Commander * Steven J. SanPedro * Post 6859 Department Junior Vice Commander * Richard A. Farris * Post 6131 Department Quartermaster * David D. Williams * Post 1641 Department Judge Advocate * Darald M. Mitchell * Post 9779 Department Surgeon * Christopher L. Armstrong * Post 887 Department Surgeon * Randolph S. Michaud * Post 2599 Department Chaplain * David Sivret * Post 9779 Department Chaplain * William R. Doughty * Post 6859 Department Chaplain * Charles J. McGillicuddy * Post Candidates for National Council Member, Maine, Thomas R. Lussier * Post 6859 David D. Williams * Post 1641 Kevin G. Woodward * Post Meeting Dates : 16 Nov 14 * Dist 3 * Post 553, Eastport * 2 pm * Cmdr Smith 23 Nov 14 * Dist 10 * Post 6783, Lovell * 1 pm * Dist Cmdr Demers 18 Jan 15 * Dist 4 * Post 4633, Hampden * 2 pm * Adj Dumas 18 Jan 15 * Dist 6 * Post 6131, Newport * 1 pm * JA Farris 18 Jan 15 * Dist 8 * Post 1285, Waterville * 2 pm * QM Williams 18 Jan 15 * Dist 9 * Post 1641, Rumford * 12 noon * Cmdr Smith 18 Jan 15 * Dist 11 * Post 6548, Kennebunk * 2 pm * JVC SanPedro 25 Jan 15 * Dist 7 * Post 2197, Topsham * 2 pm * SVC Francis 19. Department Directory Changes: Pg 21 & 35 * Adj Moore * Chg address to: PO Box 12, Burlington, ME Pg 42 * Post 4527 * Chg Post to: Post4527@gmail.com Pg 44 * Post 6131 * Chg Adj address to: 155 Belmont Ave, Belfast, ME OFFICIAL TÇwÜx _A WâÅtá ANDRE L. DUMAS State Adjutant BY ORDER OF: eéçtäw YA få à{ RONALD F. SMITH State Commander 4

5 Comrades; State Commander Ronald F. Smith Comrades, after a successful Council of Administration meeting this past month, I would like to Thank the Caribou VFW Post and Ladies for an outstanding job and providing a true Down-Home supper. It was enjoyed by all and the cameradry that came out of this type of gathering showed me there is still that spirit alive within the Department. I want to say Congratulations to all the Posts that are at or near the magical number of 100%. Stay the course and obtain that status. It is imperative that we maintain our membership if we want to maintain the benefits our Veterans have earned. The Executive Board met for the first time and a lot of good information was expressed by both organizations. It showed me that we can communicate with each other and get the Department working together toward our goal of helping all Veterans and their families. Communication and cooperation between the Ladies Auxiliary and our side of the house is very important if we are to succeed. I would like to take the time to encourage ALL Commanders to get with the Presidents and get a line of communication going between them for the betterment of the organization. Veterans Day is quickly coming upon us. This is the time of year when we must show ourselves and get out and assist any Veteran that may need our help. It is also a time of celebration, a Veterans Celebration. As we remember those that have went on before us, we must also remember those who are now just returning. They and their families may need our assistance in readjusting to civilian life and the return to normalcy. As you prepare for the upcoming winter season, use your common sense in dealing with winter conditions. Slow down; be prepared for any lengthy power outages and bad driving conditions. Stockup on essentials and take care of your health. Have a great Veterans Day and a blessed and Thankful Thanksgiving. In Comradeship Ronald F. Smith Ronald F. Smith Commander Insuring Our Veterans Fair Winds & Following Seas 5

6 Deceased Roll Call Department of Maine, VFW William R. Doughty, Chaplain October 1 31, 2014 May our Comrades Rest in Eternal Peace in Post Eternity? * HELSTROM, Marshall F * AUSTIN, Robert R. * WW II ALBERT, Gerald C. * Korea BERGES, Emil H. ODDI, Dominic * WW II 3 PUNSKY, Sumner J * LODGE, Vincent H. Jr * PENDEXTER, Richard W * DYER, Clarence B * HENLIN, Donald W * Mc GUFF, John E. * WW II PARKER, Carl R * LeMAY, George E. * Vietnam 6924 * POULIN, Richard J. O HARA, Arthur J. * WW II * BROWN, Philip R. * WW II Members-at-Large * MOTT, John R. 6 ROSSITER, Richard E * BANKS, Robert M. FARRAR, Ronald L * ALLISOT, Donald B * BABINE, John F. Sr. COKOURS, John * WW II JARVIS, James O * BARKER, Errol K. * Vietnam 8 9 * CRAWFORD, Douglas G. 887 * BELANGER, Aurele J * HARRIMAN, Holton F * COLE, Earl G. Jr. DUTIL, Arthur J. LaCHANCE, Roland J. * Europe VIGUE, Marc J. * WW II 9526 * CLOUGH, Elmo L. 6

7 SENIOR VICE COMMANDER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES * AMERICANISM/LOYALTY DAY Gerald L. Francis All Posts and s: Please look at the GOs checklist and insure that I gave you credit if you submitted a report to me or to the Chairman of that activity. The checklist is a tool that you should use to assist in all requirements that the Department and National requires. Any problems on this checklist must be brought up to the Chairman or me ASAP. Please; all Posts and Commanders, review the activities checklist in these GOs and insure that you report all activities your Posts have completed and all hours, miles and funds to accomplish those activities. We should be reported in Americanism and Loyalty Day by now but we are not because I have not received a report from some the reporting that you completed this requirement. I will be reporting all hours, funds and miles to National the first six month report with all data received before 31 Oct 2014 in November. Recruit Retain All Veterans and Report all Activities Monthly. Honor Support and Defend All Veterans Ensuring our Veterans Fair Winds & Following Seas Defending Freedom s Defenders ***************************** JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER MEMBERSHIP Steven J. SanPedro I just returned from the Council of Administration meeting in Caribou. It was a long drive but it is only fair that we go up there every once in a while. I enjoyed meeting some of their Post and Auxiliary members. I would like to commend the Ladies Auxiliary for the dinner Saturday night. They had a big turnout and everyone had a good time. I also want to Thank President Woodward and her Ladies for showing us some of their tradition. The Empty Table and the Fran Booth Memorial Walk were very moving for all. The Department had a good meeting and it seems to be running rather well. I will be leaving for the Eastern States Conference in Newport, Rhode Island on November 14. If you have anything you would like me to bring up, please let me know before then. Membership: Congratulations go out to Delbert Spinney of Post 9394 Kittery and Paul Neal of Post Gorham. They were the two Early Bird Life Members Winners. They will now be Life Members! Also, the two winners of the Early Bird Life Members Drawing were James Bachelder of Post 9935 Sanford and Kevin Cole of Post 6859 Portland. We are getting closer and closer every month. I want to Thank everyone that has worked hard this year to help us reach our goal of 100% or higher. Commander Smith with the help of Adjutant Dumas sent out letters to all Commanders that need 10 or less members to reach 100% asking them to push to reach that goal. Attached was a list of all unpaid and reinstated Members. We ask that you knock on their doors or call them. We shouldn t wait until the end of the year; the time is now! The Department is currently sitting at 84.61%, an increase of 7.34% from last month. We have 8156 Members now which is an increase of 332 members. We need 1483 members to reach 100%. Remember to Retain, Recruit, and Reinstate! We now have 14 Posts that have conducted a Recruiters Event, filled out and sent the form to me for credit. I will be available for help if or sanpedro105@roadrunner.com ***************************** 7

8 8 QUARTERMASTER David D. Williams, PSC VAVS * BUDDY POPPY * CHRISTMAS CARDS & LABELS INSURANCE & BOND * MEN S AUXILIARY QM: The 1st Quarter has come in and gone. Everything is looking good, majority of the Posts are up to date on reports and Quarterly Audits at the beginning of November. I will be making up a couple of Notices: 1- for Quarterly Audits * 1 - For QM Bonds and maybe one for who knows? Happy Thanksgiving I hope you all have a wonderful day. Poppies: The new price is in effect, the order forms are on the Web Page. I have received a few orders with the old Prices; so if you got your order back, it means I received it after September 24 th. So I have enclosed the new form that needs to be used. Bonds: When you fill out the form, you need to make out the check for that. The other workers bonds /Bartenders bonds need to be sent in on a check of their own. So what I'm trying to say is: 1 - check for QM Bond and 1 - Check for the other ones. Also if you have an outside Bonding Company; please send in a copy for my records. Whenever you purchase from the Emblem and Supply Catalog, Christmas Cards and the packages; National sends out (Labels and whatever else). The Department of Maine gets a percentage of whatever they collect. Also do not forget when ordering from national Supply if you are a legacy member you get a discount. Thanks for everyone's help and cooperation as I learn this Position. s/posts not bonded: 9699, D-2, 1438, 3381, 4298, 5723, 6924, 7865, 8934, 3095, 8395, 9, 1285, 8835, 3335, 9787, 6783, 6859 & s/posts Missing Audit Reports: 2599, 9699, D-2, 1438, 2299, 558, 9779, 11553, D-4, 109, 3381, 4527, D-5, 8934, 3095, 8395, D-8, 9, 1285, 8835 & Posts Not Ordered Buddy Poppies: 2599, 6187, 9609, 9699, 1438, 1605, 2299, 4154, 558, 3381, 4527, 4298, 5723, 7865, 7866, 8934, 10881, 11191, 3095, 4169, 9437, 8395, 1285, 8835, 9526, 9787, 6783 & JUDGE ADVOCATE Richard A. Farris Sec. 717-Dues Reserve: A dues reserve fund shall be credited within each Department and Post with not less than fifty percent of its part of the current year s dues paid by each member prior to July 1, including Life Membership dues payouts received from the National Organization. The Quartermaster shall not disburse nor shall an obligation be incurred against this fund until after July 1, at which time it shall be transferred to general fund and be available for expenditures. SURGEON SAFETY & DRUG ABUSE * BLOOD Darald M. Mitchell, Chairman Safety & Drug Abuse: Comrades, it`s that time of year again, time to get your FLU shots. Also remember to report on your Community Activities each month, all Blood and Safety done by your Post. Safety Topics for November: Fire & Food Safety: Fire Safety: Many people celebrate Thanksgiving in November and Thanksgiving in most cases means cooking all kinds of food. When preparing food, make sure to keep an eye on the microwave, stove top, and

9 oven to prevent a fire. It`s best to cook your meat while you`re awake and can monitor the food instead of cooking it at night long while you sleep. Doing so is a beneficial preventative measure that ensures safety. If you live in a cold climate and take celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday sitting around a fireplace in your home or a fire outside, you want to be careful as well. Whether it`s a holiday or not, never leave a fireplace or fire burning without the supervision of an adult. Also, keep flammable objects like paper or clothing away from the fire. If children will be around the fire, explain to them the dangers of trying to touch or throw things into the fire. Food Safety: If you re tempted to cook your Thanksgiving feast a tad faster for your hungry dinner guests, think again. Undercooked food, especially meat can cause severe illness like Campylobacter or food poisoning. According to MedicineNet.com; Campylobacter is most often spread by contact with raw or undercooked poultry. So you ll want to make sure that each time a cook handles food, he washes his hands before and after handling it. It may also be wise to ask about any food allergies guest(s) have that you don`t know about. Some people are allergic to things like peanuts or milk, so make sure before making a dish using peanut oil or a dessert using milk. Drug Abuse: Signs of Heroin Abuse and Addiction: Heroin gives you a feeling of well-being and happiness. It also makes you feel like the world has slowed down. People on heroin think slowly and might move slowly. Heroin makes people feel sleepy, like they`re in a dream. Heroin makes the eye pupils get very small. A person who injects (shoots up) heroin will have marks on the skin where the needle went in. Heroin is very addictive because it is usually injected or smoked, which sends it to the brain very quickly. People who get addicted to heroin need to take more and more of it to get the same high. People who are trying to quit taking heroin might: 1) Have pain in muscles and bones; 2) Get chills; 3) Throw up; 4) Be unable to sleep; 5) Feel nervous. They will feel a very strong need to take the drug. November is American Diabetes Month: Take action to increase awareness about diabetes and healthy lifestyles: 1) Partner with your local gym or YMCA to host a Diabetes Prevention Party focused on healthy eating and physical activity; 2) Host a cooking demonstration featuring diabetes-friendly recipes. Get local nutritionists involved; 3) Include healthy Thanksgiving recipes in your next newsletter or post along with quick tips on how to prevent type 2 diabetes; 4) Post tips on type 2 diabetes prevention on your post bulletin board; 5) Encourage your comrades to get active. Organize walks or use your local gyms. State Surgeon: #1 Marine * OOHRAH!! CHAPLAIN William R. Doughty The month of October has been as busy as could be due to the CoA meeting set for October I have never been to Caribou, so the trip was a new experience for me. Much to my surprise, Caribou is one of the most well appointed locations that I have ever visited, the hospitality was outstanding and the Post members welcomed us with open arms. The bean supper served on Saturday night was as Down Home as could be and the dessert table held great temptations for all. Needless to say, the Sunday morning business was run with great efficiency. The meeting is well documented in the report you have now in hand. In my report, you will find my concern dealing with the role of Department Chaplain. I feel we should run a time check on the number of hours the Chaplains spends on Grave Registration against the hours he/she spends on field work such as visitation and other requirements found in the Chaplains Handbook. Perhaps, we are asking too much from one person to accomplish. 9

10 10 IMMEDIATE PAST STATE COMMANDER COMMANDERS SPECIAL PROJECT (CSP) David C. Olson, PSC/Chairman IPSC: Greetings Comrades - Health issues prevented me from attending the CoA in Caribou; however, I am on the mend and look forward to seeing you for the Voice of Democracy, Patriot s Pen and Teacher of the in January. HAPPY VETERANS DAY to one and all Also, HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all as the December GO s will probably reach you after that date. By now, all Posts should have their plans in motion for VETERANS DAY this is truly a SPECIAL DAY. CSP: Donations have dropped off significantly since last month; however, the following Posts can be added to the list: Frank L. Mitchell Post 3335 Jay ** Rev. Joseph Lammarre Memorial Post 2197 ** Norman N. Dow-Isaac E. Clewley Post 1761 Bangor and Royal River Post Yarmouth The total to date is: $ and COMMANDER SMITH THANKS YOU!!! Remember; it s not so much the amount, but that you did donate to this worthwhile cause. Send your checks to: David C. Olson, IPSC, PO Box 6893, Portland, ME I hope I can list your Post next month! CHIEF OF STAFF POW/MIA * WREATH ACROSS AMERICA Kevin G. Woodward, PSC Chief of Staff: Comrades, we are off to a very good start this year. Let s continue on the path that we have started and make this a healthy year for Commander Smith. This can and will be accomplished by maintaining good communication with your members as well as your Ladies and Men s Auxiliaries. Make sure that you report all of the good things that you continually do to the Communities Activity Chairman. If there is a problem within your Post; please take the effort to resolve it at that level. If that isn t possible, the next step is to contact the Commander. Only after these steps have been taken and you are still unable to resolve the issue should you contact the Department. All of your Department Officers are here to assist you but, you must make the effort to help yourselves. The Chain of Command is there for a reason and it is difficult to maintain stability if it is not utilized appropriately. As the Holiday Season is fast approaching, Kathy and I would like to wish each and every one a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Please take a moment and think about those Comrades who cannot be with their loved ones this season. POW/MIA: Since 2003, JPAC has identified more than 700 missing Americans. More than 1,800 Americans have been identified since the accounting effort began in the 1970s. HOW MANY MISSING PERSONS: Under the terms of the National Defense Authorization Act, JPAC s mission is to locate, recover and identify the remains of Americans who are missing as a result of this nation's past conflicts. This includes both the Missing in Action as well as the Killed in Action Body Not Recovered. Collectively, all MIA and KIA-BNR cases are referred to by law as missing persons. As a command reporting to the U.S. Pacific Command, JPAC continues its search for the more than 83,000 Americans still missing from past conflicts. The ultimate goal of JPAC is to conduct global search, recovery, and laboratory operations in support of the Department of Defense s personnel accounting efforts. WORLD WAR II: Approximately 76,000 missing person cases remain from World War II. Of these, approximately 7,000 are MIA cases and approximately 69,000 are KIA-BNR. The number of World War II missing persons buried in graves marked as Unknown in U.S. cemeteries at home or abroad is approximately 8,600. These unknowns represent approximately 11 percent of all missing persons from World War II. KOREAN WAR: The remains of 8,177 U.S. Service Members were not recovered after the signing of the armistice in 1953.

11 Approximately 5,960 are listed as MIA cases, while 2,217 are KIA-BNR or died in captivity. As of April 2012; 839 caskets of Korean War missing persons are buried in marked graves as Unknown in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. These unknowns represent 14 percent of all MIA cases from the Korean War. VIETNAM WAR: As of April 2012; the remains of 1,681 missing persons have yet to be identified. There are no "unknown" missing persons from the Vietnam War. COLD WAR: There are 125 missing person cases that have not been resolved. There are no "unknown" missing persons from the Cold War. WAA: Wreaths Across America holds a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington every year during the holiday season. This year s ceremony will take place December 13 th, dubbed Wreaths Across America Day. Since the inception of the WAA initiative, the movement has spread across the country, and additional ceremonies are held at other cemeteries throughout America. The records indicate that the Department of Maine Group (ME0016P) to date has sponsored only wreaths, we can do much better than that! Here are some of the key points for you to challenge your friends to sponsor a wreath. 1) This will be the 23rd year of placing wreaths at Arlington, and the 150th anniversary; 2) The Government does not pay for the wreaths to be placed private citizens make the gift and your help is needed; 3) Last year 143,000 wreaths were placed but the goal in 2014 is do all sections (230,000 wreaths); 4) Many families know the pain of being without loved ones during the holiday season it is the least we can do, and every stone represents a family, a story and a deserving Veteran. 11 NATIONAL COUNCIL MEMBER, MAINE VETERANS ADVISORY TO VA MAINE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Raymond R., Lupo, PSC/Chairman NCMM/Mini-MAC: Togus management headed a Town Hall meeting at the Bangor Clinic as directed by the VA Secretary with more to come at other locations. VA announced a $ 50,000 per year grant with a possibility of a second year to improve access to healthcare in Piscataquis County. The LYNX operated by Penguis Cap will provide the transportation. A schedule was sent out for the flu at each clinic You can get your shot at anytime you have an appointment. The VA has adopted a program (Telehealth) to meet Veterans needs wherever the need may be and you should visit Shortly, midterm elections will take place; know where candidates stand on the VFW goals and also their plan to end sequestration and fully fund the VA Healthcare. INSPECTOR AUDIT & FINANCE Arthur J. Roy, PSC/Chairman At this PAST CoA Meeting (Oct 19 th ); MANY INSPECTION REPORT FORMS were completed and turned in to me. Already, I ve received all of D-3, D-4, D-6, D-7, D-9, & D-10 s Inspection Reports plus; 1 only needs 1 and D-2 needs 2. s 5, 8 and 11 haven t got started yet but will start soon. LET S TRY TO GET THEM DONE OK? THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE The Finance Committee met Saturday Oct 18 th at the Caribou VFW Post 9389 and the Books were audited and found to be in good order. Things are going great and David Williams; our new Department Quartermaster is on the ball and doing a great job. Thank you all for all you do.

12 95 th State Convention: June 12 to 14 th, The Convention Committee met on October 18 the VFW Post 9389 Caribou and everything is moving ahead in good time. All the information is being put in the GO s as we move forward by Andy; so keep alert on all the things he s putting out, OK? Any Questions; please feel free to also contact me at any time. All meetings will be held at the Ramada Inn as in the Past, so park your car put your car keys in the drawer in your room - and enjoy yourself. ENSURING OUR VETERANS FAIR WINDS & FOLLOWING SEAS HISTORIAN Lawrence K. Holland Comrades: Thank you for the News articles I have received. I will continue to be looking for more articles and pictures especially anything that the Department Commander Smith participates in. Send them to: Larry Holland, 59 McDougal Dr., Hermon, ME or me at vfw1761@usa.com HOMELESS VETERANS VETERANS CEMETERY SOUTH James E. N. Bachelder, PSC/Chairman Homeless Veterans: It is over and it was a big success. The Stand-Down registered 82 Veterans with 7 of them being women. The services provided keep improving. The Health Benefits Administration was available for the second year in a row. Any Veterans that were eligible for VA healthcare were enrolled that day. The Veteran Benefit Administration was fully staffed to assist any Veterans in filing for benefits. There were some Veterans that did not take the boots available because they received therapeutic footwear from the podiatrist. One of the questions the Stand-Down is asking our Veterans is: What is preventing you from becoming housed? This is a very important question because we need to find the gaps in services needed to house our Veterans. We also need your help locating Veterans in need. When you find a Veteran who is homeless or living in substandard housing, let us know so we can improve their lives. We received donations from the York Post 6977 and the Naples Post Thank you. Please keep sending your financial support (checks) to me, made out to Department of Maine VFW with Homeless Veterans in the memo line. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at james.bachelder@metrocast.net or call between 9 am to 9 pm. Veterans Cemetery South: We relocated the tall plants from the entrance of the cemetery, now the sign can be seen when you drive down Stanley Road. The extra plants are being put into a nursery for future use. There is now a visual barrier between the burial area and the Memorial Walkway. The first memorial has been ordered and will be available in three weeks. A second memorial was also requested. We are working on the inscription. The inscription on the Services Memorial that will replace the front gate project was rejected by the State. We are now working on an inscription that is acceptable by the State. This memorial is expected to cost $15,000. We will be doing the fundraising once the State approves an inscription; so we will be able to create flyers for distribution. We are very pleased to actually begin work on some long standing projects. This spring everyone will be able to enjoy the results. The Administration office is fully functional. Robert MacDougall is well informed and can assist with any questions about the cemetery. He can be reached at We meet on the second Thursday at 10:00 am at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery. 12

13 HOSPITAL/VAVS Robert L. La Flamme, Director Posts that donated this past month: Post 887, 2599, 3335, 6859, 6924, 6977, 9389 & VAVS is also looking for phone cards. Some checks are still coming in (Pay to the Order of Dept of Maine). This is wrong; checks are to be made out to VAVS and mail to me at: 733 Eastern Ave., Augusta, ME Please remember Veterans Day and Togus Patient Christmas parties on December 14 th. LEGISLATIVE CONVENTION SITE SELECTON 2016 Peter F. Miesburger, PSC/Chairman Legislative: My Fellow Comrades: By the time you receive this month's General Orders, the State of Maine General Election will be "History" and I hope that all of you took the time to "VOTE" and that all the newly elected Officials both at the State and Federal level will support any new Veterans issues that they will be called upon to "VOTE" on. The latest information that I have received is that the State of Maine newly elected 127 th Legislature will convene on 3 December 2014 and the 114 th Congress will convene on 12 January Members of the 113 th Congress will convene on 12 November 2014, what is known as a "Lame Duck" session, which means no major issue will be acted upon. As far I know, we will have to wait until, both the State of Maine Legislature and U.S. Congress as to what members will be assigned to the various committees. My major concern is what newly elected officials of the 114 th Congress will serve as Chairperson of both the Senate and House Armed Services Committees; Veteran Affairs Senate and House Committee as well as the State of Maine 127 th Legislature Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee. Just as soon as I receive any information in regards to these issues, I will keep all of you updated. Remember, I hope that all of us who "VOTED" for elected officials we will have to live with them Convention Site Selection: Once again, I want to remind everyone that the announcement of what /Post who will HOST THE 2016 annual Department of Maine, VFW which will be held at the January 2015 Council meeting. Whoever wants to HOST the convention, contact either the Department Adjutant and/or myself for more information. Our telephone numbers are listed in the Department directory. Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen and Teacher of the Programs: By now; all Posts should have completed the Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen and Teacher of the Programs and forwarded the results to the Chairperson for further judging and after that, the results are forwarded to me to complete in the Department judging. This year, I am looking for all s to participate in these programs. Remember in the words of Department Commander Smith, these programs are VFW Programs and not School Programs. Let s all support these programs. Looking forward to seeing all of you at the Banquet in Waterville on 10 January NATIONAL HOME Charles A. Warden, Chairman Comrades: The VFW National Home for Children serves as a living memorial to America s Veterans by helping our nation s Veteran and military families during difficult times. You made it possible for the VFW National Home for Children to help families, give hope and honor service. Comrades; at the COA meeting in Caribou, the donation that you all made came to $ Keep up the good work and let s keep the donations coming in to support the Home and let them know that the 13

14 Department of Maine, VFW is here to support them. I know the Home Thanks you and as Chairman, I Thank you. Thank you and God Bless. 14 PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER Robert H. Bernard, PSC/Chairman Posts that have turned in clippings from Newspapers to date are: VFW Post 1603 Auburn (36); VFW Post 9328 Harrison (16); Post 9389 Caribou (5); 8835 Winslow (3). Post Newsletters receive: VFW Post 2197 Topsham (1); VFW Post 6859 (2); VFW Post 9389 Caribou (2); VFW Post 2599 Presque Isle (3) & 8835 Winslow (1). Post or s having an existing Website or have submitted their Website to the Website Coordinator: Hayward-Frazier Post 2599; Deering Memorial Post 6859; MacCrillis-Rousseau Post 8835 & Norman N. Dow-Isaac E. Clewley Post *************************** VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE TOGUS BEAL HOUSE Louis A. Peterson II, PSC/Chairman Togus Beals House: The Open House on 28 September was an enjoyable function. Thirty-one guests from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans were in attendance. Just a note to those who did not come: you missed a good time with Comrades and Sisters! There was lots of great food: finger sandwiches of many kinds, chips, pickles, olives, and for dessert cake & ice cream. Hope to see you when we plan our next Open House. We again Thank you for your kind donations that help us in keeping the House in good running condition. VSO: Did you know that the VA processed more than 1.3 million claims in fiscal year 2014? This is the highest number of disability compensation and pension claims that were processed in VA history! During that time, Veterans and survivors received more than $72.7 billion, with approximately $1.5 million being awarded to Maine Veterans and survivors. Our Service Officers are continuously attending staff training in order to keep up to date in assisting our Veterans and families. Rene & James await your claim applications, so please contact them for assistance. VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE Rene A. Deschene, SO Claims: During the FY 2014, the VA processed 1.3 million claims. This is the highest number in VA history. It is 150,000 more than what was done in FY These claims are at a 90% accuracy level and on medical issue level, it is at 96%. Currently, 93% of the work processed by the VA is paperless. VA pays out currently to 4.5 million Veterans and survivors more than $72.7 billion in compensation and pension benefits. Education Benefits: Part 5. *Chapter 31 covers all books, supplies and tools required for training program. *Chapter 33 covers yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 paid proportionately based on rate of pursuit. *Chapter 31 will not pay for the retake of a course of the grade obtained meets the degree requirement. Approval of additional course(s) during the last semester would be determined on an individual basis by the Veteran s counselor.

15 *Chapter 33 will not pay for the retake of a course if the grade obtained meets the degree requirements with the following exception: The Veteran can round out a schedule with non-required courses to bring his/her course load up to full-time in his/her last term only. Veterans Helping Veterans 15 WAYS AND MEANS * CREDENTIALS Paul S. Colburn, Chairman It was great to see you all in Caribou this past weekend. Please be safe now that the cold weather has started to set in. Also, please stay healthy and take care of yourselves. Your Commanders have now received your Ways & Means tickets for It is now time to get down to business and start to promote this program. If you do not receive your tickets in a timely manner, please contact me so I can find out what is going on. I know the economy is not stable, but promote at your Bingo and any other functions, just please do the very best you can. Should you have any questions, please contact OK Comrades, time to Right the Ship and promote our Ways & Means program. We can do it. Please do not hold onto your tickets either. See you all in January. NATIONAL TEAM VFW SCOUTER YOUTH ACTIVITIES James A. Proctor, Chairman Tall and Small Overnight: New this year is a discovery museum overnight for parents and the Girl Scout. Experience your daughter s first overnight with Girl scouting and see what all the fun is about. Experience the excitement of spending a night at the Maine Discovery Museum with Girl Scout based programs. Includes a night time snack and breakfast. Journey Link: It s Your Story Tell It. Date: 6-7 Dec. Reg By: 20 Nov. Town: Bangor. Start Time: 6:00 pm. End Time: 8:00 am. Levels: B/J. Girl Fee: $ Adult fee: $ Project Grace: Troop 485 from Scarborough spent a day on the meal assembly line for Project Grace. Along with a crew of community members, these Cadette troop bagged more than 7,000 meals for the surrounding communities food pantries. OKPIK High Adventure Winter Camping: Shelter building, learn to build your own Quinzee or thermal shelter out of snow and natural materials. A Quinzee will remain at a cozy 25 degrees even when the temperature is far below Zero. Snow-shoeing, the traditional method of travel in the Maine woods is still a fun and efficient way to get where you are going. Miles of scenic trails allow all abilities to enjoy Maine s beauty. Meals, our trail meals are designed for ease of preparation and cleanup using backpacking stoves. A variety of high calorie foods and lots of them keep you warm all weekend. OKPIK Maine offers a beautiful setting for your OKPIK adventure. It s location on Panther Pond in Raymond, ME is ideally suited for this exciting winter camping program. Your trip begins at our lodge where you will spend Friday night before heading out on the trail, relax in our spacious lodge. OKPIK (OOK PIK) is the LNUIT name for the snowy owl and also the name and symbol of the official Boy Scouts of America cold weather camping program. OKPIK Maine offers: Backpacking style trail food, trained OKPIK guides to accompany your crew, hundreds of acres at and around Camp Hinds in Raymond, ME; cold weather first aid and camping training, equipment sleds, skies, snowshoes and other cold weather camping gear, supplement cold weather clothing and sleeping systems, emergency radio communication, OKPIK Maine participant patches, shower facilities in our heated lodge, and OKPIK Trading Post OKPIK Dates: Jan 9-11; 16-18; 23-25; Jan 30- Feb 1; Feb 6-8; 13-15; Feb 27-Mar 1. Reservation for the popular OKPIK program should be made as early as possible; we do fill-up. You can make a reservation by phone, your reservation will be held for two

16 weeks and is secured when your deposit is paid. Reservations are subject to cancellation after the deposit deadline date. Call Pine Tree , ext 34 or reservations. Fees for 2015: $80 for the Pine Tree Council youth and adults; $115 for out of Council youth and adults; $65 for extra adults not required for the two deep leadership requirements per crew staying in the lodge. Medical Forms: We require the BSA Annual health-medical form (W/A physical within past 1 years) from every OKPIK participant. Minimum age requirement participant must be 13+. For more info: MRandall@BSAmail.org. Registration form are the website. 16

17 % - Need 1439 For 100% Department Statistics Maine as of Friday, October 31, 2014 Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont % -29 PRESQUE ISLE % -9 FORT FAIRFIELD % -36 CARIBOU % -26 FORT KENT % -11 ASHLAND % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont % -9 LINCOLN % -16 BURLINGTON % SHERMAN STATION % -17 MILLINOCKET % -3 ISLAND FALLS % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont % -15 EASTPORT % -17 CALAIS % -21 HARRINGTON % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont % ELLSWORTH % -69 BANGOR % -43 OLD TOWN % -1 ORRINGTON % -6 HAMPDEN % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont % -25 DEXTER % -2 JACKMAN % -5 FAIRFIELD

18 % -31 MADISON- ANSON % -1 NORRIDGEWOCK % -9 EMBDEN % -3 FARMINGTON % -2 NEWPORT % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont % -4 FRIENDSHIP % -20 BELFAST % -0 VINALHAVEN % -21 NORTHPORT % -5 WASHINGTON % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont % -13 TOPSHAM % -18 WALDOBORO % -5 BATH % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont % -18 GARDINER % -125 AUGUSTA % -14 WATERVILLE % -46 WINSLOW % -22 WINTHROP % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont % LEWISTON- AUBURN % -23 RUMFORD % -24 JAY % -23 LEWISTON % -29 SOUTH PARIS % -3 GREENE % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont

19 % -29 S PORTLAND % -9 LOVELL % -122 PORTLAND % -3 HARRISON % -12 YARMOUTH % -5 WINDHAM % -8 GORHAM % -5 NAPLES % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont % -48 SOUTH BERWICK % -5 KENNEBUNK % -31 YORK BEACH % OLD ORCHARD BEACH % -5 KITTERY % -31 SANFORD % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont % -156 RUMFORD % Post Dist Life New Reinst Cont State % QM'S HOUSE 2 9 EVERYONE'S HELP IS NEEDED TO BRING THE DEPARTMENT TO 100% THIS YEAR - WILL YOU HELP? ENSURING OUR VETERANS FAIR WINDS & FOLLOWING SEAS RETAIN-REINSTATE-RECRUIT 19

20 "ENSURING OUR VETERANS FAIR WINDS & FOLLOWING SEAS RON SMITH, STATE COMMANDER D I V I S I O N L E A D E R S <<>> OCTOBER 31, >> 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 VINALHAVEN % WATERVILLE 95.30% ORRINGTON 97.14% SANFORD 88.38% NEWPORT 95.23% YORK BEACH 88.51% DIV. II (51-100) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. V ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV HARRISON 94.73% JAY 93.44% ISLAND FALLS 94.64% CARIBOU 91.56% BATH 94.18% WINSLOW 87.46% DIV. III ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. VI ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV FAIRFIELD 96.57% SOUTH PORTLAND 90.31% HAMPDEN 95.55% PORTLAND % ASHLAND 90.59% TEN HIGHEST POSTS BY % I TEN LARGEST POSTS VINALHAVEN % SOUTH PORTLAND ORRINGTON 97.14% CARIBOU FAIRFIELD 96.57% PORTLAND HAMPDEN 95.55% AUBURN WATERVILLE 95.30% JAY NEWPORT 95.23% WINSLOW HARRISON 94.73% OLD ORCHARD BEACH ISLAND FALLS 94.64% WATERVILLE BATH 94.18% OLD TOWN JAY 93.44% AUGUSTA 246 DISTRICT STANDINGS I MAGIC NUMBERS FOR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. 1 BOUCHARD 88.21% WE HAVE = WE NEED DAVIS 88.00% ALL POSTS/DISTRICTS SHOULD BE AT 100% 3. 4 ROBISON 86.66% 4. 2 BUCKINGHAM 86.52% 5 MEMBERS & EARN A BLUE BALL CAP 5. 7 LAMBERT 86.46% 10 MEMBERS & EARN A WHITE VFW SHIRT 6. 6 LITTLEFIELD 86.40% ALL DEPT OFFICERS ARE ASKED TO RECRUIT SPAULDING 85.41% LET S ALL WORK AS A TEAM AND DEPARTMENT OF MAINE, VFW 85.07% RETAIN RECRUIT & REINSTATE 3 MEMBERS? 8. 5 BEAULIEU 84.76% NEED HELP or HAVE QUESTIONS DEMERS 84.47% ASK ANYONE ON THE MEMBERSHIP TEAM OK? SIVRET 84.34% ARMSTRONG 81.40% STEVEN SANPEDRO - STATE MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN 20

21 Voice of Democracy Patriot s Pen Teacher of the AWARDS BANQUET Saturday, January 10, 2015 Winslow VFW Post 8835 SOCIAL HOUR: 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm BANQUET: 6:00 pm ************************* Headquarters Best Western Plus Waterville 375 Main St, Waterville, ME ( or ) VFW Rate: $ tax, up to 4 persons, 2 double beds Please make your own reservations with the Best Western Plus Waterville Tell them that you are with the VFW Banquet Tickets are $ per person Department pays for All Winners Banquet Tickets ************************* Banquet is Buffet Style Baked Ham w/pineapple Sauce, Carved Roast Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Garden Salad, Eric s Croutons, Mixed Pickles, Olives, Coleslaw, Dinner Rolls, Chef s Choice Desert, Coffee & Tea Cut Meals s x $ = Name Name Name Name *NO ASSIGNED SEATING* Name Name Name Name ************************* Deadline for Banquet Ticket is: January 3, 2015 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) 21 Send to: Shirley M. Dumas 64 Washburn St., B-1 Caribou, ME Phone: * Cell: