District 1 100% - Commander

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1 June 2010 Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars In Memory of Veterans Past Present - Future GENERAL ORDERS No. 12 *************************** SPECIAL NOTICE SPECIAL NOTICE Congratulations to the following Posts for achieving 100%+ in membership for the Year Deering Memorial Post 6859 Portland 100% - Commander Donald R. Hadley Jr. Newport Memorial Post Newport 100% - Commander Francis A. Harding Jr. District 1 100% - Commander Vinal E. Abbott Congratulations to the following Post for Achieving their VFW 75 Years Diamond Jubilee Award Frank L. Mitchell Post 3335 Jay Commander John J. Judd Voting Credentials: Just a reminder that the Department Convention is being held June 11-13, 2010 and that all Posts MUST have their Credentials in to the Credentials Committee as SOON AS POSSIBLE. The Post must be up to date on: Trustees Report, Election Report, Post Audits and Post Inspections. These will be checked with the respective Chairmen (i.e. Department Inspector, Department Adjutant). The Credentials report must be in to the Credentials Committee by the start of the Businesss meeting. If your Post Credentials are not in, your Post will have NO vote at the Convention. To send in your Post Credentials or if there are any questions, they may be addressed to: Paul S. Colburn, th St., Bangor, Me Or call me at (207) July 2010 CoA Meetings: Will be held in Jay on 11 July The VFW CoA meeting will be held at the Jay Post. The Headquarters hotel will be the Comfort Inn & Suites, 1026 US Route 2 East, Wilton, ME. Tel: Rates are: Single/Double $99.99 for 2 people. A $10.00 charge will be assessed per extra person after the first 2 people in the room. Close out date for room reservationss is June 5th since this is their summer month and high volume. Other motels available are: Colonial Valley and Wilson Lake Inn (formerly Whispering Meeting times wille be as follows for Saturday: VSO 11:00 am Audit/Finance 12 noon Donations in Remembrance of PSC R. Randy Worthley: Anyone and/or Posts wishing to make a donation in Remembrance of PSC Worthley to the Veterans Cemetery South are to send their check to: Arthur J. Roy, 330 Russell St., Lewiston, ME and make their payable to Veterans Memorial Cemetery Assoc. and earmark their check Remembrance of PSC Worthley. 4. Congratulations: To the following Comrades who are recipients of paid appointments to attend the 111 th National Convention in Indianapolis, ID. Arnold L. Leavitt Post 1603 Veterans Service Resolutions Arthur J. Roy Post 1603 General Resolutions David D. Williams Post 1641 Finance and Internal Organization 1

2 Raymond R. Lupo Post National By-Laws, Manual of Procedures and Ritual Mark G. Reilly Post National Security and Foreign Affairs Charles D. Warden Post Veterans Service Resolutions Harry J. Stickney Post National Military Services ************************** th State Convention: The State Convention is being held on June 2010 in Ellsworth, ME. The Headquarters Hotel is the Ramada (formerly Acadia Park Hotel), 215 High St., Ellsworth, tel # See flyers attached to this General Orders for the State Convention. 2. State Convention Schedule: The schedule for the VFW Convention is enclosed in these General Orders. The State Convention is almost upon us, please make your hotel reservations ASAP since this will be the summer season for the Ellsworth Area. Please make sure that you tell the Hotel/Motel of your choice that you are with the VFW State Convention. If you know of someone that does not have , we would appreciate your reminding them of the convention. 3. Scheduled CoA Meetings for the Year : Listed are the headquarters hotels for those meetings. July 10-11, 2010 Jay Comfort Inn and Suite October 9-10, 2010 Caribou Caribou Inn and Convention Center January 15-16, 2011 Waterville/Winslow, ME Holiday Inn April 2-3, 2011 Old Town Black Bear Inn 4. Delegates to Department Conventions: Section 222 of the National By-Laws provides that Posts shall elect delegates and alternates to the Department convention at a regular meeting of the Post held not less than thirty (30) days prior to the Department convention. Posts are entitled to one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each thirty (30) members or fraction thereof in good standing in the Post at the time of the election or as the Department By-Laws may provide. 5. National Convention Registration: Section 222 of the Manual of Procedure requires each post to register, in advance, at least one delegate to the VFW National Convention by payment of a fee in the amount of $ The on-site registration fee is $ All advance registrations should be mailed to the VFW National Headquarters, 406 W. 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111, ATTN: Convention Registration or you may register on-line by going to Posts failing to comply with this provision shall be considered delinquent and in arrears th National Convention Housing: Has officially opened on 1 March Housing reservation information are located on the convention website accessed through the Maine VFW website at ( The convention web site will also have general convention information including registration form and link to other convention related information for Indianapolis, August 21-26, Bonding of Accountable Officers: Attention is called to the provisions of Section 703 of the National By-Laws which 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, he 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 the amount and as to the surety, shall be approved by their respective units and held by their respective 2

3 Commanders. The Commander of each unit shall be responsible for the proper and adequate bonding of all accountable officers in his unit. 8. Annual Report of Incorporation: All Posts that are incorporated have or should have received their notification for filing their 2010 Annual Report via USPS or . You can file on line by going to or you can download the form and file it via USPS with your $35.00 annual fee by April 1, Filing by April 1, 2010 will allow the State to provide better service. A late-filing fee penalty will be assessed on all reports received after June 1, 2010, the legal filing deadline. If your Post did not receive a notification, chances are that your Post is not incorporated. $35.00 per year to protect the personal assets of EVERY member in your Post is cheap insurance. For any assistance, please contact Duties of Post Trustees: Trustees shall not be eligible to serve on committees or as officers whose books, records and accounts are audited by the Trustees. Among the duties of the three elected Post Trustees, they shall: a. At least monthly, review the Monthly Report of Receipts and Expenditures of the Post Quartermaster. b. Not later than the end of the month following the last day of each quarterly period, at the direction of the Post Commander, properly audit the books and records of the Post Quartermaster, Post Adjutant and any activity, clubroom, holding company or unit sponsored, conducted or operated by, for or on behalf of the post and submit a Post Trustees Report of Audit to the Department Quartermaster for referral to the Department Inspector. c. The Report shall be in accordance with and upon such form as may be prescribed by the Adjutant General. The audit shall be signed by the Post Commander and Trustees, who shall, by their signatures, certify to the accuracy of the information contained therein. d. Perform such other duties as may be incident to the office or may from time to time be required by the laws and usages of the organization or lawful orders from proper authority. 10. IRS Form 990 and 990-N E-Postcard: As some may be aware, each year all posts and units are to complete a form 990-N E-Postcard if your gross receipts were less than $25, to maintain our tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service. If your post or unit had gross receipts of more than $25,000.00, you will need to file form 990 or 990EZ. I have been advised today that there are approximately 109 posts and units in the State of Maine that have not filed this form and their tax exempt status is in jeopardy of being taken away. In order to ascertain if your post and/or unit is on this list, please follow the following instructions. Go to Under the title Filing Requirements, click Click Here to find out if organizations in your area have filed or if their tax-exempt status is in jeopardy. Then click on Maine. In the Name listed block indicate Legion and in the type of org indicate all organizations. When you get the list if you click on the Name of the Post Unit, you can see that the last time they filed. Please do this as soon as possible as if it is not completed soon, you stand the chance of losing your tax-exempt status and will have to pay a substantial sum to get it reinstated. Either the Finance Officer or the Post Adjutant should complete this form. Following these instructions will alleviate the problems you might have in getting your status reinstated. 11. Program Chairman s Manual Change: By popular request, the program chairman s manual (formerly It s About Service ) is being changed. The new individual program chairman s manuals are now available online at and The individual manuals will include VFW Scholarship Programs, Safety & Recognition, Community Service, Youth Activities and Buddy Poppy. This will enable chairman (and any member) to more quickly download and print the manual for their individual program area. 3

4 12. Incoming District Commanders for Year : Are reminded that they must provide their list of District meetings to the State Adjutant NLT 15 June Also, IAW Section 403 of the National By- Laws, Districts shall hold at least three (3) regular meetings each year for purposes as prescribed in the Manual of Procedure. Each District shall also hold an annual District Convention. 13. Arrearages, Deficiencies and Omissions: Attention is directed to Section 213 of the National By-Laws concerning any Post in arrears for any financial obligations to District, Department and National for fees, dues, poppy money, supply money, failing to have the office of Quartermaster properly bonded in accordance with Section 703, failing to ensure that the Post is properly insured in accordance with Section 709, failing to submit properly completed quarterly Post Trustees Report of Audit, Post Election Report for the ensuing year, or other obligations, shall be deprived of all representation in County Council meetings (if applicable), District, Department and National Conventions. Such representation shall be restored promptly upon proper adjustment of such deficiencies. 14. Flag Day June 14: All VFW units are reminded to properly display the U.S. Flag on Flag Day, Monday, June 14 and to 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 (product No. 4385) for those who have daily displayed our National flag. This product is available at the VFW Store ALERT(VFW National Headquarters) Cutting up the U.S. Flag: It has recently come to our attention that some erroneous traditions are becoming more commonplace regarding U.S. Flags that are no longer usable. Many well-meaning individuals have cut up soiled or worn Flags, sometimes cutting out stars and mailing them to our troops. Although this is a thoughtful gesture and appears on the Internet in several places, it is in fact, an inappropriate act and should not be conducted by any VFW Post or Auxiliary. In August, 2000, at the VFW 101st National Convention, delegates passed a resolution establishing a U.S. Flag disposal program by fire for Posts to conduct, privately or publicly as follows: 1) The Flag should be folded in its customary manner. (See VFW Ritual Book) 2) It is important that the fire be sizeable and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag. 3) Place the Flag on the fire. 4) The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the Flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection. 5) After the Flag is completely consumed, the fire should be safely extinguished and the ashes buried. 6) Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances. 16. Submission of Quarterly Trustees Reports: This office has been receiving Post Quarterly Trustees Reports which is erroneous. Be advised that all Quarterly reports must be forwarded to the State Inspector James M. 72 Pope Rd., Windham, ME Department Directories/Membership & Communities Programs: Will be given out to all CoA members and District Commanders at the July CoA meeting in Jay for passing on to their respective Posts. As in the past, there will be only one (1) directory per person regardless of the number of committees one may hold. 18. Post Commanders: Any Post changing their meeting date, location and/or time are to notify the Department Adjutant ASAP so that the information can be published in the General Orders. 19. Change of Addresses: Post and District Commanders, Department Officers and Chairmen are reminded that if they have a change of address and/or addys to notify the State Adjutant Office ASAP so that 4

5 corrections can be made to the Department mailing and National can be notified. We had instances of Post/ District Commanders and officers who have had a change of address and did not notify the Department, thus preventing them from receiving all of the information from the Department and the VFW magazine. NOTE: Men s Auxiliaries are also asked to forward any change of address for their Officers receiving General Orders. For each wrong addresses returned to this office,it costs the Department $.50 vice $18.5 to ship them out. 20. Candidates for Department High Office: Department Commander John E. Williams Post Department Sr. Vice Commander Louis A. Peterson II Post 6859 Department Jr. Vice Commander Kevin G. Woodward Post Department Quartermaster Donald W. Linscott Jr. Post 1603 Department Judge Advocate Mark G. Reilly Post 6859 Department Surgeon Ronald F. Smith Post 1761 Department Surgeon David D. Williams Post 1641 Department Chaplain Charles A. Warden Post Candidates for National Councilman District 1 for Year : Raymond R. Lupo Post 4633 Andre L. Dumas Post Dates to Remember: Jun State Convention, Ellsworth, ME Jun 14 Flag Day Jun 20 Father s Day Jul 4 Independence Day Jul CoA Meeting Jay, ME August National Convention, Indianapolis, MD OFFICIAL TÇwÜx _A WâÅtá ANDRE L. DUMAS State Adjutant BY ORDER OF: TÄyÜxw XA` v{tâw ALFRED E. MICHAUD Sr. State Commander 5

6 State Commander Alfred E. Michaud Sr. We attendedd the Celebration of Life for Past State Commander Randy R. Worthley. We have lost so many good Comrades over the past few years. Each one leaving behind an empty hole that can never be filled the same way. We will always remember their smiles and quick wit and all they did for their fellow Veterans. Seems like only yesterday the oath of office was taken for State Commander for the year You have all accomplished so much this past year. Not a day has gone by that the VFW has not helped a Veteran in need or was involved in a Community Activity in the State of Maine. Every place we went, we were told of all the great things individual Post and Districts were accomplishing. Yes, even the Governor made comments on all the great community involvement the VFW has had and still has in our home State. We also received praise from General Libby on the support of the troops and the Adopt-a-Unit Program support being given. Many s and letters of Thanks from our active duty troops serving overseas in harm s way for the outstanding support and assistance for them and their families by our VFW members. Plus the great job our MAPS Chairman Harry Stickney has been providing. All the welcome Home and Farewell ceremonies were attended by the organizationn including attending of the funerals of those killed in action from the now active wars. Even our Congressman and Senators have nothing but positive things to say about all you have done. On the in State political side, Comrade Pete Miesburger and I have made it clear to our state Representatives we expect nothing lesss than the very best for our Veterans. On the State Law side, Comrade Arnold Levitt and I keep pushing the point that the State Laws must change to improve the care and benefits of the State of Maine Veterans. Our main VSO has threee busy members operating at full swing assisting all Veterans who enter their door way. On the Homeless Veterans, threee of our members Wayne Elkins, Donald Linscott and James Bachelder have been making sure any Veteran in need receives the assistance they require. The District Commanders and State Officers have been out in the Post assisting them with situations and problems as they arise. All the Officers throughout the chain of Command have stepped up to the plate and helped us hit the home runs. So if you ever hear the comment that the VFW is just a bunch of drunken Veterans, feel free to comment on the above information to that individual and make the point clear. The VFW in Maine is out to fight for all Veterans Rights and Benefits and do more than any other organization in Maine to fight those battles and assist Veterans. June 11-13th is our State Convention for election and installation of new Officers. If you have never attended one, you don't know what you are missing. Hope to see as many members as possible attend. It has been my greatest honor and privilege to have been elected by you and to have served you as the State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the great State of Maine for the year God Bless all of you and your families and keep you alll safe. My Final Navy Chief Quotation You are remembered for what you have done in life and not for what you think you have done, Do not procrastinate but participate TÄyÜxw XA ` v{tâw (AL) Alfred E. Michaud Sr. State Commander 6

7 Wxvxtáxw eéää VtÄÄ Department of Maine, VFW Charles A. Warden, Chaplain April 20 May 19, 2010 May our Comrades Rest in Eternal Peace in Post Eternity District Bearce, Ralph WWII Chick, John M. Sr Korea Cyr, Roger J. WW II Disy, Edward G. WW II Raynold, Caron F. WW II O Clair, Joseph C. WW II District Caruso, James P. WW II Donley, Richard L. WW II District Alley, William O. WW II Hatch, Karlton A. WW II District Shand, Eugene W. WW II Fogg, Ernest E. Korea Shaw, Frank W. WW II Handy, Howard L. WW II Littlefield, Kermit S. WW II District Dionne, Valmond J. WW II Young, William A. Korea District Fuller, Charles C. 3 rd Vietnam District Dunning, Jon M. Vietnam 4525 Genthner, Richard M. Korea Johnson, Jesse J. Korea Spofford, Parker L. WW II District 8 9 Bond, Laurence A. Jr. WW II LaGasse, William E. Jr. WW II 8835 Bacheller, Charles C. Korea Begin, Roland J. Jr. Korea Graham, Norman B. WW II Lemieux, Phillip C. WW II Poulin, Fernand J. Korea Varney, Walter c. WW II Ward, Sheldon L. WW II Worthley, Robert R., PSC Vietnam Young, Howard R. Vietnam District Stevens, Frank L. Korea Vincent, Louis J. WW II Mills, David M. Vietnam 9787 Stanley, George H. Korea District James, Philip W. WW II LeBorgne, Raymond H. Korea Young, William A. Korea 6859 Devou, Floyd L. WW II Parker, Edward WW II Martin, Edward E. WW II District Boyle, Thomas J. - Korea Spalding, Harlan J. - Korea Burnell, William A. - Vietnam McDonald, Raymond L. WW III Members at Large Davis, Robert L.

8 SENIOR VICE COMMANDER POW/MIA WREATH ACROSS AMERICA John E. Williams SVC: Hard to believe the year is almost over. It has been a real pleasuree to have served under Commander Al as State Senior Vice Commander. It certainly has been a learning experience. I was saddenedd to hear of the untimely passing of PSC Randy Worthley. Randy was a great friend of the VFW and one who worked hard for the organization. He will be missed. POW/MIA: There is not much news to report on the POW/ /MIA issue. The Government still plods along making enough identifications to keep the POW/ /MIA community at bay. New direction, more funding, better research and greaterr transparency are sorely needed. However, I don t think we will see this anytime soon. WAA: The next Wreaths Across America Board of Directors meeting is in June. Wreath donations are steadily coming in and it looks like we are off to another banner year. There will be more information on WAA next month. JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER MVH LIAISON SCARBOROUGH Louis A. Peterson II JVC: As we prepare for the upcoming year, I want to inform you that I have been appointed Membership Chairman for I want to publicly thank Al Michaud for their gracious offer of assistance. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE 'TEACHER OF THE YEAR' PROGRAM HAS BEEN DELETED FROM THE MEMBERSHIP REQUIREM MENTS PER DIRECTIVES OF THE INCOMING STATE COMMANDER JOHN WILLIAMS AND MYSELF. I truly hope that each and every one of us strives to make this new membership year a memorable one for all involved. On a different note, my wife Ann Marie and I are looking forward to seeing you in Ellsworth for the upcoming State Convention. MVH Liaison Scarborough: June 20 th will mark the 20 th anniversary of the opening of the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough! A celebration entitled "The Country Fair" will take place at the Home on June 21 st from The Home is in need of volunteers to make this party a success. Please let Marcia Shalek know in advance if you are available to help by calling "We want you" as Uncle Sam once said, and as always, your help is always appreciated! QUARTERMASTER Donald W. Linscottt Jr. No report for the period of June 2010 JUDGE ADVOCATE VOICE OF DEMOCRACY/PATRIOT S PEN/TEACHER OF THE YEAR CONVENTION 2010 Kevin G. Woodward Comrades: The end of the year is fast approaching which means that the New Year will be upon us before we know it. There have been many issues this year throughout the Department that could have been prevented with an or phone call to one of your Department Officers. Please remember that we are here to assist you if and when you need it. Looking forward to seeing all of you in Ellsworth at the Convention. 8

9 SURGEON CONVENTION SITE SELECTION 2011 Mark G. Reilly It is hard to believe that this year is coming to an end. It has been an honor to serve as you Department Surgeon under the leadership of Department Commander Michaud. As we begin the summer months it is a good time to remember to use sun protection. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can reach you on cloudy and hazy days, as well as bright and sunny days. Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection. Wear clothing to protect exposed skin. Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck. Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible. Seek shade, especially during midday hours. * CHAPLAIN NATIONAL HOME Charles A. Warden Chaplain: Come and Have Breakfast: What simple words! They call to mind the warmth of our childhood homes, days spent in summer church camp, and overnight trips with our families. When we hear someone calling us to breakfast, we know that the night is over. Perhaps some worry has kept us awake, or fear of the dark has kept us from resting. But those four simple words remind us that, once and for all, Jesus has overcome the darkness. Jesus is near in darkness as well as light. No trial or disaster can be so dark as to eclipse the redeeming presence of Christ, the light eternal. When we are broken in spirit, when life crowds us in a corner, when we are in despair, when our human resources fail---these are often times when light begins to break for us. It is not the end but the beginning of a new life. When you are discouraged, when life has lost its meaning, when the bottom has dropped out---these are times of darkness that can be, from God s point of view, and your own, the beginning of a new day. The end is the morning when light appears. Listen, someone is calling you to breakfast. Hope to see you all at the convention. Chaplains thought for the month: When we have done what we can, God will do what we can't. Thank you and God Bless, Chaplain Charlie National Home: As the end of my Chairmanship for the VFW National Home comes to a close, I want to thank all those who donated to the National Home either at Post, District or at the COA meetings. The Dept. this past year donated a total of $ Let s try for a $ this upcoming year. Thank you and see you at the convention in June. NATIONAL COUNCILMAN DISTRICT 1 Eugene A. Pawlik Sr. No report for the period of June

10 10 INSPECTOR James M. Sawyer, PSC Comrades: The Manual of Procedures, Section 218(11) states: Not later than the end of the month following the last day of each quarterly period. Through the Post Commander, submit a Post Trustee s Report of Audit to the Department Quartermaster for referral to the Department Inspector. Comrades, the 1 st Quarter Audits for 2010 were due by April 30 th, These are the Post that still have not turned in their 1 st Quarter Audit. D , 1605, 2299, D D D , D , 3108, D D , Remember, the Audit has to be signed by at least one Post Trustee, (Do not Pro-Tem a Trustee) and the Post Commander or the Audit is not worth the paper it is written on. As of these GOs, these Posts will have a NO vote at the Department Convention. Togus Beal s House: The Beal s House is in fine shape. The Treasurers books were audited and found to be in good working order. The new windows have been installed. At our last meeting, we hired a new House Mother starting in July, our present Housekeeper is giving it up so she can spend more time with her family she will greatly missed. We would like to thank all those who donate to the Beal s House. We are now sending the minutes of our meeting to the Department Adjutant for his records. HISTORIAN Robert H. Bernard, PSC It is amazing how fast the year has gone. This will be the last GO report for the year with Commander Al Michaud. You all know that during the course of the year, I have been trying to keep up with the history of his year. We only have a month left and I will begin to finalize all the pictures and information I have to complete his history book. As I have asked in the past, if you are still holding any information or pictures pertaining to Al s year, please send it to me so I can complete his history book for the July Council, Thank you. Thanks again to all of you that have sent me pictures and information throughout the year for the Department Commander s History book, I really appreciate. Please send the information to: Bob Bernard, 78 Robie Street, Gorham, Maine rbernard@maine.rr.com VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE Rene A. Deschene, SO OUTREACH: The weather is good and I am waiting to do outreach. Outreach if advertised properly, the outreach could help in membership of your Post. So! if your Post is willing to support an outreach during a weekday, please contact this office to set up a schedule. Our number is ixàxütçá {xäñ Çz ixàxütçá LEGISLATIVE Peter F. Miesburger, PSC/Chairman My Fellow Comrade's, how quick another administer year is coming to an end. All that I can say is that this past year, we won and lost some major battles, associated with "VETERANS RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENTS".

11 The main topic of this month's report is the upcoming mid-term election scheduled for 8 June I strongly urge everyone to get out and "VOTE". There are many items that you will be asked to vote on that will affect all of us. This past month, I have met with several of the candidates for Governor and to my surprise, how many of these candidates who do not have a working knowledge of the State of Maine Bureau of Veterans Services and how this bureau is funded and who maintains the state of Maine Veterans Cemeteries. Comrade's, if you meet with candidates for Governor of the State of Maine prior to 8 June 2010, take them to task and ask them to explain to you their knowledge of the Bureau of Veterans Services and have them explain to you how this Bureau is funded. Remember "GET OUT AND VOTE", take a family member, Comrade, and/or form a carpool, every vote counts. Finally, I would be remised if I didn't "THANK", the following Comrades, who I traveled with this past year, Andy Dumas, Ray Lupo and Darrell Rouse, we had a good year on the road and to all the Posts that we have visited, "THANKS" for all the hospitality that we received. To Commander Al, I want to wish you all the best in years to come and to incoming Commander John and your "TEAM", all the BEST. Don't forget our young VETERANS, who need our support, "Remember We Were Soldiers once and Young". 11 ADVISORY TO TOGUS Raymond R. Lupo, PSC/Chairman No report for the period of June BOWLING/GOLF/WAYS & MEANS Paul S. Colburn, Chairman Ways and Means: Comrades: We are still WAY TO SLOW in getting the money for the Ways & Means monies back to me. I realize that some of you just got the tickets at your last District meetings, but please try to sell the tickets and get the money in. Remember that the prizes as listed on the tickets are an Old Town Canoe and an Old Town Kayak. You can add to your summer fun with these items. If there are any questions, they may be addressed to: Paul S. Colburn, th St., Bangor, ME or call me at (207) Golf Tournament: Comrades: We are still planning on having another Department Golf Tournament. Again, it will be held at the Hermon Meadows Golf Course. It will be on the 7 th of August, Starting time will be 8:00 a.m. The cost will be $ per four (4) person teams. Each team will get two (2) golf carts and an 18 holes round of play. There will be refreshments available before and after the tournament. There will be special prizes on certain holes for closest to pin and hole in one. There will be a Bar-b-Q after everyone has finished. Is there anyone out there up to a challenge? We would like to have teams made up of all VFW or LAVFW members, but, anyone can sign up. If there are any questions, they may be addressed to: Paul S. Colburn, th St., Bangor, ME or call me at (207) * MAINE VETERANS HOMES Arnold L. Leavitt, Liaison MVH: The census is at 92.7%. The MVH Pharmacy has been accepted as the Maine Practice Site for Long Term Care Pharmacy Experiential Education in partnership with the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, Boston. This collaboration will enable MVH Pharmacy to develop advanced practice and senior level Pharmacy Candidates. These doctoral candidates will be available for training for either four or eight

12 week intervals. We will have our first student during August. VSO: Our Service Officer and staff continue to perform outstanding work for our veterans. They are diligent, caring, and generally successful with the VA. Their efforts are generally approved by those seeking their assistance as evidence by written observations. James Ware of his own initiative is in training with our service officer, the VA, and National to be a regular assistant service officer. This is most commendable. 12 NATIONAL TEAM VFW SCOUTER James A. Proctor, Chairman Congratulations to So. Berwick Post 5744 for submitting Steven Shea Jr. for the Scout of the Year. I have contacted Stan Hunter about the B.S.A/VFW neckerchiefs. I found out that Mike Ford is going to be the Quartermaster for the VFW. I have called Mike eight times and left a message each time to call me. So I called Stan Hunter and he told he would call Mike to contact me. It has been three (3) weeks and no one has called back. I know the neckerchiefs are $15 a piece. When I get more information, I will let you know. NATIONAL MILITARY SERVICES (Adopt- a-unit, Operation Uplink, Unmet Needs) Harry J. Stickney, Chairman Comrades: I would like to share with you a copy of a letter I received from Bryan Hennessy, MAP Chairman for Post Post s 1603 and 3335 have adopted the 619 th Trans. Co. * The actual address is obliterated. COMPANY DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, 619 TRANSPORTATION, COB XXXXX, APO AE 09XXX Company Commander, Mr. Bryan Hennessey, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3335, 64 Jewell Street, Jay, ME Dear Mr. Hennessy: I was writing again to let you know that we received all the packages that you sent recently. We would like to thank everyone again at the VFW for their continued support. I still can t get over all the items that groups, like you, are able to collect. That must take an extraordinary effort from a lot of people. We are now supporting the drawdown here in Iraq and there is a lot of equipment to be moved out. We should be home by the end of June. We have started our demobilization planning and everyone is looking forward to going back home. We now have the challenge of making sure that Soldiers stay focused and we finish up strong. On behalf of the Soldiers of the 619 th Transportation Company, I thank you again and all the VFW members who continue to support the troops. Respectfully, BT White, Brian T. White, Captain, US Army, Company Commander. * Address obliterated by me. HJS WEBSITE COORDINATOR Thomas R. Lussier, PSC/Coordinator Comrades: As we have spoken on many occasions; we have done a lot of work with the Website this past year. One of the features is the publishing of the Monthly General Orders for those to review and print who do not receive it from the State Adjutant. It has been heard that we have many Comrades who have used this portion of the website to review the GOs. Another problem that we are still encountering is that we have many Posts within the Department who have websites but have not reached me so that I can link them to out Department website. It is well known that the more we do with our websites, the more the general public will know what we are doing within our Communities and also learn about our respective Posts. We need to reach our communities and let them

13 know what the VFW and our Posts are all about. I would also like to see District establish websites and if you are in need of some assistance, please contact me and I will work with you to get you on your way. As you will also notice, we have established many links, i.e.: VFW National Home, VFW National Websites, National Archives, Family Assistance Center, many Memorials in Washington DC, Department Membership program and forms to not only assist our Post and District Quartermaster but also Graves Registration, Buddy Puppy order and Community Activities reporting forms which can only make it a lot easier for all who have to report. Again, please keep on using the Guests book, the more people use, the longer we will be able to keep it on line. 13 HOSPITAL/VAVS Alfred E. Michaud Sr., Chairman Please refrain from donating paperback and hard covered books to VAVS. If donating magazines, be sure they are not more than three months old. It has been a busy year for all at VAVS. Please take the time to drop by and visit our Comrades on the second and third floor. A few minutes of your time means the world to them. On Thursday 10 June 2010, a Blood Drive will be held at Togus from 0700 to 1200 hours. This is a good opportunity to get your blood donation checked off for the VFW year. Continue to send donation because they are used only for the needs of our Veterans. Thank you for your service to God and Country and all that you do for Veterans. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Americanism/Loyalty Day, Blood Bank, Safety & Drug Abuse, Youth Activities Janet L. Michaud, Chairperson Hello Comrades: I d like to thank the Commander for appointing me to this position. Loyalty Day is reported in May. Each Post may report the reading of a Loyalty Day speech or the Post may host a flag retirement. The same may be completed at the District meeting. The District Adjutant is responsible to submit the activity report if the activity is completed at the District meeting. Each and every month, each Post should be reporting Americanism as they hold a Post meeting, salute the flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance and report POW/MIA for displaying the POW/MIA flag/chair/table for one. If you are not sure about activities, call , kvmq2003@yahoo.com. CERTIFIED NATIONAL RECRUITER HOMELESS VETERANS Wayne H. Elkins, Chairman Homeless Veterans: Another year has just ended and a lot of effort has been done to help overcome Homelessness among our Veterans here in the State of Maine. Many things have been done by many people and organizations with the Stand-Down in November to voucher for housing and the new Homeless Veterans Home in Oakland. There is still more work to be done but with continuous support from all, we will finally reach our goal of ending Homelessness among our Veterans. National Recruiter: Another recruiting year has just come to an end and many recruiting booths were set up. This past year, we held recruiting events at Fairgrounds, Yellow Ribbons events and in some of our colleges. We picked up many Veterans at these events and were able to get a lot of information out to the public on what the VFW Organization is all about. Again, if each member of the VFW would recruit one new member, we would never be below 100% in membership in the State of Maine. Remember the 3R s of Membership * Retain > Reinstate > Recruit

14 14 VETERANS CEMETERY SOUTH James E. N. Bachelder, Chairman We have been told that the construction is behind by only 6 weeks and the completion date is now August 2 nd. With 15 weeks between now and August 2 nd, we should be able to make that date if the State of Maine keeps their word. The federal funds are not released until the individual phase of construction is completed. We have a shovel ready project with the federal funds. I don t see any reason why the State would not like to employee some of its residents. The last word is that a local contractor is accepting the job. At the beautification committee we have our first project. We will be installing the military emblems on the entry gates. These emblems cost about $32,000. We are asking all the Veterans to donate $1 each. We should be able to purchase these emblems with extra funding for other projects. Get the word out. Let our membership know what is happening in Sanford/Springvale. This will be another location that we can be proud of. Working together, the Mainers and tourists will see how we treat our Veterans and their dependents when they leave this life. If you have any questions, contact me at james.bachelder@metrocast.net or call me at MEMBERSHIP/PUBLIC RELATIONS VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY ASSOCIATION Arthur J. Roy, PSC/Chairman COMRADES and SISTERS: I have received (30) donations for a total of $1, as of MAY 22, 2010 (STARTING NEW YEAR) POSTS AND THOSE THAT HAVE DONATED ARE: "IN MEMORY OF RANDY WORTHLEY" VFW Post 1641 Rumford / Mr. & Mrs James R. Cormier / Cliff Olson, Past C-I-C John W. Lord / James & Carol Bouffard / Paulette Newcomb / Arthur J. Roy, PSC James & Janet Lane / Richard W. Meres / Randall & Donna Chaisson / Eric & Cheryl Hunt Louis & Ann Peterson / Robert Goodwin / David H. Allen, Sr. / Bob & Pamela Meader Jim & Linda Joler / Edna M. Fickett / William P. Gerencer / William Leighton, Jr. VFW Post 9150 Lewiston / Everett & Arlene Meader / Tim & Kendra Rafford Timothy Gerencer / Walter A. Kiesow / Bill & Carole Thomas / Lynn & Darryl Dunton Jeanne Innes / Robert l. Conlogue / Robert & Glenna Bernard / Ruth M. Buker All Donations are used for items (shrubs, plants, etc ;) at the Cemetery for Beautification. Anyone that wishes to donate may send a check made out to: VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY ASSOCIATION and mail to: Arthur J. Roy, 330 Russell St, Lewiston, Me I will insure that you get the proper credit. All donations are for the Beautification of the Chapel & Cemetery and can only be used with a vote of the Association. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> BRICKS & MONUMENTS FOR THE MEMORIAL WALK WAY VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY AUGUSTA MT. VERNON RD. Donations are being taken for 8 inch x 8 inch Bricks, the Bricks are $ each with a 5-line limit and 10 Characters per line. Spaces don t count as a Character. Send Form & Check to Arthur J. Roy at the above address. Make Checks out to: Veterans Memorial Cemetery Assoc. For more info write, call or and I will answer your questions. ajrvfw@myfairpoint.net or Tel: PURCHASED BRICKS or MONUMENTS: (112 BRICKS - 1 Small & 1 Large Monument by VFW) NONE THIS MONTH

15 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ARTHUR J. ROY, PSC - MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN HONORING MAINE S VETERANS 100% + POSTS COMMANDERS CLUB 3 DISTRICTS - D-1 / D-3 / D-8 FOR: ( 33 Posts as of Today ) May 25, 2010 VFW POST 9605 LONG ISLAND VFW POST 489 BIDDEFORD VFW POST 4527 ORRINGTON VFW POST 6131 NORTHPORT VFW POST 1603 AUBURN VFW POST NAPLES VFW POST 4633 HAMPDEN VFW POST HARRINGTON VFW POST 887 AUGUSTA VFW POST 6187 FT. FAIRFIELD VFW POST 8835 WINSLOW VFW POST 5744 SOUTH BERWICK VFW POST 7866 NORRIDGEWOCK VFW POST 1605 BURLINGTON VFW POST 7997 O. O. B. VFW POST GREENE VFW POST 1285 WATERVILLE VFW POST 7865 MADISON VFW POST 1438 LINCOLN VFW POST 9389 CARIBOU VFW POST 555 EASTPORT VFW POST FARMINGTON VFW POST 6783 LOVELL VFW POST 9328 HARRISON VFW POST GORHAM VFW POST 8934 EMBDEN VFW POST 4169 VINALHAVEN VFW POST 9779 CALAIS VFW POST PERRY VFW POST 1641 RUMFORD VFW POST 4525 WALDOBORO VFW POST 6859 PORTLAND VFW POST NEWPORT ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ COME TO THE STATE CONVENTION BANQUET AND MEET THE "ALL STATE COMMANDERS & ALL STATE QUARTERMASTERS" REMEMBER - MEMBERSHIP DOESN'T CLOSE UNTIL JUNE 30th > > > GREAT AMERICANISM PROJECT TO REPORT TO DEPARTMENT < < < POST THAT WISH TO PURCHASE AN AMERICAN FLAG FOR THE WALKWAY AT CEMETERIES IN AUGUSTA MAY SEND A CHECK FOR $25.00 MADE OUT TO: Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association and send to: Arthur J. Roy. >> NONE THIS MONTH << 15

16 IN MEMORY OF VETERANS D I V I S I O N L E A D E R S --- M A Y 2 2, DIV. I (10-50) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. IV ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV EASTPORT % AUBURN % GORHAM % HARRINGTON % NAPLES % Sanford % DIV. II (51-100) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. V ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV NORTHPORT % WATERVILLE % LOVELL % AUGUSTA % HARRISON % WINSLOW % DIV. III ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV. DIV. VI ( ) TOP 3 POSTS IN DIV FORT FAIRFIELD % CARIBOU % O.O.B % PORTLAND % SO. BERWICK % South Portland % TEN HIGHEST POSTS BY % TEN LARGEST POSTS EASTPORT % South Portland GORHAM % PORTLAND FORT FAIRFIELD % CARIBOU NORTHPORT % WINSLOW WATERVILLE % Jay AUBURN % WATERVILLE O.O.B % Bangor NAPLES % AUGUSTA SOUTH BERWICK % Old Town LOVELL % RUMFORD DISTRICT STANDINGS MAGIC NUMBERS FOR District 3 DOWLING % > 11,731 MEMBERS FOR 100% DEPARTMENT < 2. District 8 STICKNEY % WE HAVE = 11,451 - WE NEED = District 1 Abbott % MAY POSTS/DISTRICTS SHOULD BE AT 100% 4. District 11 Giroux % STATE CONVENTION JUNE , District 2 Moore % 10 N/R MEMBERS AND YOU EARN A WHITE VFW 6. District 10 Nadeau % SHIRT 20 YOU EARN A VFW JACKET DEPARTMENT OF MAINE 97.60% ALL DEPT OFFICERS ARE ASKED TO RECRUIT 7. District 4 Smith % AT LEAST 3 N/R MEMBERS HAVE YOU? 8. District 9 Hebert % DISTRICT COMMANDERS "NEED" THEIR 5 - N/R 9. District 7 Dearborn % RETAIN RECRUIT & REINSTATE 3 MEMBERS 10 District 6 Semetauskis % NEED HELP or HAVE QUESTIONS 11. District 5 Talmadge % ASK ANYONE ON THE MEMBERSHIP TEAM OK? PAST PRESENT - FUTURE 16

17 17 Div Post # Name HIGH /22/2010 L/M CONT N/R L/MN MEMB% DUES: Presque Isle % $ Fort Fairfield % $ Caribou % $ Fort Kent % $ Ashland % $ TOTALS % Lincoln % $ Burlington % $ Sherman St % $ Millinocket % $ Island Falls % $ West Enfield % $ TOTALS % Eastport % $ Calais % $ Perry % $ Harrington % $ TOTALS % Ellsworth % $ Bangor % $ Old Town % $ Orrington % $ Hampden % $ TOTALS % Skowhegan % $ Dexter % $25.00 Jackman Station % $ Fairfield % $ Madison % $ Norridgewock % $ Embden % $ Farmington % $ Newport % $ TOTALS % Rockland % $ Friendship % $ Belfast % $ Vinalhaven % $ Northport % $ Washington % $ TOTALS % Topsham % $ Waldoboro % $ Bath % $ New Harbor % $ TOTALS %

18 8 3 9 Randolph % $ Augusta % $ Waterville % $ Winslow % $ Winthrop % $ TOTALS % Auburn % $ Rumford % $ Jay % $ Lewiston % $ Lisbon % $ South Paris % $ Greene % $26.00 TOTALS % South Portland % $ Lovell % $ Portland % $ East Hiram % $ Harrison % $ Long Island % $ Yarmouth % $ Windham % $ Gorham % $ Naples % $ TOTALS % Biddeford % $ So Berwick % $ Kennebunk % $ York Beach % $ O.O.B % $ Kittery % $ Sanford % $ TOTALS % M.A.L % % ajroy NEED 100% 280 LET'S ALL WORK TOGETHER TO HELP OUR POSTS & DISTRICTS BECOME 100% - THANK YOU ALL! 18

19 DEPARTMENT OF MAINE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS CONVENTION PROGRAM Friday, June 11, 2010 Registration 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Ramada Joint Opening Session 12:00 noon 2:00 p.m. Ramada Business Session 2:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Ramada Memorial Service 7:00 p.m. Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 231 Main St. Saturday, June 12, 2010 Registration 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Ramada Business Session 8:00 a.m. 12:00 Noon Ramada (Nomination and Elections of Officers) Tree of Hope Ceremony 1:00 p.m. VFW Post Eastern Rd Patriotic Rally 2:00 pm VFW Post Eastern Rd Commander/President s Reception 4:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Ramada Social Hour 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Ramada Convention Banquet 6:30 p.m. Ramada Sunday, June 13, 2010 Installation of Officers 8:30 a.m. Ramada 19

20 Kevin G. Woodward, Chairman th STATE CONVENTION ELLSWORTH, MAINE Kim Baldwin Chairperson The 90 th Annual Department of Maine VFW and Ladies Auxiliary Convention will be held on June 11-13, 2010 in Ellsworth, Maine with Ellsworth Memorial Post 109 of Ellsworth being the Host Post. The Department of Maine VFW and VFWA will be holding all meetings and banquet at the Holiday Inn (Acadia Park Hotel) (Headquarters Hotel.) Department Headquarters: Holiday Inn (Acadia Park Hotel). Motels List & Rates Holiday Inn (Acadia Park Hotel) 215 High St., Ellsworth, ME Tel Rates: $ tax (King Size or 2 beds) NOTE: When calling, you will get an answering machine as the Hotel us undergoing renovation, leave your name and telephonee number and they will get back to you. Other Motels for the State Convention Jasper s Motel & Restaurant: 200 High St., Ellsworth Tel: Rates: $89.00 The Coloniall Inn: 321 High St., Ellsworth Tel: Rates: $ tax (Single), $ tax (Double) Twilight Motel: 147 Bucksport Rd., Ellsworth Tel: , Rates: $ tax Comfort Inn: 130 High St., Ellsworth Tel: Rates: $ tax ** Please mention thatt you are with the Department of Maine, VFW ** ~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~ 90 0 th STATE CONVENTION ~~ ~ Ellsworth, 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 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 APRIL 15,

21 ~~~ Banquet Reservations ~~~ 90th Department of Maine State Convention Saturday June 12, 2010 To Be Held At: Holiday Inn (Acadia Park Hotel) 215 High St, Ellsworth, ME Social Hour * 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner * 6:30 p.m. Down East Lobster Feed Lobster (2 ea) Steak Clams Baked Potato Quahogs Corn on the Cob Mussels or The 0ther 3 seafood will be Corn on the Cob available (Not lobster) Chips Coffee Drawn Butter Desert Coffee Desert Cost Per Person $ Make check payable to VFW Dept. of Maine and mail check to: Kim Baldwin PO Box 274, Franklin, ME Dress Code: Casual ****** Ticket Deadline: June 4, 2010 Please reserve meals for the following members of Aux / Post # Meal Choice: Lobster Steak Total amount this check: $ x = 21 No tickets will be sold after the deadline No tickets held without a payment Sorry no refunds on banquet tickets