GUIDE TO THE GO: GUIDE TO THE GO: 1. COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION: DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA Articles are listed by number not by pages:

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1 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS GUIDE TO THE GO: DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA Articles are listed by number not by pages: Vets Helping Vets & Community NUMBER 1 July 1, Lee Jackson Highway Staunton, Virginia (540) FAX: In Virginia Website: stateheadquarters@va.vfwwebmail.com GUIDE TO THE GO: Articles are listed by number not by pages: 1. Council Of Administration 2. Appointments 3. Commander s Message 4. District Meetings 5. All-State 6. Buddy Poppy 7. Closing 8. Account Access 9. General Orders 10. Important Dates 11. Leadership Reference Guide 12. Legacy Life Membership 13. Membership 14. Membership Webinar Training 15. National Convention Registration 16. Partners in Patriotism 17. Patriot s Pen 18. Post Officers Duties 19. Proof of Eligibility 20. Reporting 21. School of Instruction 22. VFW Program Changes 23. VFW Riders 24. Voice of Democracy 1. COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION: State Commander Doug Keller cdr@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 392 Senior Vice Commander Tom Gimble srvicecdr@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 1503 Junior Vice Commander Mike Boehme jrvicecdr@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 9808 Adjutant/Quartermaster Kim DeShano qm@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 2216 Judge Advocate Ken Wiseman judge@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 2582 Surgeon Rick Raskin surgeon@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 7589 Past Department Commander Earle (Buddy) Weekley, Jr. pastcdr@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 8644 Chief of Staff Jim Martin chiefofstaff@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 1503 State Chaplain Harold Sayles chaplain@va.vfwwebmail.com Post State Inspector Eric Mallett inspector@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 4809 Historian Charles (Doc) Crouch historian@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 3150 District 1 Commander Venner Milewski cdrdist1@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 6002 District 2 Commander Harold Schupska cdrdist2@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 3160 District 3 Commander Philip Arendsen II cdrdist3@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 637 District 4 Commander Monroe Tuggle cdrdist4@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 8902 District 5 Commander Herman Chaney cdrdist5@va.vfwwebmail.com Post District 6 Commander Frank Ware cdrdist6@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 5895 District 7 Commander Chris Birch cdrdist7@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 9760 District 8 Commander Ron Link cdrdist8@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 7589 District 9 Commander William Davis cdrdist9@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 1115 District 10 Commander Gary Kelch cdrdist10@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 7327 District 11 Commander Michael Nicolas cdrdist11@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 632 District 12 Commander Joe Rasnick cdrdist12@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 5715 District 13 Commander Andy Smith cdrdist13@va.vfwwebmail.com Post 8947 At the 93rd Annual State Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Virginia, held in Williamsburg, Virginia, June 11-14, 2015, I, Doug Keller, being duly elected and installed as State Commander in Accordance with Article V, Section 517 of the National By-Laws, do hereby assume Command. All previous appointments are hereby declared vacant as of June 14, 2015, except those set forth in the By-Laws.

2 2. APPOINTMENTS FOR : COMMITTEES POSITION FIRST Middle LastName Post Audit Committee Chairman John Meehan 1503 Audit Committee Member Geoffrey Lyster 9835 Audit Committee Member Sterling Moninghoff 1503 Awards & Citations Chairman Steve Byrne 1827 Awards & Citations Member Joel (Mac) McCauley 2216 Awards & Citations Member Pete Gebelein 392 Awards & Citations Member Melissa Patrick 7814 Buddy Poppies Chairman Kim A DeShano 2216 Budget Chairman Tom Gimble 1503 Budget Member Paul Moore 4491 Budget Member Mike Boehme 9808 By Laws & SOP Chairman Ken Wiseman 2582 By Laws & SOP Member J. Gary Wagner 3150 By Laws & SOP Member Gary Kelch 7327 Community Services Chairman Mike Boehme 9808 Community Services Vice Chairman Americanism J Gary Wagner 3150 Community Services Vice Chairman Community Activities M Conrad Agresti 3150 Community Services Vice Chairman Safety Milton L Dye 9640 Community Services Vice Chairman Youth Activities Jill Lynch 4809 Council of Admin & Conv Mtgs Chairman Eugene Chavis Council of Admin & Conv Mtgs Member Kathy Goodall 4809 Credentials Chairman Paul T Moore 4491 Credentials Member Jill Lynch 4809 Fund Raisers Chairman Kim A DeShano 2216 Grave Registrar Chairman Harold Sayles Homecoming Chairman Eric Mallett 4809 Honor Guard Captain Tom Ferguson 2239 Honor Guard Member Herbert DeGroft 8545 Honor Guard Member William Davis 1115 Honor Guard Member Howard Minton 1115 Honor Guard Member Corretta Langford 9808 Honor Guard Member Randy Coker 1503 Honor Guard Member Bob Thompson 2239 Honor Guard Member Jon Merrill Honor Guard Member Donnie Duncan 2239 Honor Guard Member Mark Maggio 4639 Honor Guard Member Richard Zick 4639 Honor Guard Member Phillip Arendsen 637 Honor Guard Member James Collins 4639 Honor Guard Member Jarl Christensen 4639

3 Honor Guard Member Jack Easter 1115 Hospital Chairman Harold Sayles Hospitality Chairman Mark Winn 392 Hospitality Member Fred Jennings MA 3219 IT Committee Chairman Richard Raskin 7589 Joint Leadership Council Chairman Daniel Boyer 7726 Joint Leadership Council Vice Chairman Tom Gimble 1503 Legislative Committee Chairman Dan Boyer 7726 Legislative Committee Member Geoffrey Lyster 9835 Legislative Committee Member Charles (Doc) Crouch 3150 Legislative Committee Member Tom Snook 8644 Legislative Committee Member Richard Raskin 7589 Legislative Committee Member Gary Kelch 7327 Legislative Committee Member Tom Gimble 1503 Legislative Committee Member Peter MacLeod 7589 Medicare Committee Chairman Charlie Sloan 824 Membership/Life Membership Chairman Tom Hines 9954 Newspaper Chairman Richard Raskin 7589 Newspaper Member Ron Link 7589 Newspaper Member Kim DeShano 2216 Outreach Chairman Ron Link 7589 Parliamentarian Chairman John Smart 1503 Patriots Pen Chairman Joe B Martin 1827 Patriots Pen Member Donald L Hall 2216 POW/MIA Committee Chairman Joe B Martin 1827 Resolutions Committee Chairman Richard Raskin 7589 Resolutions Committee Member Tom Ferguson 2239 Resolutions Committee Member Ron Link 7589 Resolutions Committee Member Mike Boehme 9808 Scouting Chairman Curtis S Hunter 9835 Service Officer State Recruiting Coordinators District 02 Craig Dudley 4809 State Recruiting Coordinators District 02 Doug Keller 392 State Recruiting Coordinators District 02 Kathy Goodall 4809 State Recruiting Coordinators District 02 Harold Schupska 3160 State Recruiting Coordinators District 02 Ken Wiseman 2582 State Recruiting Coordinators District 03 Tom Ferguson 2239 State Recruiting Coordinators District 04 Greg Winston 7059 State Recruiting Coordinators District 04 Tom Hines 9954 State Recruiting Coordinators District 04 Monroe Tuggle 8902 State Recruiting Coordinators District 05 Herman Chaney State Recruiting Coordinators District 06 Greg Woodruff 1033 State Recruiting Coordinators District 08 Richard Raskin 7589 State Recruiting Coordinators District 10 Robert Dugas 1503 State Recruiting Coordinators District 10 Nelson Betancourt 3150 State Recruiting Coordinators District 11 Tom Snook 8644

4 State Recruiting Coordinators District 11 Earle P Weekley, Jr Student Veterans Committee Chairman Ken Wiseman 2582 Teacher's Recognition Chairman Chris Birch 9760 Time & Place Committee Chairman James Buchanan 9808 Veterans and Military Support Committee Chairman Ron Link 7589 VFW Riders Chairman William Shepherd 3160 Vietnam War Commemoration Committee Chairman Margo Sheridan 3150 Virginia Cottage Committee Chairman Glenn Holman 3160 Virginia Cottage Committee Member Randall J Schilling 3160 Voice of Democracy Committee Chairman Geoffrey Lyster 9835 Voice of Democracy Committee Member Eddie Reasor COMMANDER S MESSAGE: I d like to start out by thanking everyone for all the support you have given me by electing me as your State Commander for the Membership year. I will give 100% to carry out the duties and obligations you have bestowed upon me for my term. My motto for this year is Vets helping Vets & Community, for this is what we do. For over 115 years this is what the VFW has stood for. There are many changes happening in the VFW of today, and as in the past years, membership is still our number one program. Without an active and growing membership, our Post will wither and die. With the War on Terrorism, there are many eligible veterans returning to our communities every day. We must reach out to them, and offer them the opportunity to join this great organization. We must also reach out to those members, who for whatever reason failed to renew their membership last year. Invite them back into the fold and make them active members once more. We must also be aware of the many things we do in our respective communities, and ensure we report these events in our Community Activities Reports. One of the major programs we have is our Hospital Program. It is our obligation to care for those who are hospitalized, home sick, in assisted living and nursing homes. I look forward to working with the members of our Department, Auxiliaries, Military Order of the Cooties (MOC), to meet our goals and responsibilities. As we all know, our Ladies Auxiliary is an integral part of this organization, and their assistance in our joint programs is outstanding. I will remind all that your State Headquarters and all the Line Officers and District Commanders are here to offer whatever assistance may be required to make the Post, District, and Department successful throughout the year. 4. DISTRICT MEETINGS: Yours in Comradeship, Doug Keller Department Commander 1 st Date: 08/15/15 Meeting: 11:00 AM Lunch: to follow meeting Location: Post 176, Newport News 21 Forest Drive Rep: Mike Boehme State Jr. Vice Commander 2 nd Date: 08/08/15 SOI: 10:00 AM Meeting: 12:00 Noon Location: Post 392, Virginia Beach 2408 Bowland Pkwy Rep: Pete Gebelein State Officer of the Day 3 rd Date: 08/15/15 SOI: 9:00 AM Meeting: 10:00 AM Lunch: To follow meeting Location: Virginia War Memorial 621 S. Belvidere St., Richmond Rep: Rick Raskin State Surgeon 4 th Date: 08/15/15 Meeting: 9:00 AM Dinner: To follow Meeting Location: Post 9954, Victoria 1000 Marshall Ave Rep: Doug Keller State Commander

5 5 th Date: 08/15/15 Lunch: To follow Meeting Meeting: 12:00 Noon Location: Post 4637, Martinsville 2327 Old Chatham Road Rep: Tom Hines Past State Commander 6 th Date: 08/09/15 Meeting: 2:00 PM Lunch: to follow Meeting Location: Sponsored by Post 4920, Elliston Salem VCS, Building 5 Rep: Mike Boehme State Jr. Vice Commander 7 th Date: 09/13/15 Lunch: 11:30 AM Meeting: 1:00 PM Location: Post 2447, Edinburg 100 Veterans Way Rep: Doug Keller State Commander 8 th Date: 08/15/15 Meeting: 1:00 PM Location: Post 7589, Manassas 9304 Centreville Rd Rep: Jim Martin State Chief of Staff 9 th Date: 09/13/15 Registration: 10:00 AM Lunch: 12:00 Noon Meeting: 1:00 PM Location: Post 7726, Independence 115 Klondike Rd Rep: Tom Hines Past State Commander 10 th Date: 09/20/15 Lunch: 11:30 AM Meeting: 1:00 PM Location: Post 9274, Falls Church 7118 Shreve Rd Rep: Ken Wiseman State Judge Advocate 11 th Date: 08/01/15 Lunch: Before meeting Meeting: 11:30 AM Location: Post 1499, Lexington 105 Memorial Lane Rep: Doc Crouch Past State Commander 12 th Date: 09/26/15 Registration: 10:00 AM Meeting: 11:00 AM Location: Prime Steak House, Norton Rep: Rick Raskin State Surgeon 13 th Date: 08/22/15 SOI: 10:30 AM Lunch: 12:00 Noon Meeting: To follow Lunch Location: Post 8947, Louisa Rep: Ken Wiseman State Judge Advocate 5. ALL-STATE: Congratulations to the following All-State Posts. VFW Post 8163 District 5 Clarksville, VA VFW Post 3160 District 2 Norfolk, VA 6. BUDDY POPPY: NATIONAL BUDDY POPPY DISPLAY CONTEST The time frame for registering and setting up the Buddy Poppy displays for the National judging at Convention will be the same as last year. Entries will be accepted for registration and may be set up beginning at 8 a.m., Saturday, July 18, until noon, Monday, July 20, Winning displays will be identified with appropriate ribbons on Tuesday morning and announced later on the convention floor. Displays must be removed prior to 3:30 on Tuesday afternoon. 7. CLOSING: State Headquarters will be closed Friday July 3, 2015 for Independence Day.

6 8. ACCOUNT ACCESS: All accounts will be reset so the new Officers can take control of their s as of June 15 th. This will be the primary means of sending correspondence from State Headquarters to Post and District Officers. You will receive all General Orders, special notices and any other documentation that you need via . This will help cut down on postal expenses and speed up the response time for you receiving the information. Here are directions for logging into your new account for the first time. 1. Go to Department web site 2. Click on Member Tools, VFW webmail. 3. The user name is your address; put that on the first line (see below for your new address). 4. Your default password will be Veteran.2016! Once you have accessed the mail program you will be asked to change it, it must contain at least one uppercase letter and one number. For District Officers your address will be or or for Districts other than the first just replace the 1 with your District #. For Post Officers your address will be cdrpost176@va.vfwwebmail.com or adjpost176@va.vfwwebmail.com or qmpost176@va.vfwwebmail.com for Post other than 176 just replace the 176 with your Post #. All Posts should prepare now for the full transition to the computer age. You can always find a library to get online. 9. GENERAL ORDERS: The cut off for the General Orders is the 20P th P of the month. No EXCEPTIONS. Subscriptions for hard copy via USPS for General Orders are $24.00 for the year. Please contact State Headquarters for more info. 10. IMPORTANT DATES: July 18-22, 2015 National Convention, Pittsburg, PA August 1, 2015 School of Instruction, Post 1115 August 8, 2015 School of Instruction, Post 9808 September 12, 2015 October 2-4, 2015 November 19-22, 2015 Council of Administration Meeting, State Headquarters, 9AM. National C-I-C Homecoming, Pittsburg, PA Southern Conference, Savannah, GA January 13-17, 2016 Winter Council, Williamsburg, VA. Room Rate $76.00, cut-off date Phone June 15-18, 2016 Department Convention, Williamsburg, VA. Room Rate $87.00, cut-off date Phone January 11-15, 2017 Winter Council, Williamsburg, VA. Room Rate $76.00, cut-off date Phone June 14-18, 2017 Department Convention, Williamsburg, VA. Room Rate $92.00, cut-off date Phone

7 11. LEADERSHIP REFERENCE GUIDE: Attention Post Commanders and Quartermasters: the VFW Leadership Reference Guide is now available online at the National VFW website ( You will have to create an account and log on as a VFW member to be able to view or print it. 12. LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP: Legacy Life Membership: This prestigious program is available to all Life Members. Three levels of membership each offer their own package of exclusive member benefits. Financial contributions to the Legacy Life Member program are tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. Enrollment Cost: Annual Payouts: Post: Department: National: Levels: Gold- $1200 $18.00 $18.00 $18.00 Silver- $800 $12.00 $12.00 $12.00 Bronze- $400 $6.00 $6.00 $ MEMBERSHIP: Commanders and Comrades, What will your Legacy be? Last year we continued to strive to give District and Post assistance and information that would help in their membership effort. State will continue with this effort again this year. We have Schools of Instruction coming up in August, and I would like to see all Post Commanders and Quartermasters attend one of the schools. Please make every effort to attend, none of us know it all and you could pick up that tidbit that helps your Post. I am again offering the assistance of myself, our State Recruiters, and the State Officers in our effort to make the Department 100% in Membership. As always we are only a phone call or an away. Please let us help you if you are having difficulty with your membership program. I will not know how we finished Buddy's year until after these General Orders are sent out. As of this morning, June 18th we are at 98.96%, needing 341 to reach our goal of 33,264. Hopefully we will be celebrating when you read these orders. If not, once again we came close, but no cigar. I would like to see every Post work on gaining members, whether it be new, reinstates, or renewals each week of the year. If we start early and are diligent we should have a great year for Doug and the Department. Hal makes his bid for Junior Vice Commander in Chief at this year s Southern Conference Meeting. Wouldn't it be great to show our support for Virginia's first National Commander by being 100% in membership each year as he goes through the chairs? It s time we moved back into first place in the Southern Conference in Membership. Let s make it happen for Hal and our Department. 14. MEMBERSHIP WEBINAR TRAINING: Yours in Comradeship, Tom Hines-PDC Membership Chairman Continuing Membership webinar training will be held on the second Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. 12 p.m. CST. All interested parties are encouraged to participate, and each session will be recorded for those unable to participate live. 15. NATIONAL CONVENTION REGISTRATION: Section 222 of the Manual of Procedure states each Post will pay, in advance, a national convention registration fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) which shall entitle the Post to a packet of convention information and materials and one identified registered delegate for the National Convention. Each additional delegate attending the National

8 Convention will pay a ten dollar ($10) delegate fee provided the Post has paid the mandated $25 advance registration fee. All advance registrations should be mailed to the VFW National Headquarters, 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111, ATTN: Convention Registration or you may register on-line by going to PARTNERS IN PATRIOTISM: Have You Heard About the VFW s Partners in Patriotism? Would you like to support the VFW s life-changing programs for veterans, service members and their families without receiving all of the unwanted mail? The VFW has developed an option that lets you support VFW programs on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis, as well as reduce expenses and eliminate unwanted mail. It is called Partners in Patriotism. As a member of Partners in Patriotism, you choose a set dollar amount for your donation (minimum amount of $10) that is either charged to your credit card or set up as an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) from your bank account. If you are interested in joining Partners in Patriotism, you may contact the VFW Development Department Donor Services at , ext. 6318, or us at partners@vfw.org with Partners in Patriotism Application in the subject line. 17. PATRIOT S PEN: KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April 14, 2015) - The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) is pleased to announce the kick-off of the VFW s Patriot s Pen scholarship competition. The announcement comes just weeks after students from across the globe took home their share of the more than $3 million in scholarships and awards from last year s competitions. The VFW s Patriot s Pen essay competitions are dedicated to encouraging a better understanding and appreciation for our great country and fostering patriotism among our nation s youth. Students are asked to submit an essay in response to a question or statement on a subject which prompts them to consider how American history and democratic ideals and principles apply to their lives. The Patriot s Pen competition is open to students in grades 6-8. This year, students are asked to reflect on the statement, What Freedom Means to Me. The national winner will receive a $5,000 award. For more information on the contests, visit Please be mindful of the dates and get the information to the schools, churches and your friends. 18. POST OFFICER S DUTIES: Thank You, Joe Martin & Don Hall Attention of incoming Post Officers is directed to Section 218 of the Manual of Procedure which outlines the duties of various Post Officers. 19. PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY: Post, District, Department Commanders, Adjutants and Quartermasters are reminded of the requirements of sections 216, 416 and 516 of the Manual of Procedure with regard to proof of eligibility for all newly-elected and appointed officers. Elected and appointed officers shall not be installed or assume the duties of their office until proof of eligibility has been submitted and properly reviewed. Failure or refusal to submit proof of eligibility within sixty (60) days of election or appointment shall result in the office being declared vacant. 20. REPORTING: Comrades to view whether your Post has submitted an Audit Report, Americanism, Community Service, Safety, Youth or Hospital report you will have to visit the Department website ( The website is updated daily. If you have any questions please call State Headquarters. There will be no form for Homeless when reporting for assistance to a homeless veteran please put it on a Community Activity report under aid to others.

9 21. SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION: There will be a School of Instruction held on the following dates and locations, all times will began at 9:00 am - 4:00 pm August 1 Post W. Stuart Drive, Hillsville August 8 Post Flag Lane, Mechanicsville All new Post Commanders and Quartermasters are urged to attend, and everyone else is invited. You must register for one of the above locations so we may have a count as to how many are attending at each location so lunch preparation can be made (meals will be provided by the Host Post). IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED, MEALS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED. See Flyer for more details. 22. VFW PROGRAM CHANGES: At the Jr. Vice Commanders/Quartermaster s Conference recently held in Kansas City, we announced some changes that affect our VFW programs. These changes take effect March 1. The first change is the changing of the National Team Scouter title to Department Scouting Chairman. This positions this chairmanship in-line with all other programmatic chairmanships and eliminates any confusion that may have been associated with National in the old title. Additionally, as a result of National Military Service no longer being a directorate and now a classification of programs, we re renaming that classification of programs from National Military Services to Veterans & Military Support Programs. We believe the new classification will better resonate with our Posts and also the public. Those programs under Veterans & Military Support classification have not changed. They still consist of; Unmet Needs; Operation Uplink; VFW Sport Clip s Help A Hero Scholarship program; and the Military Assistance Program. There will be more details to follow concerning the 3-year appointment and whether there will be a Veterans & Military Support Committee. Equally important to note, this change will not affect those persons currently appointed this year as part of the National Military Services Committee. Lastly, a couple changes were made to the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award program. We are now allowing past state winners who were not selected as a National winner to be eligible for the program. Furthermore, we are changing the deadline date for this program for nominations to the Post from November 1 to February 15, with Department winners to National now April 5. Here are the following deadlines for this program: *February 15 - Teacher nominations to the Post February 28 Completion of Post judging March 15 Completion of District judging March 30 Completion of Department judging *April 5 Department winners to National *April 15 Department reports to National * Required deadline. All other deadlines are suggested, and can be internally set at the discretion of the Department leadership. We ask for your assistance in making these changes known to your Posts. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support of our VFW programs. 23. VFW RIDERS: Comrades, Kevin C. Jones Director, VFW Programs/NMS This July the VFW Riders of Virginia are going to ride to the VFW National Convention in Pittsburg. My name is Shep Shepherd and I m the VFW Riders Department of Virginia Chairman. Our goal is to raise monies to carry to the VFW National Convention parade prior to the start of the Convention and present a check from the Posts of Virginia and the

10 VFW Riders Virginia to the VFW Commander in Chief. I am asking for donations from you to help us raise money for the Howard E Vander Clute Jr. Memorial Motorcycle Ride. The monies raised this year will go to help out our veterans through the National Military Services program (NMS). Last year with slightly more than 70 riders they raised more than $23,000. This year with your help and monies raised by the VFW Riders Virginia we are hoping to double last year s numbers. Thank you Comrades for all you do for our veterans. Please send your donations to Kim Deshano, Department of Virginia Quartermaster. Earmark your donations VFW Riders Virginia Howard Vander Clute Memorial Ride. Shep William J Shepherd VFW Riders Virginia Chairman 24. VOICE OF DEMOCRACY: This year s Voice of Democracy theme asks students to contemplate, My Vision for America. The Voice of Democracy scholarship competition is an audio-essay competition open to students in grades The national winner will receive the $30,000 T.C. Selman Memorial Scholarship Award. Official: By Order of: Kim A. DeShano State Adjutant Douglas R Keller State Commander

11 Saturday, July 18, 2015 VFW 116th National Convention Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania David L. Lawrence Convention Center Tentative July 18-22, 2015 All meetings are held in the convention center unless otherwise noted. Times for various functions are subject to change. Meeting rooms will be posted closer to conference dates and are subject to change 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. VFW Health Fair 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. VFW/Registration/Exhibits 8:00 a.m. National Veterans Service Advisory Committee 10:30 a.m. Budget and Finance Committee 12:00 p.m. Vander Clute Memorial Ride - Check Presentation 1:30 p.m.-3:30 pm. National Council of Administration Meeting 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Conference Meetings 6:00 p.m. Catholic Mass 7:00 p.m. Veterans Service Resolutions Committee (for Chairmen) Sunday, July 19, :00 a.m. Gold Star Families Reception 7:00 a.m. Catholic Mass 7:00 a.m. Protestant Service 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.. VFW Health Fair 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. VFW Registration/Exhibits 8:30 a.m. Memorial Service 10:00 a.m.-noon Membership Workshop 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. NMS Committee Meeting 10:00 a.m. Noon Veterans Benefits Forum 10:00 a.m. Noon National Legislative Service Meeting 12Noon 2 p. m. Revitalizing Posts & Recruiting Younger Members 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. VFW Programs Workshop Committee Meetings: 1:45 p.m. Resolutions Committees 2:00 p.m. National By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual Resolutions Committees: 2:00 p.m. Finance and Internal Organization (200 series) 2:00 p.m. General Resolutions (300 Series) 2:00 p.m. National Security and Foreign Affairs (400 series)

12 Sunday, July 19, 2015 (cont.) 2:00 p.m. National Veterans Service Resolutions (600 series) Sub-committee I Health Sub-committee II Benefits Sub-committee III Economic Opportunities/Other 3:30 p.m. Membership Recruiting Seminar Monday, July 20, :00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. VFW Health Fair 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. VFW Registration/Exhibits 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Joint Opening Session 1:00-4:00 p.m. Business Session 1:30 p.m. 2:30 p. m. National Outstanding Community Service Post Reception Tuesday, July 21, :30 a.m.-8:00 a.m. Chaplains Workshop 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. VFW Health Fair 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. VFW Registration/Exhibits 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. VFW Business Session 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Incoming CIC (Dept. Cmdrs.) Luncheon by invitation 11:30 a. m.-1:30 p.m. All-American Commanders Lunch 1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. SVC/SVP Luncheon by invitation 1:00 p. m.-2:30 p.m. JVC/JVP Luncheon by invitation 2:00 p.m. -4:00 p. m. Charitable Estate Planning 101 2:00 p.m. -4:00 p. m. Revitalizing Posts and Recruiting New Members 2:00 p. m - 3:00 p.m. Grants and Fundraising Ideas for Posts 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. National Home 6:00 p.m. Patriotic Celebration Wednesday, July 22, :00 a.m. Business Session /Nomination/Election/Installation of Officers 11:00 a.m. National Council of Administration (immediately following installation) 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Commander-in-Chief s and National President s Reception (Ticketed Event) Updated: 5/26/ :44 AM

13 TO: SUBJECT: ALL MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, VFW SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION There will be a School of Instruction held on the following dates and locations, all times will began at 9:00 am 4:00 pm August 1 Post W Stuart Drive, Hillsville August 8 Post Flag Lane, Mechanicsville All new Post Commanders and Quartermasters are urged to attend, and everyone else is invited. You must register for one of the above locations so we may have a count as to how many are attending at each location so lunch preparation can be made (meals will be provided by the Host Post). IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED MEALS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED. Subjects of Instructions will include: Membership MIP & Recruiting Programs Dept. & National Membership Awards Program Rules and Regulations of Club Rooms Parliamentary Law & Procedure, By-Laws (Nat l/dept/post) & SOP Inspections & Reports Duties & Responsibilities of Post CMDR s, SVC & JVC Duties of Post ADJ & QM, QM Records (Ledger & Computer) Post Visits/Roundups VOD, Patriots Pen, Teachers Recognition Program, Scouting, MAP Online Membership System We must know how many will be attending, so therefore, the following form must be completed and returned to State Headquarters no later than one week prior to the School of Instruction you will be attending. No food will be prepared for those that do not register with the Department. SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION REGISTRATION Return this form to: Department of Virginia, VFW 403 Lee Jackson Hwy Staunton, VA Or by Fax: Name of Attendees: (please print) (please use additional paper if necessary) Location Attending No. of People Attending Post: Signed: Post Commander

14 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA 2016 MEMBERSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM (JULY 1, 2015 JUNE 30, 2016) Vets Helping Vets & Community This Membership Awards Program has been designed with incentives to work on membership, VFW programs, meeting attendance and submission of reports. MEMBERSHIP PLAQUES will be presented at the State Convention to the Post with the largest membership increase in each category. The judging will be based on Membership as of May 13, Category A Posts with Membership of 10 thru 75 Category B Posts with Membership of 76 thru 150 Category C Posts with Membership of 151 thru 250 Category D Posts with Membership of 251 thru 500 Category E Posts with Membership of 501 or more The minimum Post Membership increase Goal for the 2016 Membership Awards Program is 1 member. POST QUOTAS will be the Post Membership listed at National Headquarters on June 30, The quota will NOT be reduced because of members who die, move out of the area in which the Post is located, or transfer to another Post. A NEW POST will be assigned a Membership Quota of 30 members. POST AWARDS A LIFE MEMBERSHIP INCREASE PLAQUE and $ will be awarded to one Post in each Category A thru E. Category A Posts with Membership of 10 thru 75 Category B Posts with Membership of 76 thru 150 Category C Posts with Membership of 151 thru 250 Category D Posts with Membership of 251 thru 500 Category E Posts with Membership of 501 or more The Post with the greatest increase in Life Members by the day prior to awards judging will determine the Posts selected (must be at least 3 Members). The plaques will be awarded at the State Convention.

15 LIFE MEMBERSHIP DRAWINGS There will be Four (4) drawings for a Life Membership in the VFW. Posts with 10 thru 75 members will have one (1) chance, Posts with 76 thru 150 members will have two (2) chances, Posts with 151 thru 250 will have (3) chances, Posts with 251 thru 500 members will have four (4) chances, and Post with 501or more members will have five (5) chances. The first drawing will be held on September 30, 2015 and the Post must have 75% of its 2016 membership quota to participate. The second drawing will be held on October 30, 2015 and the Post must have 85% of its 2016 membership quota to participate. The third drawing will be held on January 4, 2016 and the Post must have 95% of its 2016 membership quota to participate. The forth drawing will be held on March 1, 2016 and the Post must have 100% of its 2016 membership quota to participate. DRAWING FOR $ CASH AWARD There will be one (1) Post selected for this award. Post must meet their membership quota by the day prior to awards judging to be eligible. Drawing will be held on the day of awards judging. A MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL PLAQUE Will be awarded to each Post that renews ALL of the viable annual members on its unpaid list who were Continuous Members in the previous year. (Your deceased members and conversions to Life Membership will not count against your total). POST RECOGNITION AWARDS A POST MEMBERSHIP BANNER will be awarded to each Post that meets their 2015 Membership by June 30, % plus Post Commander and Quartermaster pins to Posts exceeding 100% by May 13, Post Commander and Post Quartermaster Ball Cap to Posts who are 100% in membership by May 13, Post with the largest increase of new Legacy Life Members by the day prior to judging will receive a check in the amount of $ ALL STATE TEAM There can be a maximum of 30 Posts on The All-State Team. The 30 All State Posts will receive an All State Post Banner. For a Post to be eligible, it must have reached 100% plus of their Membership Quota by June 30, 2016 The Post Quartermaster must be bonded. The Post must have been inspected by October 31, The Post Commander must attend each District Meeting or have an authorized member attend. The Post Commander or designated Post Officer must attend a Department or District School of Instruction.

16 All Audit Reports must be turned into State Headquarters as required by Section 218 of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure. Posts with less than 50 members are not eligible for the All State Team. To be eligible the Post must increase their membership to 50 members. The Post will then be classified as 100%. The Post must participate in the following programs. Buddy Poppy Program purchase minimum of 5 poppies per member Voice of Democracy Program (must submit a student to the District level for District judging) Patriot s Pen Program (must submit a student to the District level for District judging) Teacher of the Year Program (must submit at least one Teacher to the District Level for District judging) Department Map Fund (must make a $ donation to Department MAP) Have a Post Service Officer appointed. The Post must have submitted the following reports at least once during the first half of the year (May 1 thru October 31) and once during the second half (November 1 thru April 30) Hospital Report Americanism Report Community Activities Report Safety Report Youth Activities Report Post must submit a Community Service Record Book for judging by 5pm on May 13, Post will receive points for membership When the Post has completed all the above programs, reports, and submitted Community Service Record Book, one fifth (1/5) of one (1) point will be assigned for each additional member above 100%. Posts reported in 3 categories of Community Activities, 4 categories of Safety, 8 categories of Americanism and 4 categories of Youth Activities during the reporting period of May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016 will receive a State Citation. Posts submitting Hospital Reports for 1 st and 2 nd reporting periods will receive a State Citation. ALL STATE TEAM AWARDS The All State Post Commanders that have met all the criteria including membership by May 13, 2016 will receive: A Citation; an All State cap; and an All State pin. A check in the amount of $300.00, to assist in payment of expenses while attending and participating at the State Convention, will be presented. Time of payment will be at the discretion of the Department Commander. The All State Commanders that met the criteria except for membership by May and meets the membership criteria by June 30, 2016 will receive: A Citation; an All State cap; and an All State pin. The All State Post Quartermasters that have met all the criteria including membership by May 13, 2016 will receive: A Citation; an All State cap; and an All State pin. A check in the amount of $ to assist in payment of expenses while attending and participating at the State Convention will be presented. Time of payment will be at the discretion of the Department Commander. The All State Quartermasters that met the criteria except for membership by May and meets the membership criteria by June 30, 2015 will receive: A Citation; an All State cap; and an All State pin.

17 The All State Commanders and All State Quartermasters that achieved All State status by May 13, 2016 will be individually recognized at the Awards Program during the State Convention. The Remaining All State Commanders and All State Quartermasters will be recognized at their next District Meeting. From the All State Team, the Post with the highest points in the All State Judging on May 13 th will be designated as the Outstanding Post of the Year The Commander and Quartermaster of this Post will be the Captains of the All State Team. The Awards and Citation Committee will break all ties and their decision will be final ALL STATE DISTRICT COMMANDERS For a District Commander to qualify, the Commander must meet the following All State District Commanders criteria: For a District to be eligible it must increase its membership by meeting its assigned membership quota by June 30, 2016 Membership Quota: minimum 100% Plus. All Posts in the District must be inspected by 31 October, Post Quartermasters, for all Posts in the District, must be properly bonded. District Quartermaster must be properly bonded. All Audit Reports, for the District and all Posts in the District, must be turned in to State Headquarters as required by the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure. All Posts in the District must report in these categories: Americanism, Community Activities, Safety, Youth Activities, and Hospital. All Posts must have purchased Buddy Poppies. District Commander must attend or have a designated elected district officer attend a State School of Instruction. District must conduct a District School of Instruction prior or during its first District Meeting. State representative to the first District Meeting must report SOI on the District meeting report. District must make a donation of at least $250 to Department Map program. ALL STATE DISTRICT COMMANDERS AWARDS Each All State District Commander will receive a Citation and an All State District Commander s cap. The All State District Commanders that achieved All State status by May 13, 2016 will be individually recognized at the Awards Program during the State Convention. The Remaining All State District Commanders will be recognized at their next District Meeting. Each All State District Commander will receive a VFW Jacket if all Posts within the District are 100% or more in membership.

18 INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP AWARDS All individual recruiting awards will be awarded by using the National Recruiter Reports dated May 1, An annual member who recruits 5 New or Reinstated Members will receive: Annual Dues (National & Department portions) paid, for the current year, by the Department. Name and membership number entered into a drawing for a Life Membership. (For each additional 5 members recruited, an additional entry will be made in the Life Membership Drawing). The drawing for the Life Membership listed above will be conducted on the day of awards judging. A Life Member who recruits 5 New or Reinstated Members will receive: Name and membership number entered into a drawing for one level of Legacy Life membership equal to $ or $ if already Bronze, Silver or Gold member. (For each additional 5 members recruited, an additional entry will be made in the cash award drawing). The drawing for the Legacy Life Membership award listed above will be conducted on the day of awards judging. All member who recruits 5 New or Reinstated Members will be entered into a drawing for: Round trip airfare to the 116th National Convention. Expense check in the amount of $ to help defray expenses (For each additional 5 members recruited, an additional entry will be made in the drawing). The drawing for this award listed above will be conducted on the day of awards judging. Post Commander Membership award: Post Commander who has their Post 100% by Dec 31, 2015 will receive a Department Commanders jacket and be recognized at the Winter COA meeting in January. An individual recruiter will also receive for: 15 New or Reinstated Members a Pen and Key Chain Set. 25 New or Reinstated Members a Department Aide-de-Camp Recruiting Award with engraved citation, an official cap and two tickets to the Department Convention Banquet. THE SAMUEL B. DeVAUGHAN MEMBERSHIP AWARD is awarded to the member who recruits the most new and/or reinstated members of the Membership Year and will receive the following: Check in the amount of $ to help defray expenses of the State Convention. Department citation. Distinctive cap and name badge THE GEORGE C. DALBY AWARD is awarded to any Post member for outstanding participation in VFW programs. Rules for this contest are sent to each Post in the spring. Deadline for submission to State Headquarters is the day prior to awards judging. Post and District Commanders are excluded from this award. This award will be presented at the State Convention.

19 THE W. B. SHAFER, JR. MEMBERSHIP AWARD is awarded to the Post making the greatest percentage gain in membership as shown by the State Membership Report dated the day prior to awards judging. This award will be presented at the State Convention. THE RICHARD A. (AL) GUAGER AMERICANISM AWARD is awarded annually and rules for this contest are sent to each Post in the spring. Deadline for submission to State Headquarters is by the day prior to awards judging. This award will be presented at the State Convention. Posts placing second through ten will receive a Department Citation. THE GEORGE E. McCRACKEN HONOR GUARD/COLOR GUARD AWARD is awarded to the most outstanding Post Honor Guard/Color Guard. Deadline for submission to State Headquarters is by the day prior to awards judging. This award will be presented at the State Convention. FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR AWARD is awarded to the most outstanding fire fighter. The selectee will receive a plaque and a check for $ The deadline for submission to State Headquarters is January 5, Send resume of nominees background, resume of background in fire/emergency safety work, accomplishments in fire/emergency safety field, photograph, title and address to State Headquarters. This award will be presented at the State Convention or at a local venue. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD is awarded to the most outstanding law enforcement officer. The selectee will receive a plaque and a check for $ The deadline for submission to State Headquarters is January 5, Send resume of nominees background, resume of background in law enforcement work, accomplishment in the field, photograph, title and address to State Headquarters. This award will be presented at the State Convention or at a local venue. EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD is awarded to the most outstanding Emergency Medical Technician. The selectee will receive a plaque and a check for $ The deadline for submission to State Headquarters is January 5, Send resume of nominees background, resume of background in paramedic work, accomplishment in the field, photograph, title and address to State Headquarters. This award will be presented at the State Convention or at a local venue. TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS are presented to the most outstanding Teachers. The selectees will receive a Citation and a check for $ There are three winners Kindergarten through Fifth, Sixth through Eighth and Ninth through Twelfth. These awards will be presented at State Convention or a local venue. Entries (3 levels) can be submitted from Posts to their respective District by March 5th. Districts will judge all entries by March 15 th and select the winners (3 levels) to be sent to Department for judging by March 17th. The Department will judge entries (3 levels) from each Districts and select winners (3 levels) to be sent to National for judging by April 5th. THE W. I. WOODDELL MEMORIAL POST QUARTERMASTER AWARD is awarded annually to the Post Quartermaster who has shown outstanding dedication to his Post and the Department. The Post Commander must send in a nominating letter on why the Post Quartermaster should be considered for Quartermaster of the year. Submission must be received the day prior to the awards judging. The recipient is to be selected by a committee headed by the State Quartermaster. The award will consist of a custom-lettered citation, plus a check in the amount of $ from the Department. This award will be presented at the State Convention. THE CLAIR B. POFF PUBLIC RELATIONS AWARD is awarded to 3 Posts for the most outstanding newsletter or publication for their size group and then forwarded to National for judging. To enter, send two different copies of your Post Newsletter to State Headquarters along with the editor s name and address. Deadline for submission to State Headquarters is January 5, This award will be presented at the State Convention. Group 1 membership 99 members or less; Group 2 membership 100 to 179; and Group 3 membership 180 or more.

20 THE ROBERT H. RINER AWARD is awarded to the District Commander with the highest percentage gain in membership over last year. Membership gain will be as shown by the State Membership Report dated the day prior to awards judging. This award will be presented at the State Convention. WILLIAM T. (BILL) ALLEN HOSPITAL AWARD is awarded to Posts for their outstanding reporting in hospital work. Plaques for Categories A-E Category A Posts with Membership of 10 thru 75 Category B Posts with Membership of 76 thru 150 Category C Posts with Membership of 151 thru 250 Category D Posts with Membership of 251 thru 500 Category E Posts with Membership of 501 or more The winning Posts will be determined by the State Hospital Chairman. These awards will be presented at the State Convention. CLARENCE E. KELLEY MEMORIAL VOICE OF DEMOCRACY AWARD (Trophy) is awarded to the Post that sponsors the State s first place winner and will be presented at the Winter Conference Banquet. Each Post that participates in the program will receive a citation. The State VOD winners will receive: 1 st place $1,000.00; 2 nd place $600.00; and 3 rd place $ and a plaque, to be presented at the winner s school. The 1 st place winner is expected to attend the Winter Conference Banquet, read entry. LARRY MATTERA MEMORIAL PATRIOT S PEN PLAQUE is awarded to the Post that sponsors the State s first place winner and will be presented at the Winter Conference. The State Patriot s Pen essay winner will receive: 1 st place $500.00; 2 nd place $300.00; and 3 rd place $ and Citation, to be presented at the winner s school. The 1 st place winner is expected to attend the Winter Conference Banquet, read entry. SCOUT AWARD The Scout selected for this award will receive a plaque and a check for $ The award will be presented at the State Convention. This competition is open to any Scout between the ages of 15 and 18 who is still in High School. Each scout must submit his/her application to a VFW Post for sponsorship. The Post may select an Scout of the Year entry and submit the application to the District Scouting Representative, for judging, no later than March 15, Each District may submit one (1) entry to the Department. Entry must be submitted no later than April 1, Each Post participating in the Scout Program will receive a citation. Department judging for this award will be conducted by the Department Scouting Committee. The Department s winning entry will be submitted to National for judging. COMMUNITY SERVICE RECORD BOOK should be kept from May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016 for State judging. Plaques will be awarded to the top three (3) entries. Special Citations will be awarded to the fourth through tenth places; and all other entries not placing in the top ten will receive a citation. The top ten winners will be presented plaques/citations at the State Convention. One award from National will be presented for the top State entry. In addition to the above awards, all Posts entering a Community Service Record Book will have a chance to win a monetary award in the amount of $ if judged best overall entry in their respective membership category. One (1) check will be issued to each membership category.

21 Category A Posts with Membership of 10 thru 75 Category B Posts with Membership of 76 thru 150 Category C Posts with Membership of 151 thru 250 Category D Posts with Membership of 251 thru 500 Category E Posts with Membership of 501 or more NOTE: To receive the monetary award for a record book entry in any of the four categories a Post must be 100% in membership. NOTE: Record Book entries may be used to help break any ties in the All State Team Judging. The amount of effort placed in preparing the entry will be considered. BUDDY POPPY CITATIONS will be presented to the District Commander whose District purchased the most Buddy Poppies and to the District Commander whose District had 100% participation in the Buddy Poppy Program. The Post in each District who purchased the most Buddy Poppies will be given a citation. LOYALTY DAY CITATIONS will be given to District s and Post s participating in Loyalty Day Programs. BEST NEWS PAPER ARTICLE CITATION will be given to the Post who submits the best article for the State News Paper each edition. POST MEN S AUXILIARY RECOGNITION AWARD Outstanding Community Service Award will be presented to the Post Men s Auxiliary who has submitted the most outstanding reports on the following Community Service Activities by May 13, Hospital Report Americanism Report Community Activities Report Safety Report Youth Activities Report A plaque and a check in the amount of $300.00, to assist in payment of expenses while attending the State Awards Ceremony during the State Convention. All judging material must be at State Headquarters by 5:00 P.M. (1700 Hours) on May 13, (NO EXCEPTIONS!)

22 VFW National Membership Program John A. Biedrzycki, Jr. Commander-in-Chief Final April 15, 2015

23 Table of Contents Membership Vision... 3 Membership Mission... 3 Recruit, retain, and mentor a stable membership base, including all generations of veterans, which is well-versed in institutional knowledge and actively involved at all levels of the organization Introduction... 3 Membership Goals... 3 Membership Benchmarks... 4 Retention Defined... 4 Life Membership Amnesty... 4 Recruiting Awards... 5 Individual Awards:... 5 Early Bird Award VFW Legislative Conference... 5 Post Commander and Quartermaster New & Recovered Member Award... 5 Kansas City Spree % Post, District & Department % Commander Drawing... 6 Legacy Life Membership Acquisition... 6 Elite Recruiter... 6 Recruiter of the Year... 7 All-American Leadership Criteria... 7 All-American Post Leadership Criteria... 7 All-American Post Leadership Award... 7 All-American District Leadership Criteria... 8 All-American District Leadership Award... 8 All-American Department Leadership Criteria... 8 All-American Department Leadership Award... 9 Conference Membership Award Post Membership Divisions and Minimum Qualifying Percentages District Membership Divisions and Minimum Qualifying Percentages

24 Membership Vision To show continued growth and thrive through the dedication and involvement of members at all levels of the organization. Membership Mission Recruit, retain, and mentor a stable membership base, including all generations of veterans, which is well-versed in institutional knowledge and actively involved at all levels of the organization. Introduction For the past several years, the VFW has been relatively successful in recruiting members aged 39 and younger. The only way to make this success permanent is to retain those members, recover past members, and recruit new members. We must improve the way we communicate with our members at all levels of the organization. Does your Post, District, State or Department have a newsletter, , or an outreach team that visits fellow members? In many cases, we have lost touch with our members. We need to know who they are, and what their needs are. Let s get back to basics our first priority is taking care of our members and the veteran community as a whole. Membership Goals 1. Build a strong organization for the future. 2. Work together to achieve the VFW s goals. The VFW National Headquarters staff is here to assist in coordinating programs, developing new membership initiatives and building awareness among our membership and the entire veteran community. 3

25 Membership Benchmarks Recruit new and recover unpaid members Retain existing membership Increase life membership Increase legacy life membership Retention Defined Although retention is not a prerequisite for the All-American program, it is extremely important to understand how retention is derived and the important role retention plays in accomplishing growth. The number of paid annual members in your Post on July 1 is your ensuing year s prior year total. One more new or recovered member is required to make up for each prior year annual member the Post failed to retain. Your Post retention is derived from six types of payment components based on your prior year total of annual members: A prior year annual member pays his or her annual membership dues. A prior year annual member pays the life membership installment fee. A prior year annual member pays for life membership dues. A prior year annual member transfers to another Post and pays his or her annual membership dues. A prior year annual member transfers to another Post and pays the life membership installment fee. A prior year annual member transfers to another Post and pays life membership dues. Life Membership Amnesty All life members who are reported deceased between July 1, 2015 and Aug. 31, 2015, will be removed from the Post rolls and the Post s prior year membership count will be adjusted accordingly. 4

26 Individual Awards: 5 Five member pin 10 Ten member pin Recruiting Awards 15 Fifteen member pin 25 Commander-in-chief membership coin & citation 50 National aide-de-camp cap and citation 75 VFW leather travel bag 100 Century cap and citation 175 Commemorative medallion set Early Bird Award VFW Legislative Conference The top three Post commanders and quartermasters and the top two District commanders in each division on Jan. 1, 2016, will be awarded: A $1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW Legislative Conference, Washington D.C. Post Commander and Quartermaster New & Recovered Member Award The top 10 Post commanders and quartermasters in each division who report more than 50 new and recovered annual members by Jan. 1, 2016, will each be awarded: A distinctive leather zippered Padfolio. Kansas City Spree The top two Post commanders and the top two District commanders in each divisions who achieve 100% membership by April 1, 2016, along with their spouse or guest, will be awarded: Round-trip airfare to Kansas City, Mo, from the airport nearest the awardee s home. A fun-filled weekend that may include but is not limited to - touring, shopping, attending a Kansas City Royals game, and a complete tour of the VFW National Headquarters. 5

27 100% Post, District & Department A distinctive streamer will be awarded to every Post, District and State/Department that achieves 100% or greater in membership before July 1, % Commander Drawing Each Post and District commander that exceeds 100% in membership by July 1, 2016, will be placed in a drawing. 20 post commanders and 12 district commanders will be drawn to: A $1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW National Convention. Legacy Life Membership Acquisition Each Post that achieves the designated benchmarks of 25, 50 and 75 Legacy Life Members will be awarded: A Legacy Society Post Proclamation. Each Post that achieves the distinctive benchmark of 100 Legacy Life Members by July 1, 2016, will be awarded: A $1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW National Convention. Reserved seating at the VFW National Convention joint opening session. Legacy Society Post Proclamation. Elite Recruiter Any VFW member who signs up 250 or more new and/or recovered annual members by July 1, 2016, will be awarded: A $1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW National Convention. Distinctive cap, citation, and name badge. 6

28 Recruiter of the Year The VFW member who signs up the greatest number of new and/or recovered annual members greater than 250 by July 1, 2016, will be awarded: A $1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW National Convention. Reserved seating at the VFW National Convention joint opening session. Distinctive cap, citation, and name badge. Commander-in-Chief s Crystal Eagle. All-American Leadership Criteria The All-American leadership program exists to recognize exceptional leadership, authentic accomplishment in membership growth and VFW core programs. All-American Post Leadership Criteria Designated an a All-State Post Greater than 50 members on July 1, 2016 Membership greater than 100% Finish in the top 35 Posts in your respective division All-American Post Leadership Award Acknowledgment in VFW Magazine Framed All-American Post citation All-American Post streamer All-American citation - Commander All-American name badge - Commander All-American cap - Commander - *Quartermaster may purchase cap All-American lapel pin - Commander - *Quartermaster may purchase pin The top five Commanders in each division will also receive: A $1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW National Convention. 7

29 Reserved seating at the VFW National Convention joint opening session. All-American District Leadership Criteria Designated a All-State District Membership greater than 100% Finish in the top 15 Districts in your division All-American District Leadership Award All-American District streamer All-American District citation - Commander All-American name badge - Commander All-American cap - Commander - *Quartermaster may purchase cap All-American lapel pin - Commander - *Quartermaster may purchase pin The top two District Commanders in each division will also receive: A $1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW National Convention. Reserved seating at the VFW National Convention joint opening session. All-American Department Leadership Criteria Membership must be greater than 100% One new post or increase the membership of three posts of 50 members or less to over 50 members by July 1, 2016 Mail, fax or a list of State/Department, District and Post All- State commanders to the National Membership Department by July 1, 2016 National Legislative Service Complete National Legislative Service chairman quarterly reports Monthly National Legislative Service committee member/chairman reports must be submitted to National Legislative Service in Washington, D.C. 8

30 National Veterans Services Must have a State/Department service officer and submit his or her name and contact information to National Veterans Services in Washington, D.C. by July 31, 2015 Monthly National Veterans Services committee member/chairman reports must be submitted to National Veterans Services in Washington, D.C. Programs Voice of Democracy - An entry advanced to national judging Patriot s Pen - An entry advanced to national judging National Citizenship Education Teacher Award submit an entry in all three categories (K-5, 6-8, 9-12) and entries must advance to national judging Veterans and Military Support Programs Must complete a State/Department fundraiser and proceeds must be donated to Veterans and Military Support Programs in Kansas City, MO Student Veterans of America Select a State/Department Student Veterans of America liaison, and submit his or her name and contact information to the National Programs Department by July 31, 2015 All-American Department Leadership Award All-American Department streamer All-American Department citation - Commander All-American name badge - Commander All-American cap - Commander - *Quartermaster may purchase cap All-American lapel pin - Commander - *Quartermaster may purchase pin $1,000 stipend to be used toward attending the VFW National Convention Reserved seating at the VFW National Convention joint opening session 9

31 Conference Membership Award The State/Department leading each conference will be entrusted with the conference membership colors for the following year. Transfer of colors will occur at each subsequent national convention. Post Membership Divisions and Minimum Qualifying Percentages Division Total Membership Min. Qualifying Percentage # Eligible And up! 100% % % % % % % % % % 35 District Membership Divisions and Minimum Qualifying Percentages Division Total Membership Min. Qualifying Percentage # Eligible 1 5,000 14, % ,282 4, % ,172 3, % ,447 2, % , % % 15 IMPORTANT NOTES To receive stipends, awardees must be in attendance at designated events Only one National paid stipend per event (national convention, legislative conference, etc.) All awards are non-transferable 10

32 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA AMERICANISM REPORT REPORTING PERIODS: FIRST HALF - MAY 1 TO OCTOBER 31 (Deadline to report November 15) SECOND HALF - NOVEMBER 1 TO APRIL 30 (Deadline to report May 13) POST NO. DISTRICT NO. REPORTING FOR FIRST HALF or SECOND HALF (CIRCLE ONLY ONE) THE FOLLOWING AMERICANISM PROJECTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED: FLAG PRESENTATION FLAG RAISING COLOR GUARD/HONOR GUARD/PARADE DISTRIBUTED PATRIOTIC LITERATURE PATRIOTIC ASSEMBLY SCHOOL FLAG EDUCATION PROGRAM COMMUNITY FLAG EDUCATION PROGRAM LOYALTY DAY PROGRAM MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM FLAG DAY PROGRAM FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY/COLLECT OLD FLAGS INDEPENDENCE DAY PROGRAM POW/MIA PROGRAM GET OUT THE VOTE VETERANS DAY PROGRAM PEARL HARBOR DAY PROGRAM SUPPORT OUR TROOPS OTHER PROGRAMS SUMMARY TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLETED PROJECTS TOTAL NUMBER OF VFW VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED IN PROJECTS TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS DONATED TO COMPLETE PROJECTS TOTAL MILES DRIVEN TO COMPLETE PROJECTS TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONIES USED TO COMPLETE PROJECTS (NOTE: INCLUDE MILEAGE CREDIT OF $.14 PER MILE IN TOTAL MONIES) PREPARED BY: TITLE: DATE: / PHONE SENT REPORT TO: Department of Virginia, VFW, 403 Lee Jackson Highway, Staunton, VA REVISED: June 4, 2015

33 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA COMMUNITY ACTIVITY REPORT REPORTING PERIODS: FIRST HALF - MAY 1 TO OCTOBER 31 (Deadline to report November 15) SECOND HALF - NOVEMBER 1 TO APRIL 30 (Deadline to report May 13) POST NO. DISTRICT NO. REPORTING FOR FIRST HALF or SECOND HALF (CIRCLE ONLY ONE) THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITY PROJECTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED: 1. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: ORGANIZED BLOOD DRIVE/ASSISTED IN BLOOD DRIVE ORGANIZED CPR CLASS RECYCLING PROGRAM NEIGHBORHOOD BEAUTIFICATION / HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION OTHER HOW MANY VOLUNTEERS TOTAL HOURS MILES COST $ 2. COOPERATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS: ORGANIZED / ASSISTED FUND RAISING DRIVES (MARCH OF DIMES, ETC.) U.S. SAVINGS BOND PROMOTION VOLUNTEER IN SCHOOL / CHURCH SPEAKER PROGRAM IN SCHOOL / CHURCH / COMMUNITY OTHER HOW MANY VOLUNTEERS TOTAL HOURS MILES COST $ 3. AID TO OTHERS: COMMUNITY HOSPITAL NURSING HOME / SENIOR CITIZENS VA MEDICAL CENTER ASSIST HOMELESS VETERANS OTHER HOW MANY VOLUNTEERS TOTAL HOURS MILES COST $ 5. VFW FUND RAISER: BUDDY POPPY OTHER HOW MANY VOLUNTEERS TOTAL HOURS MILES COST $ PROGRAMS SUMMARY TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLETED PROJECTS TOTAL NUMBER OF VFW VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED IN PROJECTS TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS DONATED TO COMPLETE PROJECTS TOTAL MILES DRIVEN TO COMPLETE PROJECTS TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONIES USED TO COMPLETE PROJECTS (NOTE: INCLUDE MILEAGE CREDIT OF $.14 PER MILE IN TOTAL MONIES) PREPARED BY: TITLE: DATE: / PHONE: SENT REPORT TO: Department of Virginia, VFW, 403 Lee Jackson Highway, Staunton, VA qm@va.vfwwebmail.com REVISED: June 4, 2015

34 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Virginia HOSPITAL COMMITTEE REPORT REPORTING PERIODS: FIRST HALF - MAY 1 TO OCTOBER 31 (Deadline to report November 15) SECOND HALF - NOVEMBER 1 TO APRIL 30 (Deadline to report May 13) POST NO. DISTRICT NO. REPORTING FOR FIRST HALF or SECOND HALF (CIRCLE ONLY ONE) Date Description (Identify Activities Performed) Number of VFW Individuals Participating in each Visit Total Hours Number of Patients Benefited Miles Driven Totals: $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Value of Services or Donations PREPARED BY: TITLE: DATE: / PHONE SENT REPORT TO: Department of Virginia, VFW, 403 Lee Jackson Highway, Staunton, VA Revised June 4, 2015

35 Instruction for Completion of Hospital Committee Report 1. Enter the date of the actual event in the "Date" column. 2. A brief entry identifying the activity should be made in the "Description" column 3. The "Number of Individuals Participating In Each Visit" column is the total VFW members who actively served to support the activity. 4. "Total Hours" is the sum of the time devoted to the event (including travel to and from). 5. "Patients Benefited" is the total number of veterans (all veterans; not just members of your Post) served by the particular visit or activity. 6. The "Value of Services Or Donations" column requires an entry of the estimated dollar value of goods or services contributed in support of the activity. Including value of mileage (14 cent per mile) in the column. 7. A report should be submitted if you visited any of the following: VA Medical Center, VA Nursing Home, VA Domiciliary, State Care Center, State Hospital, State Nursing Home, Community Hospital, Community Nursing Home, Private Home or if you donated the use of medical equipment. 8. Questions about this form should be directed to the Department Hospital Committee Chairman or the Department Adjutant. 9. When the form is completed, it should be mailed to: 403 Lee Jackson Highway, Staunton, VA EXAMPLE: Four (4) Post members travel to a VA Medical Center to visit with Patients. They each drive two (2) miles to meet at the Post and will drive two (2) miles to return home. They all ride in one (1) car to the center. It is 25 miles each way to the facility. It takes one (1) hour to drive each way. In route they purchase ten (10) newspapers at a cost of 50 cents each. While at the facility they pass out the newspaper and spend three (3) hours visiting 20 patients. 4 members drive 4 miles each: 4x4 miles = 16 miles. 1 trip of 25 miles each way: 2x25 miles = 50 miles. 16 miles = 25 miles = 66 miles x 14 cents per mile = $ newspapers at 50 cents each: 10 x 50 cents = $5.00 each member donates a total of five (5) hours [1 hr to get there, 3hrs visiting & 1 hr to return] 4 members x 5 hours each = 20 hrs. Date Description No. of VFW Hours Patients Miles Driven Value 8/17 Visit to VA medical Center $14.24 Revised June 4, 2015

36 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA SAFETY REPORT REPORTING PERIODS: FIRST HALF - MAY 1 TO OCTOBER 31 (Deadline to report November 15) SECOND HALF - NOVEMBER 1 TO APRIL 30 (Deadline to report May 13) POST NO. DISTRICT NO. REPORTING FOR FIRST HALF or SECOND HALF (CIRCLE ONLY ONE) THE FOLLOWING SAFETY PROJECTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED: PEDESTRIAN SAFETY DRUG AWARENESS RECREATIONAL SAFETY HIGHWAY SAFETY HOME SAFETY RECOGNITION HUNTER SAFETY FIRE SAFETY OTHER PROGRAMS SUMMARY TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLETED PROJECTS TOTAL NUMBER OF VFW VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED IN PROJECTS TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS DONATED TO COMPLETE PROJECTS TOTAL MILES DRIVEN TO COMPLETE PROJECTS TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONIES USED TO COMPLETE PROJECTS (NOTE: INCLUDE MILEAGE CREDIT OF $.14 PER MILE IN TOTAL MONIES) PREPARED BY: TITLE: DATE: / PHONE SENT REPORT TO: Department of Virginia, VFW, 403 Lee Jackson Highway, Staunton, VA REVISED: June 4, 2015

37 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA YOUTH ACTIVITY REPORT REPORTING PERIODS: FIRST HALF - MAY 1 TO OCTOBER 31 (Deadline to report November 15) SECOND HALF - NOVEMBER 1 TO APRIL 30 (Deadline to report May 13) POST NO. DISTRICT NO. REPORTING FOR FIRST HALF or SECOND HALF (CIRCLE ONLY ONE) THE FOLLOWING YOUTH ACTIVITY PROJECTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED: SPORTS/ATHLETICS CONTEST EDUCATIONAL INSTRUCTION SCOUTING RECOGNITION OTHER PROGRAMS SUMMARY TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLETED PROJECTS TOTAL NUMBER OF VFW VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED IN PROJECTS TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS DONATED TO COMPLETE PROJECTS TOTAL MILES DRIVEN TO COMPLETE PROJECTS TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONIES USED TO COMPLETE PROJECTS (NOTE: INCLUDE MILEAGE CREDIT OF $.14 PER MILE IN TOTAL MONIES) PREPARED BY: TITLE: DATE: / PHONE SENT REPORT TO: Department of Virginia, VFW, 403 Lee Jackson Highway, Staunton, VA REVISED: June 4, 2015

38 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA REPORT OF DECEASED COMRADE Post No. District No. NAME OF COMRADE Last First Middle Initial Annual Membership Number Life Membership Number DATE OF DEATH: Month/Day/Year Address Signed Date Street City State Zip IMMEDIATELY AFTER INTERMENT, MAIL OR FAX THIS REPORT TO: Department of Virginia, VFW 403 Lee Jackson Highway Staunton, VA Phone: (540) FAX (866) REVISED 06/21/11

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