GENERAL ORDERS NO. 12 June 2016

Transcription

1 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA Mail: Rice Street Station, PO Box 17146, St Paul, MN Phone: FAX: GENERAL ORDERS NO. 12 June CONGRATULATIONS!!!! To Post Commanders, Post Quartermasters and Post members for the great job you accomplished in making your Post 100% in Membership. My thanks to you. We now have to finish the job and make The Great State of Minnesota 100%. 2. The 97 th Annual Convention of the Department of Minnesota, V.F.W. will be held in Rochester, June 9-12, Registration will open at 9:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 9 th at the Kahler Grand Hotel. 3. The Department Council of Administration will meet at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 9 th in the Kahler Grand, Heritage Hall 1. The Department Finance Committee will meet at 4:30 P.M. Thursday, June 9 th in the Kahler Grand, Directors Room. 4. All Convention Committees and Chairmen should be present at the Council of Administration meeting at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday evening, June 9 th. Resolution packets will be passed out at that time. All Committee members will be notified of their appointments by letter before the Convention. Members of these committees receive no mileage or per diem. 5. All members are urged to attend the Joint V.F.W. and Auxiliary Awards Session at the Kahler Grand at 9:00 A.M. on Friday, June 10 th in the Kahler Grand, Heritage Hall 1. The Memorial Service will be at 6:00 P.M. Friday, June 10 th Kahler Grand, Heritage Halls 1 & Department By-Laws require that Delegate Registration Fees for the Department Convention be paid prior to the convening of the Convention. Delegate Credentials are being sent to the Post Commander upon receipt of the fees. (3.00 per delegate - one delegate for every thirty (30) members or fraction thereof in good standing at the time of Election of Delegates.) 7. Any Post in arrears to the Department or National organization_for any financial obligation, including delegate fees or which does not have its Quartermaster bonded or failure to submit a Post Trustees Report of Audit for the quarter ending March 31, 2016 or failure to advance register a delegate to the 2016 National Convention, will be deprived of voting privileges at the Department Convention. Also, Posts that have not paid for their 2016 Poppies. All Posts have received their billing and it should be paid promptly. (Note: If your District has failed to inspect your Post or Gaming, you will also lose your right to vote at the State Convention.) 8. Every Post Commander is still in office at the time of the Department Convention and if present, is the official spokesman for his Post. His successor assumes his duties at the close of the Convention, June 12, All Posts having 2016 dues not reported are requested to mail them to National Headquarters NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 st. 10. The 117 th Annual National Convention of the V.F.W. will be held in Charlotte, NC July 23 rd -27 th, Reservation forms are included in this mailing. All housing reservations must be made through the VFW Housing Bureau. 11. National Convention registration fee is per Post, per attending Delegate and per attending delegate if registering in Charlotte, NC. Use the special form enclosed for advance registration. -OVER- General Orders 1 June 2016

2 12. Post Commanders will be named to the Team of All State Post Commanders at the joint session of the Convention on Friday, June 10 th in the Kahler Grand, Heritage Hall 1 at approximately 9:00 A.M. The Commanders and their spouses will be invited guests of the Department of Minnesota at the Convention Banquet on Saturday evening, June 11 th. Those Commanders receiving All-State Honors that purchased Banquet tickets, will be asked to turn them in after the Awards are given. The Commanders named must be in attendance at the joint session in order to qualify for the expense check. All-State Commanders who cannot attend the joint session will still be entitled to receive the All-State Commander s Hat, Citation and Diamond Lapel Pin. 13. Posts with Club Rooms are reminded that all Local, State and Federal Laws MUST be observed. "Open Door" policies are NOT allowed. 14. The Department Golf Tournament will be held August, 2016 in Owatonna. Entry Forms will be available on the Department website once they are received from VFW Post # Does your Post have a Web Page? If so, please contact the Department of Minnesota, VFW. We would like to add your page to our list of links. 16. In an attempt to cut expenses and expedite communications to our Posts, we are asking that each Post Commander (Post) obtain an address. Please send that address to Department Headquarters. All Posts that receive hard copied General Orders will be required to pay a 35 assessment. 17. Posts are hereby warned, that inspectors from ASCAP and BMI have stepped up their visits to Post Clubrooms and functions. Your Post MUST maintain a Closed Door policy and patronage should be limited to Members and Bonafied Guests. (See enclosed document) If your Post chooses not to abide by these restrictions, you will be billed by ASCAP or BMI. BY ORDER OF: Duane Hermanson State Commander Department of Minnesota, V.F.W. OFFICIAL: Tate R. Doom State Adjutant General Orders 2 June 2016

3 July General Orders Mailing: Please note that the July General Orders will be mailed Hardcopy via USPS to EVERY Post Commander. After that they will be sent through the normal process (and hardcopy to those without a Post Contact). MORE. Full Page Bulletins in THIS General Orders Expect GO s EVERY MONTH if you have not received them in the manner you expect prior the 1 st of the month- Please contact Department Headquarters. RECEIVING Department s: To be sure that you are able to receive s from VFW Headquarters, please add the following s to your contact list: mnvfw@vfwmn.us Jim Hesselgrave, Department Quartermaster tatemnvfw@vfwmn.us Tate Doom, Department Adjutant Jeaniemnvfw@vfwmn.us Jeanie Anderson, Secretary/Bookkeeper melodymnvfw@vfwmn.us Melody Shryock, Convention Coordinator/Webpage amandamnvfw@vfwmn.us Amanda Freiermuth, Secretary/Receptionist If you have ANY questions about receiving the General Orders, please call Department Headquarters at Calendar Raffle Control of Units- Section 709 Dept. Convention Schedule Post Election Report Instructions Post Election Report Nat l Conv. Delegate Nat l Conv. Housing Form Community Service Report Form VFW Trap Shoot 2016 Post Resources Webpage Passwords for Department Post Resources Page Passwords are mailed Hardcopy via USPS to EVERY Post Commander AND Quartermaster in the MIDDLE of JULY GO TO Please watch for these and be sure to share this with other Post Officers as necessary. Don t forget there is more than one place to find documents, reports and forms GENERAL SITE ACCESS: Conference/ Convention: Housing Forms Training Forms Schedules Other: Youth Program Calendars Info Deadlines PASSWORD ACCESS ON POST RESOURCES : Reports: Community Service Report Blank & Fill-in Forms Poppy Report & Order Form Banquet Information Book Advertising Form Post Locations Nat l Convention Forms Quartermaster Forms Membership Materials Current General Orders General Orders 3 June 2016

4 Buddy Poppy Here s hoping everyone had a successful Buddy Poppy campaign. Remember, every day is Poppy Day. Buddy Poppy = Flower of Remembrance! 1 st and 2 nd place winners from Mid-Winter Poppy Display Contest, please make arrangements to get your display entered in the National contest in Charlotte, NC. ~Submitted by James Rowe, Buddy Poppy Chair Comrades, With our State Convention just around the corner I look forward seeing many at our OTI schools of in instruction. This year the legislative instruction will be Thursday afternoon in Heritage ll room at the Kahler hotel following the Community Service training around 2:15. Legislative By now your Post should be making plans for the upcoming elections this fall. There will be election at all levels from your local city, county, state and federal governments. Our membership needs to be involved so be sure Veterans issues are part of the political discussion in your area. At your local level your city and county officials need to know that Veterans Preference needs to be protected. State candidates should be directed to support legislation to repeal the unfair tax on military retirement. Candidates running on the national level should be asked to support a V.A. Medical system that is well run and funded at the level to provide the services our Veterans deserve. I am enclosing an attachment from the state Department of Veterans Affairs legislative update page, with information we can use when you talk to candidates running for national office (VA Privatization Not Wanted). ~Submitted by Tom McLaughlin, Legislative Chair General Orders 4 June 2016

5 You can help support Unmet Needs Text "NEEDS" to for a donation Veterans & Military Support Your donation will be used to assist service members who have been affected by natural disasters and transitioning troops who recently returned home from deployment. ~Submitted by Scott Hanson, Veterans & Military Support Chair Commander s Project Final Report: Commander Project: ARS BELLUM My how time flies by! It is hard to believe it has been almost a year on this project for Dewey. We have been successful in holding Ars Bellum Art Therapy Programs at multiple VFW post throughout the state. We have also been able to spread the word about this program through our department website and E-blasts. The feedback on the therapy programs has been very positive and the participants felt it helped them navigate through the difficulties they have been facing. As of just few weeks ago over 13,000 has been raised for this project. So a big Thank You needs to go out to both the host posts and all of the generous donors. Your efforts have made a difference on this project. I want to thank Commander Hermanson again for this appointment. It has been my pleasure to serve. See you at the banquet when we present Bridget Cronin from Ars Bellum with that big check! ~Submitted by Clint Tuorila, Commander s Project Chair General Orders 5 June 2016

6 POW-MIA April 29, 2016 POW/MIA 8. MIA Updates: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of four American servicemen who had been missing in action since World War II and Korea. Returning home for burial with full military honors are: -- Navy Lt. Julian B. Jordan, 37, from Georgia, and Seaman 2nd Class Rudolph V. Piskuran, of Ohio, had been missing since Dec. 7, 1941, when the battleship USS Oklahoma they were aboard suffered multiple torpedo hits and capsized as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. They will be buried on dates and locations yet to be announced. -- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Leonard R. Farron, 23, will be buried May 4 in his hometown of Tacoma, Wash. On Oct. 15, 1942, Farron was piloting a P-39 Airacobra that failed to return to base after a strafing mission over Tassafaronga, Guadalcanal. He was assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, 13th Air Force. Read more at: -- Army Cpl. David J. Wishon Jr., 18, of Baltimore, will be buried May 6 in Arlington National Cemetery. Wishon was declared missing in action after his unit was heavily attacked by enemy forces in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea on Dec. 1, He was assigned to Medical Company, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Read more at: May 6, MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains of four American servicemen who had been missing in action from World War II and Korea. Being returned for burial with full military honors on a date and location to be announced are: -- Fireman 2nd Class James B. Boring, 21, of Vinton County, Ohio, Navy Fireman 3rd Class Edwin C. Hopkins, 18, of Swanzey, N.H., and Ensign Lewis B. Pride Jr., 23, of Madisonville, Ky., had been missing since Dec. 7, 1941, when the battleship USS Oklahoma they were aboard suffered multiple torpedo hits and capsized as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. -- Army Sgt. 1st Class James P. Shunney, of Providence, R.I., was lost fighting in North Korea on Nov. 2, He was assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry General Orders 6 June 2016

7 Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. May 20, MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced the identification of remains of five American service members who had been missing in action since World War II. Being returned home for burial with full military honors are: POW/MIA (Continued) -- Navy Chief Storekeeper Herbert J. Hoard, 36, and Seaman 2nd Class Dale F. Pearce, 21, had been missing since Dec. 7, 1941, when the battleship USS Oklahoma they were aboard suffered multiple torpedo hits and capsized as it was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Hoard will be buried May 21 in his hometown of DeSoto, Mo., and Pearce will be buried May 26 in his hometown of Dennis, Kan. Learn more about their individual recovery and identifications at: and -- Marine Pfc. Elmer L. Mathies Jr., 21, will be buried May 28 in his hometown of Hereford, Texas. Mathies died Nov. 20, 1943, while fighting the Japanese on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. He was assigned to Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. -- Army Capt. Elwood J. Euart, 38, of Pawtucket, R.I., died Oct. 26, 1942, died trying to rescue some soldiers who were trapped in a transport ship that struck two mines as it was entering Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides. He was assigned to the 103rd Field Artillery Battalion, 43rd Infantry Division. Burial details have yet to be announced. -- Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Donald L. Beals, 21, of Brookings, S.D., was a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot who died April 17, 1945, while on a combat mission near Dresden, Germany. He was assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Group, 9th Air Force. Burial details have yet to be announced. ~Submitted by Dr. Jim Tuorila, POW / MIA Chair Archery... Farmington Post #7662 will Host 2016 Bean bag...alexandria Post #936 will Host 2016 Bowling...Mankato Post #950 will Host 2017 Cribbage... Hastings Post #1210 will Host 2017 Fishing... Alexandria Post #936 will Host 2016 VETERANS ACTIVITIES Golf... Owatonna Post #3723 will Host 2016 Horseshoes Fergus Falls Post #612 will Host 2016 General Orders 7 June 2016

8 Military Rifle Match... Open for 2016 and Beyond Pistol comp... Brooklyn Park Post #3915 will Host 2017 Trap shooting Austin Post #1216 will Host 2017 NOTE: Contact the Veteran Activities Chairman in your District if you are interested in bidding any of the above events or would like more information on any of the events. ~Submitted by Dan Meyer, Veterans Activities Chair June is here school is almost over but our programs go on. All Post V O D & Patriots Pen Chairmen get your programs off and running before school breaks. VOICE OF DEMOCRACY/ PATRIOT S PEN Essay Themes for 2017 Voice of Democracy: My Responsibility to America Patriot s Pen: The America I Believe In Get entry forms off of the department web site. Thanks for all you Do! ~Submitted by Mike Pierce, Voice of Democracy/Patriot s Pen Chair BASEBALL: August 11-14, 2016 Fergus Falls Post #612 (Willmar Post #1639 to Host 2017) HOCKEY: White Bear Lake Post #1782 to Host 2017 YOUTH ACTIVITIES ~Submitted by Jim Hesselgrave, Youth Activities Chair General Orders 8 June 2016

9 Rice Street Station, P.O. Box 17146, St Paul, MN (651) Dear Comrade, On behalf of the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars Charitable Association (MN VFW Charitable Association), we would like to THANK YOU for your Participation in the 2016 Calendar Raffle Program. Your Post s participation in the Calendar Raffle greatly improved our ability to fund the Programs of the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars. The total daily prize winners received 27,300, the participating Posts are received over 35,500 and the Department will net 50,000. The MN VFW Charitable Association is already planning for next years Calendar Raffle. The Calendar is at the printer and distribution of the 2017 Calendars will start at the 2016 State Convention in Rochester, Minnesota. With that in mind, we are asking your help in establishing the number of Calendars that your Post or Auxiliary would like to sell for the 2017 Raffle. Please fill out the Order Form at the bottom of the page and return by June 6, If we have your order in advance, we will have your Raffle Calendars ready for pickup at the State Convention. Or, we can fill your order at the Convention. THANK YOU!!! Yours in Comradeship, James R. Hesselgrave, Treasurer MN VFW Charitable Association Return To: MN VFW Charitable Association Rice Street Station, P.O. Box St. Paul, MN VFW Post/Auxiliary No. would like to place a request for 2017 Calendar Raffle Calendars. We acknowledge that these Calendars will be ready for distribution at the 2017 State Convention in Rochester, Minnesota. The Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars Charitable Association is a 501-c-3 Non-Profit Corporation under IRS Code General Orders 9 June 2016

10 CONTROL OF UNITS SECTION 709 A Shot Across the Bow Is Better a Torpedo in the Hull! Dear Comrade Post Commander, Please read the following copy of Section 709 of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure. In particular those underlined or bold italic sections. Section 709 is one of the MOST abused Sections of the National By-Laws. Especially, with Posts that own (or seek to own) real estate and those that operate Clubrooms. There are two words that a Post MUST be aware of, are Co-habitate and Co-mingle. Example: A VFW Post CANNOT jointly own (co-habitate) property with another organization or business (ie. Vets Clubs) And, therefore, a VFW Post CANNOT share in the income/expense (co-mingle) of an operation with any organization or business. Now, there are a few VFW Posts in the State of Minnesota that were grandfathered after this By-Law was passed. They ofcourse are exempt. Should you have any questions or concerns relative to this issue, please contact the State Adjutant-Quartermaster at Failure to comply with this section of the By-Laws COULD result in the Suspension and eventual Revocation of your Post Charter! Sec. 709 Control of Units. (By-Laws) Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States shall not be responsible for the negligent or wrongful acts or omissions nor the contractual obligations or debts of any Post, County Council, District or Department nor for the negligent or wrongful acts or omissions or contractual obligations or debts of any activity, clubroom, holding company or unit sponsored, conducted or operated by, for or in behalf of any Post, County Council, District or Department. Any activity, clubroom, holding company or unit sponsored, conducted or operated by, for or in behalf of a Post, County Council, District or Department shall be at all times under the direct control of such Post, County Council, District or Department and all funds derived there from shall be at all times under the direct control of such Post, County Council, District or Department. Any Post owning and/or operating, directly or by reason of a holding company or other entity substantially controlled by the Post or its members, a canteen, clubroom or other facility available to members or guests must maintain general liability insurance, including, if necessary or appropriate, liquor liability insurance. Such insurance must be of a type and amount sufficient to protect the Post and must name, as additional insureds, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and the Department in which such Post is located. All money, property or assets of any kind or nature, as well as all books and records, owned, held or used by any activity, clubroom, holding company or unit sponsored, conducted or operated by, for or in behalf of a Post, County Council, District or Department shall be the property of such Post, County Council, District or Department and must be placed in the care and custody of the respective Quartermaster Such money, property, assets, books and records shall be subject to the same rules and under the same procedure as any other Post, County Council, District or Department money, property, assets, books and records. No Post, County Council, District or Department and no activity, clubroom or holding company or unit sponsored, conducted or operated by, for or on behalf of any Post, County Council, District or Department may own any property jointly or in common with any individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation or other business or charitable entity, including veterans organizations nor may they participate in any arrangement whereby the funds of such Post, County Council, District or Department or activity, clubroom, holding company or unit sponsored, conducted or operated by, for or in its behalf are expended on property held by another entity for the joint use of such Post, Count y Council, District or Department and other individuals, firms, partnerships, associations, corporations or other business or charitable entities, including veterans organizations. Title to all real property of unincorporated Posts, County Councils and Districts shall be taken in the name of the regularly elected trustees of said units, and their successors in office, to be held, used and enjoyed in trust for its members. When the laws of the respective states shall require the delivery of a bill of sale to establish ownership of property, such bills of sale shall also be made to the trustees of said units, and their successors in office, in trust for the members thereof. In addition to other legal requirements under existing local laws or Department By-Laws, no Post, County Council, District, or any holding company or corporation subordinate hereto, shall purchase, sell or otherwise transfer title or any interest in any real estate unless written notice of such proposal has first been given to each member of said unit ten (10) days prior to such regular or special meeting at which the proposal is to be considered, and then only by two-thirds (2/3) vote of approval of those members present and voting at such regular or special meeting. In addition, at least thirty (30) days prior to such meeting, notice shall be provided to the Department Commander who shall review any sale, purchase, transfer or encumbrance to determine whether such transaction serves the purposes of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States as prescribed in the Congressional Charter. Failure to comply with these provisions shall nullify said transaction. When properly approved by the members of the Post, the Commander and Quartermaster shall be authorized to sign such legal documents required to sell or purchase real property. General Orders 10 June 2016

11 Sec. 709 Control of Units (Manual of Procedure) Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a federally chartered membership corporation created by an Act of Congress. In accordance with that legislation, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States has issued charters to the Ladies Auxiliary, Departments and other units, including Posts. Pursuant to their charters, those units are bound to pursue the purposes set forth in the Congressional Charter and abide by the Charter, By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and the laws and usages of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. However, each organization is a separate unincorporated association or corporation under the laws of the jurisdiction in which each is located. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States does not own an interest in any clubroom, canteen, facility or any fundraising activity operated by any such chartered unit, nor are clubrooms, canteens, facilities or other fund-raising activities operated for or on behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States does not derive any profit from such facilities or activities. Clubrooms, canteens, facilities and other fund-raising activities of chartered units are carried on by such units in furtherance of the fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable and educational purposes set forth by Congress. Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States does not lend money or extend credit to any chartered unit. It is in no manner responsible for the debts or any other liability incurred by any chartered unit or any clubroom, canteen, facility or other fund-raising activity operated by it. As unincorporated associations or corporations, they are responsible for their own debts and liabilities. To the extent that Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is threatened with or sustains damage arising from a debt or liability incurred by a chartered unit, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States may seek to recover such damages and any costs and expenses incurred from such chartered unit or persons responsible for such debt or liability. General Orders 11 June 2016

12 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA 2016 State Convention Kahler Grand Hotel Rochester, Minnesota As of 5/23/16 Please watch for any changes Posted at Convention Registration JUNE 8-12, 2016 **Note: Auxiliary ALOT training has been changed to ATS (Auxiliary Training Seminar) WEDNESDAY, June 8: 5:00 PM 7:00 PM Early Registration for OTI Mezzanine Lounge 6:00 8:30 PM District Officers Leadership Training Regency Room THURSDAY, June 9: 7:00 AM 9:00 AM OTI & ATS Registration (Aux. times may vary) Heritage Foyer 9 AM 3 PM & 5-7 PM VFW Convention Registration Heritage Foyer 1:00 4:00 PM Auxiliary Convention Registration (Aux. times may vary) Heritage Foyer OFFICERS TRAINING SCHOOL: 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Post & District Officers Training Heritage Hall I 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Quartermaster & Men s Auxiliary Treasurer Class Windsor III 9:00 AM 4:00 PM Auxiliary ATS Training Session Heritage Hall III Auxiliary ATS Breakout Sessions Windsors I-II STATE CONVENTION BUSINESS: 4:30 6:00 PM Finance Committee meeting Director s Room 6:00 7:00 PM Dept. of MN V.F.W. Charitable Assoc. meeting Director s Room 7:00 9:00 PM Auxiliary Council of Administration(See Auxiliary Agenda) Heritage Hall II-III 7:00 9:00 PM V.F.W. Council of Administration meeting Heritage Hall I PASS OUT RESOLUTIONS 9:00 PM Retirement Reception for State Quartermaster Elizabethan (Or after V.F.W. Council Adjourns) FRIDAY, JUNE 10: 8:00 AM 4:00 PM VFW Registration Heritage Foyer 8:00 AM 3:00 PM Auxiliary Registration (Aux. times may vary) Heritage Foyer 9:00 AM 11:30 AM V.F.W. and Auxiliary Joint Awards Session Heritage Hall I VFW Program Recognition Awards (Agenda established by Department Headquarters) Naming of All-State Team of Post Commanders Naming of All-State Team of Post Quartermasters 11:45 AM Past State Commanders and Presidents Luncheon Elizabethan 1:30 4:30 PM Opening Auxiliary Convention (See Auxiliary Agenda) Heritage Hall II-III Page 1 of 2 General Orders 12 June 2016

13 1:00 2:00 PM COMMITTEE MEETING ASSIGNMENTS 1. National Security/Foreign Affairs/POW Windsor I 2. By-Laws/Ritual/Rules Regency Room 3. General Resolutions/Extension-Membership Windsor II 4. Finance/Internal Affairs Director s Room 5. Legislative/Veterans Service/Employment Windsor III 2:30 4:30 PM Gambling Meeting Heritage Hall I 6:00 7:00 PM Memorial Service (Joint VFW & Auxiliary) Heritage II-III Guest Speaker Rachel Peterson, Past V.O.D. Student and Founder of Abiding Bronze Star SATURDAY, JUNE 11: 8:00 AM 1:30 PM VFW Registration Heritage Foyer 8:00 AM 3:00 PM Auxiliary Registration (Aux. times may vary) Heritage Foyer 8:30 AM 4:00 PM Auxiliary Convention Session (See Auxiliary Agenda) Heritage Hall II-III 9:00 AM 3:00 PM Open Convention Heritage Hall I Roll Call of Officers Rules Committee Committee Reports Nomination of Officers 9:00 AM 11:30 AM Men s Auxiliary Convention Meeting Windsor III 12:00 Noon Recess 1:15 PM 3:15 PM Caucuses Dist 1: Amphitheater I, Dist 2: Viking, Dist 3: Watson, Dist 4: Mayo Brothers, Dist 5: President s, Dist 6: Centennial, Dist 7: Regency, Dist 8: Director s Room, Dist 9: Governor s 4:00 5:00 PM Church Service Viking Room 5:45 6:45 PM Social Heritage Foyer 7:00 PM Banquet Heritage Ballroom Guest Speaker Gary Kurpius, Past National Commander-in-Chief Master of Ceremony Rick Bugbee, State Jr. Vice Commander Sunday, June 12: 7:30 AM 9:30 AM VFW Registration Heritage Foyer 9:00 AM 11:30 AM Reconvene Convention Heritage Hall I Roll Call of Officers Committee Reports Election of Officers 8:30 11:30 PM Auxiliary Convention Session (See Auxiliary Agenda) Heritage Hall II-III 12:00 12:45 PM Joint Installation of Officers Heritage Hall II-III 12:45 1:00 PM Council of Administration Brief Meeting Heritage Hall I 12:45 PM Auxiliary Brief C of A Meeting Heritage Hall II-III Page 2 of 2 General Orders 13 June 2016

14 FILING YOUR POST ELECTION REPORT Please note the INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPERLY FILING POST ELECTION REPORTS on the reverse side. Additionally, please note the addendums listed below: Your Post Election Reports WILL NOT be accepted as complete until ALL positions are filled!!! You will now note, that the Offices of Judge Advocate and Surgeon are now appointed positions. Therefore, anyone of your Elected or Appointed Officers can hold one of these offices. (Example A Chaplain can be the Judge Advocate or the Commander could be the Surgeon.) o Only exception is that a Trustee cannot be the Post Adjutant.See Section 218-Officers and Chairmen, Duties, and Obligations. (11) Trustees. Trustees shall not be eligible to serve on committees or as officers whose books, records and accounts are audited by the Trustees In ALL Functional Posts, the REQUIRED Officers would be: Commander, Senior Vice Commander, Quartermaster, three Trustees and Adjutant. NO Post can function without these positions being filled! All of these Officers SHOULD be present at all Post meetings. Thusly, fulfilling the minimum required Quorum of five (5) members. Should your Post have questions on this process, you might consult Section 216 Elected and Appointed Officers; Chairmen and Committees of the VFW National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure. Your Post should also keep in mind, that an INCOMPLETE Post Election Report MAY result in the Suspension of your Post Charter. Should you have any questions or concerns, please call Jim at Department Headquarters: tatemnvfw@vfwmn.us THANK YOU!!!! General Orders 14 June 2016

15 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPERLY SUBMITTING POST ELECTION REPORTS The Post Election Report is to be completed by the outgoing Post Quartermaster during or immediately following the election meeting. Information you will need to properly file your report: Elected Post officers membership information to include current contact information and membership number Post meeting information to include address, day and time. The day should be shown as First Tuesday, Third Wednesday, as appropriate. If a meeting is held more than once a month, show as First and Third Monday, Every Friday, as appropriate. Time should be shown as 11:00 am, 7:30 pm, as appropriate Post mailing address, Post and website information Post Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) Current Post dues amount Commander s named appointments for Adjutant, Judge Advocate, Surgeon and Service Officer ONLINE ELECTION REPORT Online reporting is the required method of submitting the Post s Election Report. As Post Quartermaster, you will log into and access the Online Membership System (OMS) under Post Quartermaster Tools & Resources, click on Post Election Report ; you are now ready to use the newly enhanced reporting procedure. Follow the step by step process, verify your summary, make any necessary corrections and submit. This is a 5-7 minute process for the average user. Quartermasters who need assistance setting up their OMS account should view the following link to access training materials Department Quartermasters have access to OMS and have the ability to enter Post Election results for a Post. Please utilize this resource if you do not have access to OMS. In addition to the annual Election Report, this system will be utilized to make officer changes during the administrative year. MAIL-IN OR FAXED ELECTION REPORT Although a return, postage paid envelope has been included in this year s mailing, we ask that you make every attempt to use the online reporting method. Do not mail or fax your report if you have utilized the online reporting method. Your report can be submitted by mailing one copy to the Adjutant General in the enclosed envelope or fax to This will be the last year that we will provide a postage paid envelope. NOTIFICATION Changes in Post Officers will also be acknowledged by to the Post s V-mail account. Post Quartermaster s will receive a Post Record Acknowledgement via USPS. This card is used to show the reported change of the Post Commander, Post Quartermaster and/or Post Dues Amount. Only return this card to correct erroneous information. Corrections can also be made by accessing the OMS. National Headquarters will be providing Post and officer information to the Department Headquarters. Questions regarding the Post Election Report can be answered by calling ext General Orders 15 June 2016

16 POST # BUILDING NAME (IF NOT POST NAME) DISTRICT # DEPARTMENT POST MEETING LOCATION (PHYSICAL ADDRESS) POST ELECTION REPORT POST NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # DATE OF ELECTION: POST DUES AMOUNT Includes National and Department Per Capita POST MAILING ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS ADDRESS LINE 2 CITY STATE CITY STATE POST ADDRESS POST MEETING DAY/TIME POST WEBSITE POST PHONE # FEDERAL EMPLOYER INDENTIFICATION # (EIN) CHECK ALL THAT APPLY: OWN RENT NO POST HOME CANTEEN/CLUBROOM PROVIDE HALL RENTALS PROVIDE MILITARY FUNERAL HONORS COMMANDER MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE SENIOR VICE COMMANDER MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE QUARTERMASTER MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE CHAPLAIN MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE JUDGE ADVOCATE (APPOINTED) MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE SURGEON (APPOINTED) MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE 1 YEAR TRUSTEE MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE 2 YEAR TRUSTEE MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE 3 YEAR TRUSTEE MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE ADJUTANT (APPOINTED) MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE SERVICE OFFICER (APPOINTED) MEMBERSHIP # NAME STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX # PHONE # ADDRESS CITY STATE General Orders 16 June 2016 VFW FORM POST ELECTION REPORT REV

17 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPERLY SUBMITTING POST CONVENTION REGISTRATION, DELEGATES, ALTERNATES AND ATTENDEES NATIONAL BY-LAW - SECTION 222 Delegate strength shall be one for every thirty (30) members or fraction thereof in good standing. Delegates and alternates shall be elected in accordance with the Manual of Procedure. 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 Convention will pay a ten dollar (10) delegate fee. ONLINE Online submission is the most preferred method of submitting the National Convention-Post & Delegate registration fee(s). As Post Quartermaster, you will log into and access the Quartermaster Tools and Online Membership System (OMS) under Post Quartermaster Tools & Resources, click on National Convention Registration link. This is a 3-6 minute process for the average user. Please have the membership number available of all delegates, alternates and attendees you are registering. Only a Post or Department Quartermaster, utilizing this system, can register the Post s Delegates online. Members accessing the National Convention website are registered as attendees only. The Post registration fee of 25 must be remitted prior to the convention; Post delegates will not be able to register their credentials unless this fee is paid. MAIL-IN OR FAX Enclosed with this notification is an invoice in the amount of 25. Quartermasters may fill out and return this invoice using the enclosed pre-addressed, postage paid envelope. This form must be signed by the Adjutant or Quartermaster. The Post registration fee of 25 must be remitted prior to the convention; Post delegates will not be able to register their credentials unless this fee is paid. When using the enclosed form you are required to include the membership number, name and address of all delegates, alternates and attendees you are registering. DEFINITIONS Delegate- Member (in good standing) of the Post elected to represent the Post in all business activity at the National Convention. Delegates elected under Section 222 of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure shall not be considered instructed and may exercise full authority in the duty performed. Alternate- Member (in good standing) of the Post elected to represent the Post in all business activity at the National Convention in the event the elected delegate cannot attend. Alternates not fulfilling the role as delegate are considered attendees. Attendee- Any member in good standing may register for the National Convention. Registering for the National Convention is another way a member can show support for VFW programs. The 10 registration fee entitles the member to a convention packet which may be picked up at the convention. NOTIFICATION Post Quartermasters will receive letter confirmation that the Post is registered. Delegates, alternates and attendees will receive a confirmation letter. Included in this letter will be a request for emergency contact information. We are asking all to fill-out and bring this form with them to convention; this is voluntary, but recommended. All notification will be sent USPS, 3-5 days after processing. Any change to a delegate s status shall be reported to the Quartermaster General. General Orders 17 June 2016

18 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO National Convention - Post & Delegate Registration Any member in good standing may register for the National Convention. Registering for the National Convention is another way a member can show support for VFW programs. The ten dollar (10) registration fee entitles the member to a convention packet which may be picked up at the convention. Registration Type Post Registration Fee w/ Delegate O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee O Delegate O Alternate O Attendee (Any change to a delegate's status shall be reported to the Quartermaster General) Membership Number Member Name Member Address Amount Packets not picked up at the convention will not be mailed unless a request is received in writing within 60 days of the close of the convention Post Registration Fee with one (1) Delegate Add each additional Delegate/Alternate/Attendee Signature of Adjutant or Quartermaster: INVOICE Due Upon Receipt Section 222 of the National By-Laws 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 Convention will pay a ten dollar (10) delegate fee." Each Post is encouraged to register at least one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for every thirty (30) members or fraction thereof. Delegates and alternates shall be elected in accordance with the Manual of Procedure. Please type or print each member's information below and designate as delegate, alternate or attendee. C H OOSE ONLY ONE REGISTRATION T Y P E P E R LINE O CHECK/MONEY ORDER O VISA O MASTER CARD O DISCOVER O AMERICAN EXPRESS TOTAL ENCLOSED Post # Card Number: Mail completed form to: Expiration Date: VFW Convention Registration 406 W. 34th St. General Orders Card Holders Name: 18 June 2016 Kansas City, MO 64111

19 VFW 117th NATIONAL CONVENTION Charlotte, North Carolina July 23-27, 2016 NATIONAL CONVENTION HOUSING OPEN TO: FROM: SUBJECT: POST ADJUTANT National Convention Office, VFW ROOM RESERVATIONS FOR NATIONAL CONVENTION Reservations for the 117th VFW National Convention open February 17, All members of your Post who desire to make room reservations for the convention are directed to use one of the following procedures: 1) Telephone: Domestic International 8:30AM-9PM, EST, M-F Fax: (do not mail after faxing) 2) Mail: Visit Charlotte Housing 500 S. College St. Suite 300 Charlotte, NC ) 4) Internet: Visit the VFW website at to access an online registration form. In order to take advantage of the special convention rates, be sure to book your reservation by June 13, All reservations require a valid credit card or check deposit for guarantee at time of confirming reservations. Reservations received without a valid guarantee will be returned and will not be processed. If you choose to guarantee with a check deposit, please include it with your housing request form and mail to the address provided above. All check deposits must be in the amount of and made payable to: Visit Charlotte Housing. This housing procedure gives our membership the most efficient and effective method of making and ensuring room reservations in Charlotte. The enclosed housing form may be duplicated, as needed. General Orders 19 June 2016

20 INSTRUCTIONS Reservations can be made in one of the following ways: INTERNET: Visit the VFW web site at TELEPHONE: Toll-free in US: International: :30AM to 9:00PM EST, M-F FAX: MAIL: Visit Charlotte Housing 500 S. College St., Suite 300 Charlotte, NC CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS, INQUIRIES vfw@visitcharlotte.com Changes, cancellations, inquiries only. Do not send housing forms/credit card info by . DEADLINE Reservations must be made by phone, fax, mail or internet by Monday, June 13, Reservations received after this date will be subject to space and rate availability. CONFIRMATIONS Visit Charlotte will send an confirmation of your reservation. Please review all information for accuracy. If you do not receive a confirmation or have questions, contact Visit Charlotte Housing by or phone.your hotel will also send an official confirmation by July 4, TAX RATE and REQUESTS All rates are per room and are subject to a combined hotel occupancy and sales tax of 15.25%. While special requests cannot be guaranteed; hotels will do their best to honor requests. Hotels will assign specific rooms upon check-in, based on availability. ROOM DEPOSIT REQUIRED: Reservations will not be accepted without a deposit. Room Deposits will be accepted in the form of a valid credit card (preferred) with signature authorizing the credit card guarantee to be charged for the deposit. If the charge to the credit card is denied, we reserve the right to release your reservation. Room Deposits will be accepted by check made payable to Visit Charlotte in the amount of unitil June 13, CANCELLATION POLICY One night s room and tax will be forfeited entirely if cancellation occurs within seventy-two (72) hours prior to the attendee arrival date and will be charged by your hotel. 117 th VFW National Convention 2016 July 23-27, 2016 Charlotte, NC Official Hotel Reservation Form GUEST INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT) FOR BEST AVAILABILITY, AND IMMEDIATE CONFIRMATION, MAKE YOUR RESERVATION VIA INTERNET ( OR BY PHONE AT ; International: Arrival Date Departure Date First Name M.I. Address: Daytime Phone: Company Address Address 2 City/State/Province Zip/Postal Code, Country Fax: Last Name HOTEL SELECTION Each state/department has been assigned a hotel with an allocation of rooms. In the event the allotment has been filled, a room will be reserved at another VFW hotel based on your preference of rates or proximity and availability. If hotel assignment is sold out, which is more important? (check one) Room Rate Location State you reside in: Room Type Requested: One Bed Two Beds (Submit one room request per form. Should additional forms be needed, please make copies.) List all room occupants: Check here if you have special needs and specify below. Special requests: NOTE: All hotels are non-smoking properties. All have designated outdoor smoking areas. DEPOSIT INFORMATION All reservations requests must be accompanied by a credit card guarantee or check for one night s deposit. Forms received without a valid guarantee/deposit will not be processed. Check deposits made payable to Visit Charlotte must be mailed with a completed housing form. Visa American Express Discover MasterCard Card Number Exp. Date Name on Credit Card Address,City, State, Zip Cardholder s Signature* * I hearby authorize the participating hotel to charge a deposit of to my credit card on or after June 13, 2016 and authorize the participating hotel keep one nights room and tax charge if I fail to cancel my reservation 72 hours prior to my arrival date. Check deposit of enclosed and made payable to Visit Charlotte Housing. Mail check with completed housing General Orders form to: Visit Charlotte Housing, 500 S. 20 College St., Suite 300, Charlotte, NC Must June be received 2016 no later than June 13, 2016.

21 2016 DEPARTMENT HOTEL ASSIGNMENTS WESTIN Pennsylvania Kentucky Ohio Florida Missouri District of Columbia Europe Maine Rhode Island Vermont Connecticut LE MERIDIEN Alaska Illinois Virginia South Carolina HILTON Delaware Maryland Massachusetts New Hampshire New Jersey New York OMNI CHARLOTTE Alabama Arkansas Georgia Louisiana Mississippi North Carolina Oklahoma Tennessee Texas West Virginia CHARLOTTE MARRIOTT CITY CENTER South Dakota Wisconsin Arizona California Colorado Hawaii Idaho Kansas Montana Nevada New Mexico North Dakota Oregon Pacific Areas Utah Washington Wyoming HAMPTON INN UPTOWN Unaffiliated Posts HOLIDAY INN Indiana Iowa Michigan Minnesota Nebraska General Orders 21 June 2016

22 DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA, V.F.W PROGRAMS MONTHLY REPORT FORM (Reporting Year: April 1 March 31) (Use this form to report each Calendar month s activities.) District # Post/Auxiliary # (One JOINT report per month) REPORT for the calendar month of: PREPARED Phone #: Year: Title: Address: The following Community Activity Projects have been completed during this Calendar month: A. AMERICANISM AND COOPERATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS: 1 Organized and Assisted in Fund Drives (March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy, etc) Flag Presentation or Education Distribution of Literature P.O.W./M.I.A. Program Loyalty, Memorial Day, Pearl Harbor, Veterans Day Other Americanism Projects CAT A B. SAFETY: 7 Pedestrian Safety Hours # Members Amount 8 9 Drug Awareness Recreational Safety General Orders 22 June 2016

23 10 Highway Safety MONTH YEAR Home and Fire Safety Other Safety Projects CAT B C. AID TO OTHERS: 13 Senior Citizens Hours # Members Amount 14 Members/Family Community Involvement & Recognition Other Aid & Other Projects CAT C Hours # Members Amount D. SCHOOL AND CHURCH ASSISTANCE 17 Volunteerism in School 18 Other School or Church Projects CAT D E. YOUTH 19 Sports Organizations Hours # Members Amount 20 Voice of Democracy General Orders 23 June 2016

24 21 Youth Essay MONTH YEAR 22 Other CAT E Hours # Members Amount SUBTOTALS (Categories A, B, C, D and E) Hours # Members Amount THESE FIGURES SHOULD BE ADDED TO CATEGORY F AND PUT ON PAGE (3) F. HOSPITAL/ BLOOD: 23. (Report Activities for this month only.) DATE PROJECTS & DESCRIPTIONS DONATIONS & SERVICES PINTS OF BLOOD TOTAL HOURS TOTAL MILES # OF MBRS # OF PATIENTS VISITED PLEASE RETURN TO: Revised 4/26/15 COLUMN TOTALS: DOLLAR VALUES: To be added to 25, 26 and 27 below. Add Total above to: X 75 X Line 27 Line 27 Line 25 Line 27 Line 26 TOTALS FROM CATEGORIES A, B, C, D, E, AND F THE FOLLOWING MUST BE FILLED OUR OR NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN!!!! Number of hours members donated to complete projects on this Total numbers of members actively involved in completing projects Total amount of monies used/donated to complete projects on this Frank Presfield Community Service Rice Street Station- PO Box St Paul, MN This form MUST BE Postmarked by the 20 th day of the following MONTHLY REPORT DEADLINE: month and into the Department Office no later than the 25 th. General Orders 24 June 2016

25 VFW 2016 State Trap & Skeet Competitions Olaf B Damm VFW Post th Ave NE Austin MN September 17 TH 2016 Location: Cedar River Conservation Club Hwy 218 South Austin Open to all Current 2016 VFW and Auxiliary Members Tournament Rules and Regulations: American Trap Association (A.T.A) Two person teams and singles competition men and women Entry Fee: per person Includes lunch, cost of clays, shells and awards. Register by September 9 th Sign In 8:00 9:30 day of event Start 10:00 Completion 6:00 (based on 60 entries) Awards: 6:30 (upon completion) Plaques for 1 st, 2nd, and 3 rd place for team and singles Note: Format will be decided based on number of entries. Contact Info: VFW Post 1216 (507) Commander (507) CRCC (507) TBA Chairman TBA General Orders 25 June 2016