VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES AUXILIARY 406 West 34th Street Kansas City, MO

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1 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES AUXILIARY 406 West 34th Street Kansas City, MO I m so pleased to bring you this year s assortment of special edition Cards. Each design was created exclusively for you to enjoy as they represent all the heart-warming moments the holidays have to offer. A favorite of mine is Toyshop. When I look at this card, I m reminded of the joy and anticipation I felt as a young child with the coming of - it is truly a season filled with hope and wonder! Please use these festive cards to correspond with your family and friends at this wonderful time of year. Dear Jane, September, 2016 In appreciation of all you do for the VFW Auxiliary throughout the year, I m pleased to present to you the enclosed set of special edition Cards, designed exclusively for our most loyal members. I ve also enclosed a notepad and envelope seals as BONUS GIFTS that I hope you enjoy. Only the best will do for dedicated members like you! Thank you and Merry! In the spirit of the season, I hope I can depend on you to send in your donation today. Your gift of $10, $15, or even $20 would really help our heroes in the Department of Pennsylvania. The flag is our nation s most powerful symbol of liberty and democracy. When you display the United States flag, you honor the sacrifice all veterans have made to keep this nation free! Take a look at the back of your labels for some pointers on how to properly display the United States flag. I must be candid with you. Thousands of veterans are now home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many have injuries they will carry the rest of their lives like Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. With your help, we can reach out to our heroes and our communities with care and support! Your generous contribution to be used in your VFW Auxiliary Department is the best way to show you care. With so many new veterans, it s more important than ever that we keep up our important work. You play an important role in providing Unwavering Support for Uncommon Heroes. Jane, we rely on committed members like you to continue to serve our heroes and their families. Improve our beloved communities. Inspire America s youth. Raise public awareness about cancer and support life-saving research. The truth is we urgently need your support, especially during the holiday season. (over, please) Unwavering Support for Uncommon Heroes 56139LRC2-A VFW AUXILIARY PROCESSING CENTER PO BOX 8958 TOPEKA, KS (816) , x7108 PROGRAM PARTICIPATION FORM YES! I ll show my support for America s brave troops and proud veterans by displaying my flag, especially on all patriotic holidays. Enclosed is my VFW Auxiliary Department gift of: ( )$10 ( )$15 ( )$20 ( )Other $ q Enclosed is my check payable to VFW or charge my credit card (for donations of $10 or more only, please). See reverse side for more information. q I would like to join Partners in Patriotism by sending a monthly donation. My monthly gift will be $. See reverse side for more information. q No, I am unable to participate in your program at this time. Jane Q. Sample Apt. 1-A 1234 Main Street Anytown, USA Please return this form with your donation in the envelope provided. Donations to the VFW are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. The VFW is not supported at government or taxpayer expense. Thank You!

2 You personify the best and brightest of the VFW Auxiliary. Please join with other members in supporting our critical programs. Happy holidays to you and yours, Jan Owens National Secretary-Treasurer P.S. I ve enclosed special edition Cards and other BONUS GIFTS in recognition of your ongoing loyalty and support! Please send your VFW Auxiliary gift today. Remember, your gift stays in your Department. And please proudly display the United States flag, especially on all patriotic holidays LRC2-B CREDIT CARD DONATIONS Please charge my: q MasterCard q VISA q AMEX q Discover Donation Amount $ (Donations of $10 or more only, please.) Card No. Expiration Date / Signature Date Phone Number ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (Monthly Gifts only, please.) q Please electronically transfer my monthly gift in the amount indicated from my checking account. Donations of $10 or more only, please. Signature Date I have enclosed a Starter Check in the amount of my first month s pledge to begin my support as a Partner in Patriotism. q Yes, I would like to receive the VFW s online newsletter. My address is: Join Partners in Patriotism the most efficient way to help our service members and proud veterans. Partners in Patriotism supports the VFW s life-changing programs every month of the year. Plus, monthly giving keeps administrative costs down, stretching your donation even further. Your monthly gift of $10 or more can be made through a credit card or electronic funds transfer. Payments continue automatically each month until the VFW is notified of any change. Changes and cancellations can be made by the 1st of the month by calling (816) ext Increase your donation by applying for matching funds from your employer. Call your human resources office to find out if your donation is eligible.

3 44830BE How this widow got the help she needed...

4 THE VFW DIGS INTO DETAILS TO HELP WIDOW GET $50,000 IN RETRO BENEFITS Perseverance pays off for Vietnam veteran's widow. Married nearly three decades, Hillary Smith* was looking forward to spending her golden years with her husband Doug*, a veteran who had served two tours in Vietnam. But that was not what their future held. Tragically, Doug was diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer in 2006 and died suddenly in He was just 55 years old. The sicker Doug became, the more concerned he was about what would happen after he was gone, Mrs. Smith said. Mrs. Smith carried on for a couple years after Doug died, but the job market was making her nervous. She began to seriously worry about her future, explained Barry Walter, State Director, Veterans Service, VFW Department of Illinois. Smith turned to Walter and the VFW to see if she might be eligible for any survivor benefits through the VA. Indeed she was. Walter helped Smith file a claim based on her husband s presumed service connection to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. Her claim was approved, effective to the date of the application, said Walter. Mrs. Smith was immensely grateful, but couldn t help but wonder why the benefits weren t granted to the date of Doug s death in After all, that was when she became a widow. Walter puzzled over the case. Then it came to him. I remembered an obscure rule of law. If a widow filed for social security benefits after the death, then retroactive benefits should be granted, Walter shared. But there was no reason to believe that would have happened. Mrs. Smith was much too young to have ever done that, I assumed. A call to Mrs. Smith unlocked the case for good. In fact, she did file for those social security benefits in 2007, and Walter s understanding of the law was correct. With that information submitted to the VA, Mrs. Smith received nearly $50,000 in retroactive benefits. While I m proud of the work I did here, it was Mrs. Smith s own perseverance that was key, said Walter. She was told no more than a few times, and she kept at it. She was right all along. The help I received from the VFW was outstanding, and the award is a real blessing, said Mrs. Smith. I have peace of mind, and I know my husband would have wanted that. * Name changed to protect privacy.

5 Wishes Greetings Merry Wishes Greetings Merry Wishes Greetings Merry q Enclosed is my check payable to VFW or charge my credit card (for donations of $10 or more only, please). See reverse side for more information. q I would like to join Partners in Patriotism by sending a monthly donation. My monthly gift will be $. See reverse side for more information. q VFW AUXILIARY PROCESSING CENTER PO BOX 8958 TOPEKA, KS (816) , x7108 No, I am unable to participate in your program at this time. Please return this form with your donation in the envelope provided. Donations to the VFW are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. The VFW is not supported at government or taxpayer expense. Thank You! 56221ARL2-A PROGRAM PARTICIPATION FORM YES! I received my Cards and will proudly display the United States flag, especially on all patriotic holidays. Enclosed is my gift for my VFW Auxiliary Department of: ( )$10 ( )$15 ( )$20 ( )Other $ Loyal Member Jane Q. Sample Apt. 1-A 1234 Main Street Anytown, USA DETACH HERE DO NOT PEEL! Dear Jane, October, 2016 Please forgive me if I seem a bit anxious Did you ever receive the beautiful Cards and labels I recently sent to you? I also enclosed a bonus pen and gift bag for your use this upcoming holiday season as a thank you for your past support. I was also hoping these wonderful cards would inspire you to send a gift of $10, $15 or even $20 to support the many life-changing programs in your Department. Because you are among our most loyal members, I have also included these address labels for you today on behalf of the veterans you help. If our letters have crossed in the mail, please accept my deepest thanks. If not, I do hope you ll send a gift today to help our heroes, especially those severely injured in war. Your generosity means so much, especially at this time of year. Happy holidays to you and yours, Jan Owens National Secretary-Treasurer P.S. Please remember to proudly display the United States flag, especially on all patriotic holidays.

6 CREDIT CARD DONATIONS Please charge my: q MasterCard q VISA q AMEX q Discover Donation Amount $ (Donations of $10 or more only, please.) Card No. Expiration Date / Signature Date Phone Number ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (Monthly Gifts only, please.) q Please electronically transfer my monthly gift in the amount indicated from my checking account. Donations of $10 or more only, please. Signature Date I have enclosed a Starter Check in the amount of my first month s pledge to begin my support as a Partner in Patriotism. Join Partners in Patriotism the most efficient way to help our service members and proud veterans. Partners in Patriotism supports the VFW s life-changing programs every month of the year. Plus, monthly giving keeps administrative costs down, stretching your donation even further. Your monthly gift of $10 or more can be made through a credit card or electronic funds transfer. Payments continue automatically each month until the VFW is notified of any change. Changes and cancellations can be made by the 1st of the month by calling (816) ext q Yes, I would like to receive the VFW s online newsletter. My address is: Increase your donation by applying for matching funds from your employer. Call your human resources office to find out if your donation is eligible ARL2-B MADE IN USA How YOU can make a difference for America and her proud veterans... The VFW Auxiliary depends more and more on patriotic citizens to help fulfill our mission. You may be surprised at how much one person can accomplish. Here are just some of the things you can do that really make a difference.... Displaying Your Flag. Show support for the nation, our troops and veterans by displaying the U.S. flag on all patriotic holidays. Encourage others in your community to display our country s most sacred symbol. Get involved with the VFW Auxiliary Americanism Program and educate fellow citizens about America s proud heritage. You can also visit heroes.vfw.org/flag to print a free U.S. flag poster to display.... Voting. Throughout the generations, veterans have protected our right to vote. Encourage members of your community to take this civic duty seriously. Be a part of the democratic process by working the polls on Election Day or offer a ride to the polls to someone who doesn t have transportation.... Volunteering. Schedule a visit to a lonely or homebound veteran. Join hospital and VAVS volunteers and visit VA Medical Centers or get involved with service projects like Make a Difference Day. Lend a hand to veterans who are not hospitalized but still have special needs through the VFW Auxiliary Veterans and Family Support Program. You can also visit heroes.vfw.org/volunteer to find the VA facility nearest you for volunteer opportunities.... Paying Tribute. Remind others why we must protect and honor fellow veterans. Participate in the Buddy Poppy Program by distributing the official flower of the VFW at public locations. You ll help raise awareness and support for needy veterans and their dependents, as well as the VFW National Home for Children.... Inspiring Young People. America s young people need to understand what service to this country means. Encourage young girls ages 5 through 16 to join Junior Girls, a program dedicated to promoting patriotism through community service. The VFW Auxiliary also recognizes the achievements of students through the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest, and assists the VFW with the Patriot s Pen and the Voice of Democracy contests.... Lobbying. Volunteer for the Action Corps, a grassroots campaign to keep veterans issues in the minds of lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Write, call, or visit your elected officials to ensure their continued support for our country s heroes. Flag Display Days New Year s Day... January 1st Inauguration Day (Presidential)... January 20th Martin Luther King, Jr. Day... 3rd Monday in January Lincoln s Birthday... February 12th Washington s Birthday (Presidents Day)... 3rd Monday in February Easter Sunday... variable Mother s Day... 2nd Sunday in May Peace Officers Memorial Day (half-staff)*... May 15th Armed Forces Day... 3rd Saturday in May Memorial Day (half-staff until noon)... last Monday in May Flag Day... June 14th Father s Day... 3rd Sunday in June Independence Day... July 4th National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day... July 27th Labor Day... 1st Monday in September Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance (half-staff)... September 11th POW/MIA Recognition Day... 3rd Friday in September Constitution and Citizenship Day... September 17th Columbus Day... 2nd Monday in October Navy Day... October 27th Veterans Day... November 11th Thanksgiving Day... 4th Thursday in November National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (half-staff)... December 7th Day... December 25th and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of states (date of admission); and on state holidays. Information outlined above is part of the Federal Flag Code or enacted by Federal legislation. Fly your POW/MIA flag with your United States flag on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day and Veterans Day. For more information regarding flag history, Federal Flag Code, or how to properly display the U.S. flag, please refer to the VFW Website, * The flag shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day.... Supporting Our Troops. The VFW Military Assistance Program boosts the morale of military members and their families by hosting events year round, such as heartfelt send-offs and homecoming celebrations. To find out how you can get involved, get in touch with a local VFW Post or visit to find the location nearest you.... Getting Involved. VFW Auxiliary programs rely on patriotic friends from across the nation like you to get involved. Find out more about our programs that support veterans and troops, prevent and fight cancer, inspire remembrance, uplift communities and educate young people. For more information on any of these programs, visit How to Display The United States Flag Ten Guidelines 1. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. 2. The flag is never allowed to touch the ground or the floor. 3. When hung over a sidewalk on a rope extending from a building to a pole, the union stars are always away from the building. 4. When vertically hung over the center of the street, the flag always has the union stars to the north in an east/west street, and to the east in a north/south street. 5. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs. 6. The flag should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds but always allowed to fall free. 7. The flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day then raised to the top of the staff. 8. Never fly the flag upside down except as a signal of distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. 9. The flag is never flown in inclement weather except when using an all-weather flag. 10. The flag can be flown every day from sunrise to sunset and at night if illuminated properly.