NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS B U L L E T I N VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE U.S. KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI VOLUME 39, NO. 12 JUL. 2015 MEMBERSHIP: D E F E N D I N G F R E E D O M S D E F E N D E R S CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENTS FOR ACHIEVING 100% Oregon, Utah, Idaho, Hawaii, Maryland, Montana, Pacific Areas, Georgia, Europe, South Carolina, Nevada, New Mexico, Mississippi, District of Columbia, Arizona, Oklahoma and Alaska ALL AMERICAN Congratulations to the 2014 2015 All - Americans. We will see you in Pittsburgh! MEMBERSHIP WEBINAR TRAINING Continuing Membership webinar training is held on the second Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. 12 p.m. CST via Adobe Connect. The next VFW Membership Department webinar link will be sent Monday, July 6, 2015 and conducted July 8, 2015. All interested parties are encouraged to participate. Each session will be recorded for those unable to participate live. After the live webinar is presented they are archived and able to view on www.vfw.org. Login to the website and under How to Get Involved, the webinars will be located in the Membership Recruitment and Retention Materials. No computer? No problem! Download Adobe Connect Mobile from the App Store or Google Play store and tune in on your iphone or Android device. If there is a Membership topic that you would like to see and discuss, all suggestions are welcomed and encouraged. Please contact Bob Crider, Director of Membership at 816-968-1138 or bcrider@vfw.org. ADDITIONAL REMINDERS The 2015 2016 Membership Program is available online at www.vfw.org. The Membership Program can be found in the Document Repository located in the General Member Tools & Resources. 1
The membership application was updated in January of 2014, and is now an easier tool to use when recruiting. Please note it asks for Dates of Service, the dates of overseas service are not required. Members now have the option to enroll in two beneficial programs: VFW Autopay renews your annual membership automatically! Life Installment Plan automatic monthly payments option with this option, there is no longer the need to complete a payment authorization form. Once enrolled in either program, automatic payments are processed using the credit card information provided on the application. These are simply added options on the membership application. The traditional methods of signing up for both annual and life membership are still options as well. DUES NOTICE SCHEDULE Annual members will receive a mailed renewal notice 5 months, 3 months, and 1 month prior to their subscription end date. Annual members with a valid email address will also receive an e-mailed renewal notice 6 months, 4 months, and 2 months prior to their subscription end date. Annual members will receive a mailed lapsed notice 1, 3, and 5 months following their subscription end date. Notice Received: 5 Month Recipients 6/1/2015 Nov. 1 - Nov. 30 7/1/2015 Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 8/1/2015 Jan. 1 - Jan. 31 3 Month Recipients Sept. 1 - Sept. 30 Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 Nov. 1 - Nov. 30 1 Month Recipients July 1 - July 30 Aug. 1 - Aug. 31 Sept. 1 - Sept. 30 1 Month Lapsed Recipients May 1 - May 31 June 1 - June 30 July 1 - July 30 9/1/2015 Feb. 1 - Feb. 28 Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 Aug. 1 - Aug. 31 10/1/2015 March 1 - Jan. 1 - Nov. 1 - Sept. 1 - Sept. March 31 Jan 31 Nov. 30 30 11/1/2015 April 1 - Feb. 1 - Dec. 1 - Oct. 1 - Oct. April 30 Feb. 28 Dec. 31 31 12/1/2015 May 1 - March 1 - Jan. 1 - Nov. 1 - Nov. May 31 March 31 Jan 31 30 1/1/2016 June 1 - April 1 - Feb. 1 - Dec. 1 - Dec. June 30 April 30 Feb. 28 31 2/1/2016 July 1 - May 1 - March 1 - Jan. 1 - Jan. July 31 May 31 March 31 31 3/1/2016 Aug. 1 - June 1 - April 1 - Feb. 1 - Feb. Aug. 31 June 30 April 30 28 4/1/2016 Sept. 1 - July 1 - May 1 - March 1 - Sept. 30 July 31 May 30 March 31 *The December 31 st and January groups will be combined this year. 3 Months Lapsed March 1 - March 31 April 1 - April 30 May 1 - May 31 June 1 - June 30 July 1 - July 31 Aug. 1 - Aug. 31 Sept. 1 - Sept. 30 Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 Nov. 1 - Nov. 30 Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 Jan. 1 - Jan. 31 5 Months Lapsed Dec. 1 - Jan. 31 Feb. 1 - Feb. 28 March 1 - March 31 April 1 - April 30 May 1 - May 31 June 1 - June 30 July 1 - July 31 Aug. 1 - Aug. 31 Sept. 1 - Sept 30 Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 Nov. 1 - Nov. 30 2
Recruiting Notes: Encourage Annual Members to take advantage of the Life Member Installment plan. Encourage life installment plan and annual members to take advantage of the automatic payment option. Shotgun Mailing Lists: We can obtain lists that will assist you in increasing your membership. Please call Matt Nute in the Membership Department at 1-888-JOIN-VFW (1-888- 564-6839) for assistance. The list cost is $75.00 per 1,000 names. Legacy Life Membership: This prestigious program is available to all Life Members and is now available in memoriam for past 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 $6.00 VETERANS & MILITARY SUPPORT: What will your Legacy be? CONGRATULATIONS TO: RECRUITER OF THE YEAR: Kenneth L. Kraft VFW Post 12140, Dept. of OR Total Recruited: 529 CNR OF THE YEAR: Dennis F. Flynn (CNR) VFW Post 2866, Dept. of MO Total Recruited: 310 ELITE RECRUITERS: Jack P. Lewis VFW Post 194, Dept. of MD Total Recruited: 271 Sanford Rosenthal VFW Post 3586, Dept. of UT Total Recruited: 268 Stephen A. Ward VFW Post 27, Dept. of EU Total Recruited: 261 We will be having a check presentation with the Commander-in-Chief at the VFW Programs Workshop on Sunday, July 19 at 1:00 P.M. Please call Linda Ferguson at 816-968-1102 as soon as possible if your Department/District/Post/Auxiliary will be presenting. 3
Meeting times at the National Convention in Pittsburgh: Veterans & Military Support Chairman Committee Meeting Sunday, July 19, 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. VFW Programs Workshop - Open to the public Sunday, July 19, 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE/ACTION CORPS: As we move closer to the 116th VFW National Convention, we want to invite all of you to stop by our booth in Pittsburgh. We will have materials pertaining to our 2015 Priority Goals, Talking Points, and critical veterans legislation. We also invite you to join us at our joint VFW/Auxiliary workshop on Sunday, July 19 at 10:00 AM. Director of National Legislative Service, Ray Kelley, will give a presentation along with NLS staff members from our DC office. If you are not already an Action Corps Advocate, we urge you to sign up to receive our VFW Action Corps Weekly which will keep you informed about the work we are doing on your behalf on Capitol Hill. By staying connected, you will be the first to know what is happening in Washington regarding legislation making a difference in your life and in other veterans lives, and you will be able to assist in our efforts by responding when we send out any Action Alerts. To become an Action Corps Advocate and receive the VFW Action Corps Weekly, sign up at: http://capwiz.com/vfw/mlm/signup.htm. For more information about this year s convention, visit the VFW website at: http://www.vfw.org/news-and-events/events/116th-vfw-national-convention/. ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS: The Leadership Reference Guide has been discontinued in its traditional format. In an effort to better serve the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, we have created "VFW Training and Support," where you will find training material relating to Membership Recruiting and Retention; Community Service, Youth Scholarships and Activities; Media and Public Relations; Post Service Officers; Member & Officer Training, Forms and Templates; and Veterans & Military Support. To utilize these valuable training guides, videos, forms and templates, please login at www.vfw.org, proceed to My VFW and click the link VFW Training and Support. The online Document Repository will be maintained as a system of managing documents utilized primarily by Department Officers and members of the National Council of Administration. VFW FOUNDATION: BURGER KING FRANCHISEE OWNED RESTAURANTS SUPPORTING UNMET NEEDS IN JULY The VFW Foundation is proud to announce that for the 2nd consecutive year, selective Burger King (BK) Franchisee Owned restaurants will be raising funds for the Unmet Needs program during all or parts of July 2015. Since 2007, BK restaurants have contributed over $3.1 million for the program. BK customers are encouraged to donate $1 or more during their food purchase. This past November, participating BK restaurants collected over $480,000 during Military Families Month for Unmet Needs. Proceeds will help military families needing assistance to pay for rent, mortgage, utilities, medical expenses, vehicle repairs and food/basic necessities. 4
We ask that you mobilize Post members, their families and friends to patronize their local Burger King and to thank the restaurant manager for his/her commitment to veterans and military families. Also, be sure to publicize the campaign by mentioning Burger King on VFW Post websites, message boards outside Post buildings, newsletters, or ask members to organize a BK food night-out. It s only natural that VFW members would support Burger King Franchisee Owners who strongly believe in patriotism by actively assisting U.S. military service personnel. This year selective restaurants in the following areas will be participating: San Antonio, Texas, Greater Philadelphia/South New Jersey, Charlotte, North Carolina, Florence/Sumter, South Carolina and the District of Columbia/Maryland. To determine the nearest participating Burger King restaurants in your area, please go to www.vfw.org. POST FUNDRAISING WORKSHOP This is a friendly reminder that the VFW Foundation will be conducting a workshop entitled Grants and Fundraising Ideas for Posts, at the 116th VFW National Convention on Tuesday, July 21, from 2pm to 3pm, in rooms 401/402 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA. (Rooms are subject to change.) THE HOME DEPOT FOUNDATION COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS PROGRAM REMINDER A reminder that applications are still being accepted for the 2015 Home Depot (HD) Foundation Community Impact Grant. Eligible VFW Posts may receive up to $5,000 to fix up their buildings; however, of course, there is no guarantee of funding. To begin the process, go to the following internet link: http://homedepotfoundation.org/page/applying-for-a-grant. To help you complete the application, the VFW Foundation has prepared a step-by-step how-to-apply guide. Any deviation from this guide will most likely result in not being able to submit the application. To receive this how-to-apply guide, send an email to: Type the following in the email subject heading: foundation@vfw.org Home Depot Guide Request The application must be filled out via the Internet only (no telephone calls, emails or written submissions to HD will be accepted nor will you be able to turn this application in at your local HD store). If your Post receives funding, it will come in the form of HD gift cards that can be used to buy materials at your local HD store. You will need to recruit Post members or other community volunteers to do the work. The project must be completed within 6 months. You will also be required to fill out a final project report. Failure to do so will negatively impact your Post s ability to receive any future funding from HD. After submission of the application, you should receive an email response from HD Foundation, usually in six weeks, letting you know if you received the grant. DON T DELAY. Once the grant application process is closed, the Community Impact Grant will not accept new applications until February 2016. Should you have any further questions or need to discuss special concerns, please contact Richard Freiburghouse, VFW Foundation, Manager, at (816) 968-1124 or rfreiburghouse@vfw.org. GOOD LUCK! 5
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, 2015. 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. Any remaining displays past this time will be disposed of by Convention Center personnel. VETERANS DAY BUDDY POPPY CAMPAIGN. Plans should be under way for the Veterans Day Buddy Poppy Campaign. Contact your Department Quartermaster to place your order for Buddy Poppies. Remember that your Poppies should be ordered a minimum of 12 weeks in advance of your distribution date. Be sure to specify a date by which the poppies are required; do not use, ASAP. Miscellaneous items (coin cans, caps, buttons, posters, etc.) should be ordered directly from the VFW Store at http://www.vfwstore.org/category/programs/buddypoppy or the VFW Store/Emblem and Supply Catalog. The Manual of Procedure provides that post relief funds may be used for programs such as Voice of Democracy, Patriot s Pen, Citizenship Education, and Community Service as long as suggestions in the chairmen guidebooks are used as an example of promoting these programs. Posts are further reminded that Section 711 of the Manual of Procedure provides that non-profit organizations, exempt from taxes under Section 501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code, may assist with the distribution of Buddy Poppies, provided there shall be no division of proceeds. A donation to these groups may be made from the post general fund. PROGRAMS: DISPLAYING MILITARY SERVICE SYMBOLS. Military Service flags, insignias, etc., should be displayed in the following order (Left to Right as you face the flags): Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and then Coast Guard. For Military flags, go to http://www.vfwstore.org/products/gp238. VFW PROGRAMS WORKSHOP. During the National Convention in Pittsburgh, to be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, there will be a workshop on Sunday, July 19, at 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm in Room 325 (please check Convention booklet for possible changes). PATRIOT DAY, SEPTEMBER 11. Per Presidential Proclamation, September 11, is designated as Patriot Day. The President requests the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff (sunrise to sunset) and a moment of silence observed in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on that day due to terrorist attacks on the United States. For flags and other patriotic items, click here http://www.vfwstore.org/category/flags/usflags. NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY, SEPTEMBER 18. Posts should conduct an appropriate ceremony. Information on conducting a ceremony can be found in the current VFW Manual of Procedure. For POW/MIA merchandise, click here http://www.vfwstore.org/category/memorial/powmia. SMART/MAHER VFW NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION TEACHER OF THE YEAR. The VFW wants to recognize the nation s top elementary, junior high and high school teachers (teaching at least half of the school day in a classroom environment) who teach citizenship education topics regularly and promote America s history, traditions and institutions effectively through the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award program. Nominations can be 6
submitted by fellow teachers, VFW Posts, supervisors or other interested individuals (not relatives). Self-nominees are not eligible. Important Program Update: Beginning in the 2015-2016 program year, the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year deadline dates have changed. Here are the new deadline dates for the program: February 15, 2016 Teacher Nominations to the Post February 28, 2016 Completion of Post Judging March 15, 2016 Completion of District Judging March 30, 2016 Completion of Department Judging April 1, 2016 District Participation Reports due to Department Chairmen April 5, 2016 Department Winners to National April 15, 2016 Department Reports to National Now is the time to begin locating exceptional teachers for your Post to nominate for next year s competition. Based on the nominees submitted by the February 15 deadline, local VFW Posts will recognize one outstanding teacher in grades, K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Posts then submit the winners names to their District level judging who will forward their winners to the Department (or state level) by March 15. After judging, each Department forwards the names of its winners to VFW National Headquarters for consideration in the national awards contest. VFW s National Citizenship Education Teacher awards include: three national $1,000 awards for the top K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 teachers for professional development expenses; $1,000 award to each winning teacher s school; plaques for both the winning teacher and school; and an all-expenses-paid trip to attend a VFW and Ladies Auxiliary national event. A program brochure (designed to be duplicated for distribution) can be viewed at www.vfw.org/uploadedfiles/vfw.org/community/teacher%20award%20brochure.pdf or ordered through www.vfwstore.org or by calling 1-800-821-2606 and asking for item #4450. Order the Citizenship Education Teacher Recognition Citation from the VFW Store, product #4320, http://www.vfwstore.org/products/23980. Present to all teachers nominated at all levels for the national award. COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORTING. All VFW Post and Auxiliaries chairmen will report to their respective Department chairman at least twice yearly in a timely fashion so as to allow the Department chairman to report to the VFW National Programs office in June and December. The VFW Post chairmen s report should include whether or not their Auxiliaries participated. 50 th ANNIVERSARY VIETNAM WAR COMMEMORATION PROGRAM. The Commemorative Partner Program is designed for federal, state and local communities, veterans' organizations and other nongovernmental organizations to assist a grateful nation in thanking and honoring our Vietnam Veterans and their families. As a Commemorative Partner, VFW Posts are encouraged to participate in the Commemoration of the Vietnam War by planning and conducting events and activities that will recognize the Vietnam Veterans and their families' service, valor, and sacrifice. Events and activities should be dignified, memorable occasions that show a sensitivity and appreciation for the solemnity of war and the losses suffered by many. Commemorative Partners should communicate how their events will achieve the Congressionally-mandated objectives of the program. Events or activities should meet one or more of the following objectives. 7
1. To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans. 2. To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces. 3. To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War. 4. To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War. 5. To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War. For VFW Posts interested in becoming an official Commemorative Partner, they must submit an application and a signed Statement of Understanding. Applications are available at www.vietnamwar50th.com on the Commemorative Partner Program. The approval process is usually less than 30 days. Partners will be kept informed through electronic notifications. Once approved as a Partner, the Commemoration will provide organizations with a starter kit of materials for developing and implementing their programs. If you have any questions regarding the Commemorative Partner Program application process, please direct them to: whs.vnwar50th_cpp@mail.mil. POW/MIA FLAG -- OFFICIAL DISPLAY DAYS. Public Law 105-85 (November 16, 1997) indicates the days that federal agencies, military installations and U.S. post offices are required to display the POW/MIA flag. The days are: Armed Forces Day, May 21, 2016 (third Saturday in May); Memorial Day, May 30, 2016 (last Monday in May); Flag Day, June 14; National POW/MIA Day, September 18, 2015 (third Friday in September); and, Veterans Day, November 11. To purchase a POW/MIA flag, go to http://www.vfwstore.org/products/gp237. IRS AND VFW AWARD MONIES. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires that any recipient that receives more than a $599 award should receive a Form 1099 identifying the proceeds as taxable. This will include the VFW programs Patriot s Pen and Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: Over the last decade, approximately 80% of support received from VFW members and patriotic Americans was applied directly to veterans service, community service, legislative advocacy and veteran and military support programs worldwide. VFW 2015-2016 Special Edition VFW Calendars The exclusive 2015-2016 VFW Calendars were mailed mid-june. We hope you are pleased with your special expanded edition calendars this year. We wanted to make sure you received the two calendars with majestic views of our nation s most breathtaking scenery, and the star-spangled celebration of our nation and our beautiful flag. Please display your calendars in a prominent place in your home, office or Post. The calendars pay tribute to the service of every veteran who has honorably worn the uniform. They contain information about many of the life-changing VFW programs as well as reminders of days to display your U.S. flag. There is also a section in the very back of each calendar that lists all of the eligibility dates for membership in the VFW. 8
If you haven t already, please send the most generous gift you can today. Your support of the 2015-2016 VFW Calendar Program helps your VFW Department serve veterans in need throughout the year. Fellow veterans in your area are counting on you! Matching Gift Opportunity to Support the VFW s Programs The VFW has been presented with another matching gift opportunity by a generous patriot and friend of the VFW! Our generous friend and patriot, who wishes to remain anonymous, has offered to match your gift dollar for dollar up to $50,000 until August 13, 2015! The VFW programs to assist veterans, service members and their families are being stretched to the limit with requests for assistance. Many veterans and returning service members are turning to the VFW for assistance in filing VA benefit claims, finding and training for jobs when they return from long deployments, as well as financial grants to keep their mortgages out of foreclosure and so much more. This is a great opportunity to help support veterans of all ages, right in your Department. Be as generous as you can and send your gift in by August 13, 2015, to make sure it is matched! Simplify Your Estate Planning While Supporting the VFW If you are considering a gift to the VFW through your estate plans, you can visit www.vfw.org/plannedgiving for helpful tips and free gift planning tools. Our Estate Planning Kit is available to download, which simplifies and organizes the estate planning process for you and your attorney. For assistance or more information, please contact our Planned Giving Office at (816) 968-1119 or email plannedgiving@vfw.org. 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 816-756-3390, ext. 6318 or email us at partners@vfw.org with Partners in Patriotism Application in the subject line. VFW Friends of Freedom If you are not already a member of the VFW s online community, please visit www.vfw.org and look for STAY IN THE KNOW to sign up. As a member of the VFW s Friends of Freedom, you will receive special emails with breaking VFW news, legislative alerts and unique opportunities to help the VFW in assisting our nation s veterans, service members and their families. You may also visit www.vfw.org/vfwatwork and click on Story Archive to read stories about how the VFW is fighting for veterans rights, assisting veterans in need, educating our youth and aiding military families across the nation. Check back often to see newly posted stories! Department Resources Many great resources are available for your Department to use in promoting the fundraising programs. You need only go to heroes.vfw.org/vfwtools. The latest fundraising program information, ideas and promotional tools from the Development Department can be found here. Download ad slicks, ready-to-use articles and other items for your Department publications and/or website. Recent mailings and mailing schedules are also posted on a regular basis. Use the Department Resources tools to help strengthen your Department programs. Check it out today! MEMBER BENEFITS: Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+) for Travelers It s fun and exciting to travel, but what happens if you get sick or injured while on a trip? Whether you re in another city, another state or another country, it can be challenging to get the help you need when you re not familiar with the area. 9
That s where you need EA+. It provides 24-hour assistance including medical assistance, evacuation and transportation home, assistance for your traveling companions during your emergency, and any travel assistance you may need. This broad and very useful service is available to VFW members and their families at very affordable rates. Sign up to get a risk-free, 30-day trial of Emergency Assistance Plus at no charge before your next trip. VFW STORE: Convention Attendees don t forget to stop by the VFW Store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to see our new selection of items and visit with Kim Winston about customized apparel. Celebrating a Post or Department Anniversary this year? Commemorate the occasion with special shirts, caps, koozies or other items! We have thousands of products available at competitive rates. VFW Store can also help you with logo design and product selection. To get a FREE, NO OBLIGATION quote, call Kim Winston at 816-968-1181 or email her at kwinston@vfw.org. ROLL CALL OF DEPARTED COMRADES: TEER, CLIFFORD T., National Council of Administration member, 1972-1974, Commander, Department of Texas, 1970-1971 and a Life Member of Waco Post 2148, Waco, Texas, June 1, 2015. - 30-10