August 2015 Ve terans of Foreign Wa r s o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s Post 7327, Springfield, Virginia The Camaraderie SERVING VETERANS, THEIR FAMILIES and the COMMUNITY Honoring the Dead By Serving the Living Volume 14-8 By Post Commander Joe Hoss Byrnes I am so very proud to be a Life Member and be associated with you, the men and women of this Post. When I see our Post, or any VFW Post, I see a place where combat veterans can go and talk to individuals who at some time in their own life went through the same thing; been there done that. We are that safe haven for combat veterans to feel free to speak of things that their families and friends would not understand or even comprehend. When I speak to members from our Post, and others, it is comforting to know that we have this safe haven. Without the Comrades and Sisters we would be nothing. I understand that there are many veterans organizations throughout the nation, but this organization is for the chosen few who earned their membership through some of the most horrible times in this country s history. You have built this Post from the ground up and I am honored to be the steward for this time and I hope that with your help we will be here forever. To keep this legacy going it comes down to membership. As of 2014-2015 there were 584 members on the books; this includes about 122 annual members. We lost twenty or so annual members by the end of last year. I would like to ask each of you to help me keep our VFW Post active and alive. The only way to do this is to bring back the annual members who have left and for us to seek out new members. The Senior Vice Commander and his Membership Committee will be working at the Post level to increase our numbers. In the interim, I am tasking our annual members with renewing as soon as you are able. For both our life members and annual folks, please seek out one veteran that you know and solicit them for membership. Please invite them to check out our new Post website; www.post7327.org, or (Continued on page 2) VFW ELECTS NEW NATIONAL COMMANDER BIEDRZYCKI CALLS SERVICE TO OTHERS VFW S MOST IMPORTANT MISSION WWW.VFW.ORG KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 22, 2015) The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) concluded its 116th National Convention by electing Pittsburgh-native John A. Biedrzycki Jr. as its new national commander. Biedrzycki served in the U. S. Army from 1967-1970. He served in Korea with the 7th Infantry Division, and his decorations include the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Korean Defense Medal. He is a VFW Legacy Life Member and served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, County, District and Department (state) levels prior to his elections to national office. He has been a member of the VFW for 46 years, having first joined the VFW at Post 418 in McKees Rocks, Pa., in 1969. In his acceptance speech, the VFW s new leader called on the organization s nearly 1.4 million members to recommit themselves in service to others, which was one of the primary reasons his organization s founders formed in 1899, and formerly merged here in Pittsburgh in 1914. He also urged everyone to consider how much poorer the country would have been had the VFW never existed. If not for the VFW, who in our communities will help organize and participate in patriotic salutes to our nation and remember those who (Continued on page 2)
The Camaraderie Commander s Commentary continued from page 1 bring them by the Post and let me buy them a beer or a soda. Please note that during the recent VFW National Convention, the delegates voted and the Ladies Auxiliary will soon be known as The Auxiliary of The Veterans of Foreign Wars. The final membership rules and the start date will be announced later if not someplace within this newsletter. I would like to congratulate the membership on this action it was well overdue. As of this writing the Post members have finally completed the great purge of 2015. We have removed many items and donated them or placed them into storage. On that note, the Capital Area Food Bank was very happy when we donated two refrigeration units. The newly covered floors and painting have been completed and we are slowly bringing all of the items back into our space. Over the next few weeks we will have an open house to show off our Post Home and the improvements. Our plan is to invite all of VFW District 10 to the event as well as the folks from the American Legion and others. I look forward to shaking your hands and welcoming you to our renovated space. Additional information on when this will occur will follow. We are also looking at a few fundraising events for the next few months as well. The one we are actively working on now is a partnership with a local micro-brewery down the street from Post 7327 called The Forge. Plans include a night out with beer and food. More information on that and other functions will be announced as we have more details. If you have an idea for fundraising please contact me via the post website. As time goes on, I plan on making active use of our email system to send out Post updates and activities throughout the month. Some things cannot wait for the monthly newsletter issuance. So if you have not done so, please update your email address so that you will always be informed. New National Commander (Continued from page 1) serve or fell? he asked. If not for the VFW, who will help America s veterans and troops navigate the complex VA claims system, or ensure their individual needs are properly taken care of? And if not for the VFW, who will give a collective voice on Capitol Hill against all the noise generated by 30,000 registered lobbyists who, other than lip service, don t have the best interest of veterans, service members and families first on their agendas? While addressing convention delegates, Biedrzycki had high praise for the work being done by VFW members in communities across America. He cited several examples of projects and programs that wellillustrate the VFW s mission to stand up for veterans, service members and their families. A retired high school history teacher, Biedrzycki also stressed that freedom isn t free something America tends to forget. The success of America was built on the service and sacrifice of many Americans, but our continued freedom falls squarely on the shoulders of those who wear the uniform. Everyone in the VFW understands that, he remarked. During his tenure he will log thousands of miles within the U.S. and internationally to promote the VFW, veterans issues, and quality of life initiatives for active-duty, Reserve and Guard members, and all their families. Also elected were Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Brian J. Duffy of Louisville, Ky., and Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Keith E. Harman of Delphos, Ohio. Biedrzycki will lead under the theme Loyalty, Honor and Service for the ensuing year; values that have long-guided the VFW and its new national commander alike. Commander Biedrzycki s acceptance speech may be viewed on the VFW National website, www. VFW.org. Page 2
August 2015 I begin my term as President of the Ladies Auxiliary Post 7327 with optimism, gratitude, and hope. I am optimistic because I believe we can make a difference in the lives of our veterans and their families. I am deeply grateful for the sacrifices that these courageous men and women have made and are continuing to make in service to our country. And I have hope that we in the Auxiliary, working together, can make this a banner year for our organization by maintaining and growing our members and increasing our member participation. Closer to home, a huge thank you goes out to the Post Comrades and Sisters for the many hours spent sprucing up our Post Home. Hurrah for a job well done! What a treat to hold our first meeting of the 2015-2016 year in our newly painted and carpeted room. At that meeting we voted in two new members (Linda Byrnes and Heather Garritty; welcome!) and elected a Treasurer (Alice Merrill who is now our Secretary/Treasurer). Thank you Sister Alice Merrill for stepping up to ensure that our Auxiliary continues to operate until we can fill the Treasurer s position. Also at the July meeting, Sister Linda Bond, a delegate to the VFW National Convention in Pittsburgh, gave a synopsis of the issues that the convention members will be voting on. These issues included changing our name and welcoming men into our ranks. We will have more on the convention happenings in a future article. Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12th, at 7:00pm in our Post Home. I encourage all members to attend. Your voice and ideas are important and we want to hear them! If I can be of assistance, or you would like to reach me; please call me at: (703)548-8343, or email me at: presaux7327@va.vfwaux.com. Barbara Major, President, Auxiliary 7327 Auxiliary Chaplain s Corner Marcia Lohr Ladies Auxiliary Chaplain Please keep the following Sisters and their spouses in your thoughts and prayers as they go through some difficult and challenging times. Sister Donna Novitsky as she starts chemotherapy. Sister Juliana Heck and husband Mike during his chemotherapy treatments. Sister Floy Lipscomb as she mourns the passing of her husband, Comrade Lew, in Newberry, South Carolina. Sister Janne Best and husband Al as he recovers from heart valve replacement surgery. Sister Chong Benedict and Comrade Mark s son, Christopher, as he recuperates from a motorcycle accident. Sister Shirley Norris as she recuperates from back complications. Sister Linda Bond as she continues to get stronger each and every day. All the bingo players continue to ask how Linda is doing, when she will be back and continue to send their get well wishes. God Bless you & your family, Chaplain Marcia Lohr VFW Post & Auxiliary 7327 8350-F Terminal Road Lorton, Virginia 22079 Phone: 703-541-3139 Fax: 703-541-0641 Website: www.post7327.org Facebook: VFW Post 7327 Twitter: @VfwPost7327 Email: adjpost7327@va.vfwwebmail.com Blog: www.vfwwebcom.org/va/post7327 Editor & Design Katy Sylvester 703-350-8574 Contributing Articles By: Hoss Byrnes, Frank Konieczny, Marcia Lohr, Barbara Major, Alice Merrill, Wayne Yancey Photographs By: Linda Bond, Diana Regan Post Officers Commander: Joseph Byrnes Sr. Vice: Joe Baringer Jr. Vice: Vacant Quartermaster: Terri Andreoni 419-953-4131 Judge Adv: Milan Sturgis Chaplain: Wayne Yancey 703-719-7660 Surgeon: Michael Kephart 3-Yr Trustee: Gary Kelch 703-644-8485 2-Yr Trustee: Larry Parham 202-341-3556 1-Yr Trustee: Clarence McNeill Post Adjutant: Terri Andreoni 419-953-4131 Service Officer: Frank Konieczny 703-569-3244 Auxiliary Officers President: Barbara Major 703-548-8343 Sr. Vice: Shirley Norris 703-971-1939 Jr. Vice: Itty Neal 703-569-4257 Secretary: Alice Merrill 703-569-1771 Treasurer: Alice Merrill 703-569-1771 Chaplain: Marcia Lohr 703-548-1698 Conductress: Barbara Bucklin 703-971-8299 Guard: Janne Best 703-321-7349 1-Yr Trustee: Diana Regan 703-719-7660 2-Yr Trustee: Vacant Linda Bond 3-Yr Trustee: Vacant Patriotic Instructor: Joyce Engel The Camaraderie newsletter is published by Springfield, Virginia Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7327, a community based 501c19 not-for-profit Congressionally Chartered Veterans Organization. Mailed for educational outreach and information purposes to our members, volunteers and friends. The newsletter is distributed to over 700 individuals. We have served our community since 1946, providing support to Veterans, their families, active duty military and community based organizations. Page 3
Hello Comrades Sister and Friends of the Post, The Camaraderie CHAPLAIN S CORNER Post Chaplain Wayne Yancey It saddens me to report that we lost two Comrades to cancer this month. Comrade Ron Webster passed away peacefully at 10:25 am Tuesday July 21, 2015 after a long battle with colon and lung cancer. At the request of the family we will conduct a VFW service for Ron at the temporary post home on Wednesday evening August 5, 2015 beginning at 7:30pm. Comrades and sisters are invited and encouraged to attend. As stated in previous newsletters Ron was very active in the post in previous years and served as a member of the Honor Guard. Ron was a friend to many current and former Comrades and Sisters. Members of the Post and Auxiliary are encouraged to stop by the Post Home on Wednesday evening, August 5, 2015 and say farewell to our fallen Comrade. Light refreshments will be provided. Comrade Lew Lipscomb passed away on Thursday morning July 30, 2015. Lew also suffered with colon cancer for nearly two years. He was released from the Fort Belvoir Hospital under Hospice care on Sunday, July 19, 2015. Immediately after being released, Lew and Floy drove ten hours to Newberry, South Carolina, where both Lew and Floy were born and raised. Lew had family in the Newberry area and he wanted to return there for the remainder of his life. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am Monday August 3, 2015 at Aveleigh Presbyterian Church in Newberry. Visitation will be at Witaker Funeral Home, Newberry South Carolina on Sunday August 2, 2015 from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Lew s obituary by be seen at www.witakerfuneralhome.com. Comrade Mike Heck started another round of Chemo on July 13, 2015. Mike is a Vietnam Veteran and a fairly new member of our organization. He is also struggling with cancer. His wife, Juliana, is active in the Bingo Program as Mike s condition permits. Comrade Capt. Chris Benedict was recently involved in a serious accident at Fort Bragg where he is stationed. A car ran a red-light and hit Chris on his motorcycle. He initially suffered a concussion, fractured ribs, fractured tailbone, fractured left foot, fractured ankle and sprained shoulder. Chris is stationed at Fort Bragg and is the son of Mark and Chong Benedict, who are also members of the Post and Auxiliary. The next VA Hospital visit is currently scheduled for August 11, 2015. We will leave the Post Home promptly at 6:00 pm and will return at approximately 9:00 pm. If I can be of assistance to anyone, please don t hesitate to contact me by one of the methods provided below. Please note that Diana and I have changed from Cox to Verizon. Home: 703-719-7660, Cellular: 703-350-8409, E-Mail: W.Yancey@Verizon.Com VFW Members, Family, and Friends Buy, Sell, or Lease a home with me, Alice Gehl and 10% of my proceeds from each completed transaction will be donated to the building fund at VFW Post 7327. I am a Life Member of Post 7327 Ladies Auxiliary. Alice E. Gehl, Realtor Weichert, Realtors, Burke Office Email: agehl@weichert.com Cell: 571-426-4073 Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia Page 4
August 2015 For Your Safety ~ Flooding From www.fairfaxcounty.gov Flooding is the nation's most common natural disaster. Be prepared for flooding no matter where you live, but particularly if you are in a low-lying area, near water, downstream from a dam or other areas known to flood in previous storms. Even a very small stream or dry creek bed can overflow and create flooding. When you encounter flooded roads while driving: Do not drive on flooded roads "turn around, don t drown." Stop and take an alternate route. The depth, current and condition of the road are all unknowns and can be deadly. If your vehicle stalls on a flooded road and water is rising, get out of the car, call 9-1-1 and move to higher ground. Approximately two feet of swift water can move or float most vehicles, including SUV s and pickup trucks. Be especially cautious during periods of limited visibility or nighttime when it is extremely difficult to see and judge conditions -- state law requires headlights when wipers are on. Keep your vehicle parked in your garage or on the driveway away from low-lying areas and large drains. Flood Terms Flood Watch A flood watch or flash flood watch means there is a possibility of flooding or a flash flood in your area. Flood Warning A flood warning means a flood is occurring or will likely occur soon. If you are advised to evacuate do so immediately. Flash Flood Warning A flash flood warning means a flash flood is occurring. Seek higher ground immediately; do not wait for instructions Happy 84th Birthday to Comrade Willie Jones! Willie turned 84 years young July 4th. A celebration was had July 2 at Bingo with cake for all. Happy Birthday, Willie! Page 5
The Camaraderie Auxiliary Membership News Treasurer Alice Merrill I m thrilled there s so much good news to report in this last article I expect to write as Treasurer! (Expect lots of these!!!) Looking ahead, we have 142 paid members against 161 on 6/30, so we have a way yet to go for 100%. BUT, watch this column to see how those numbers grow! I ve been assured there are men in waiting to become our newest members very soon! In July, the VFW National Convention approved a Bylaws change that expands our organization effective August 22 from a VFW Ladies Auxiliary to a VFW Auxiliary open to both women and men who are eligible. Opening the Auxiliary to the male relatives of our warriors is a boon for equality and for recruiting! Maybe even for retention. All of that is so important as it s the size and activity of our membership that provides the VFW its power locally, in Richmond, and on Capitol Hill when acting and advocating for our veterans and active duty military and their families. This Bylaws change is designed to be a win-win! On to another upcoming winner! For our Annual members who are not yet dues-paid for 2016, your 2015 membership card is valid through December, but if you pay your 2016 dues (still $23) by September 30, your name will be in a drawing this Fall for a FREE Life Membership for 2017 and beyond, paid by the Auxiliary. WooHoo! Renew by September 30th and our next winner could be YOU! And to our lifetime winners! Annual members can convert their membership to Life at any time. If you re not feeling lucky about winning this Fall s drawing for a Free Life Membership in 2017, you can pay the Life fee instead of your Annual dues and become a Life member in 2016! Compare the dues you d expect to pay annually over your lifetime to the Life fee you d pay once, and choose what s best for you. Life membership wins you freedom from the annual dues hassle, from awaiting offers and results of any Free Life Drawing we might hold, and for a lifetime of knowing your veteran s service is being honored by all we do for the active military, veterans, and their families in all our members names, locally and all across our country. The Life fee is based on your age in the year you join our Lifers Bunch and it decreases in five-year increments, so the older you are, the lower the fee! Call me or ask any member if you d like to know the Life fee for yourself or for an eligible loved one right now, or how soon the next fee reduction point would come for either of you. Until our new Treasurer is elected and installed, I ll continue to welcome your 2016 dues payments and any membership questions at 6103 Backlick Rd, Springfield 22150, a-b6103@cox.net, 703-569-1771. Until then and beyond, thanks again for the trust you placed in me, the bonds we formed, and all the good memories. I m looking forward to making more of those as Secretary of our newly inclusive Auxiliary! Auxiliary s Summer Bakeless Bake Sale President Barbara Major Ladies, the heat and humidity of summer has arrived 100 degrees here the past few days! That triggers the beginning our annual Bakeless Bake Sale. Our Bakeless letter is on its way or has already arrived in your mailbox, asking you do donate the value of a box cake, a plate of brownies, or something fancier, rather than heating the oven for a traditional bake sale fundraiser. This is our one and only time each year that we ask all our members, near and far, to support our General Fund, the only Fund available to pay our admin and operating costs that keep us up and running. All our other Funds are restricted to their specific purpose. While I ask you to please be as generous as possible, please know that ALL donations in ANY amount are needed, welcomed, and appreciated! With each of us contributing something, together we can do so much more to help so many in all our names. Please feel free to call or email me, this year s project chair, with any questions at 703-548-8343 or at presaux7327@va.vfwaux.com. Thank you all for your membership that keeps us strong, and thank you for your support that allows us to be productive for the sake of our veterans and active duty military, their families, our community, and our own members. Page 6
August 2015 Service Officer's Corner Francis W. Konieczny, Post Service Officer AGENT ORANGE REGISTRY HEALTH EXAM Agent Orange is one of the most commonly known defoliants used by the U.S. during the Vietnam War. It is also rated as one of the most highly toxic of the herbicides. First used by the British, herbicides and defoliants were used during the Malayan Emergency (in the 1950's) to destroy crops, bushes and trees in areas used by communist insurgents. The use of these chemicals laid the groundwork for the subsequent use of Agent Orange and other defoliant formulations by the U.S. in Vietnam. In the mid-1961, the President of South Vietnam asked the U.S. to conduct aerial herbicide spraying in South Vietnam. In November 1961, President John F. Kennedy authorized the start of Operation Ranch Hand, the codename for the spraying program in Vietnam. It was called "Agent Orange," from the color of the orange-striped barrels in which it was shipped. Between 1962 and 1971, the United States military sprayed nearly 20,000,000 U.S. gallons of chemical herbicides and defoliants in Vietnam, eastern Laos and parts of Cambodia, as part of Operation Ranch Hand. In addition to defoliating rural/forested land, depriving guerrillas of food and cover and clearing sensitive areas such as around base perimeters, Agent Orange also aimed to destroy the ability of pro-communist peasants to support themselves in the countryside, forcing them to flee to the U.S. dominated cities. The theory was to deprive the guerrillas of their rural support base. Spraying was usually done either from helicopters or from low-flying C-123 Provider aircraft fitted with sprayers attached to pump systems and chemical tanks. Spray runs were also conducted from trucks, boats, and backpack sprayers. Since the close of the Vietnam War, several illnesses (notably, certain deadly cancers) have been associated with Agent Orange exposure. Most are insidious and some can manifest later in life. Agent Orange Registry Health Examination. Veterans who served anywhere in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides, as specified in the Agent Orange Act of 1991. Veterans do not need to show that they were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides in order to get disability compensation for diseases related to Agent Orange exposure. If they set foot in Vietnam, even to change aircraft, or served on a ship within the Agent Orange Zone, they should be considered exposed to Agent Orange. An important initial step in documenting possible exposure to Agent Orange is the Agent Orange Registry Health Examination. This comprehensive health examination alerts veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to Agent Orange exposure during their military service and includes: an exposure history, medical history, physical exam, and any tests if needed. A VA health professional will discuss the results face-to-face with the Veteran and in a follow-up letter. The registry helps the VA to respond to these health issues faster and more effectively. Important points about the Registry: FREE to eligible veterans (served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975, regardless of length of time); no co-pay; not a disability compensation exam or required for other VA benefits; enrollment in VA's health care system is not necessary; the registry is based on the veteran's recollection of service and not their military records; the exam will not confirm exposure to Agent Orange; veterans can receive additional registry exams, if new problems develop; veterans' families are not eligible for an Agent Orange Registry health exam. Vietnam Veterans: Don't wait. Contact your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator about getting an Agent Orange Registry Health Exam. Questions? Please call me (571-224-4615) r/ Frank Page 7
VFW Post 7327 8350 - F Terminal Road Lorton, Virginia 22079 The Friendliest VFW Post in Virginia Web Site: www.post7327.org e-mail: cdrpost7327@va.vfwwebmail.com 703-541-3139 Phone 703-541-0641 Fax Web Site: www.post7327.org Upcoming Events and Activities August 1 Air Force Day August 4 US Coast Guard Day August 7 Purple Heart Medal established 1782 August 10 Post Executive Committee Mtg. 7pm August 12 Auxiliary Membership Meeting, 7pm August 25 Post General Membership Meeting, 7:30pm Come early to meetings and join us for drinks and camaraderie! BINGO - EVERY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY evening beginning at 7:00 pm at Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department Post Hours of Operation Monday / Tuesday Closed (except for meetings) Wednesday / Thursday 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Friday 12:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Saturday / Sunday 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. The Post may be open other than these hours as events require and personnel are available.