Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Pacific Areas Military Order of the Cootie Grand of Pacific Areas Volume X Number 3 A non-profit official publication 20 November 2014 The Around the Pacific newsletter showcases what our members of the VFW Department of Pacific Areas and the MOC Grand of the Pacific in their local areas through articles, photos, etc., and the Department Editor, may provide information from outside the Department, in the various programs that both support. Inputs are due no later than the 15 th of the month. District 1 Okinawa Japan VFW POST 9723 COMRADES ATTEND POW-MIA BREAKFAST AT KADENA AFB OKINAWA JAPAN OKINAWA, JAPAN Comrades of VFW Post 9723 attend a POW-MIA Breakfast on 19 Sep 2014 at the Kadena NCO Club in Okinawa, Japan. Murphy s Military Law: If you take more than your fair share of objectives, you will get more than your fair share of objectives to take. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 1
VFW POST 9723 BUDDY POPPY DRIVES 01-02 November 2014 at Camp Foster OKINAWA, JAPAN - Commander Stewart,Quartermaster Provencher of VFW Post 9723 conduct a Buddy Poppy and Membership Drive on 01-02 November 2014 at Camp Foster Commissary Okinawa, Japan. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 2
15-16 November 2014 at Kadena OKINAWA, JAPAN - Comrades of VFW Post 9723 conduct a Buddy Poppy 15-16 Nov 2014 at Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan. VFW POST 9723 CELEBRATES USMC BIRTHDAY AND VETERANS DAY AT CAMP FOSTER OKINAWA JAPAN OKINAWA, JAPAN - Pictures 1-8 was taken on the 8th of Nov 2014 at a Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting and also celebrating Veterans Day at the Same time Camp Foster Military Clothing Store VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 3
VFW POST 9723 CELEBRATES VETERANS DAY AT KADENA MIDDLE SCHOOL OKINAWA JAPAN OKINAWA, JAPAN On 10 Nov 2014 at a Veterans Day Ceremony at Kadena Middle School with comrades of VFW Post 9723, Okinawa, Japan. VFW POST 9723 PARTICIPATES IN VETERANS DAY CEREMONY AT KADENA AFB OKINAWA JAPAN VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 4
OKINAWA, JAPAN On 11 Nov 2014 Comrades of VFW Post 9723 take part in a Veterans Day Ceremony at Kadena Air Base at the Generals CP Flag Pole Area on Veterans Day. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 5
District 2 Mainland Japan VFW POST 1054 VETERANS IN THE CLASS ROOM FOR VOD / PATRIOTS PEN AND TEACHER S AWARD YOKOSUKA, JAPAN - On 29 Oct 2014, VFW Post 1054 Commander David Robinson talks with Yokosuka Middle School students about Veterans and the VFW. This visit was also an opportunity to recognize and thank Yokosuka Middle School teacher Mr. Thomas Amend for his continued support of the Patriots Pen Scholarship program. Mr. Amend, a former Marine and previous John C. Parker Memorial VFW Post 1054 Teacher of the Year, was presented a Patriots (ink) Pen for his tremendous support of VFW Post 1054 and the Patriots Pen Program. Murphy s Military Law: Friendly fire - isn't. Murphy s Military Law: Recoilless rifles - aren't. Murphy s Military Law: Suppressive fires - won't. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 6
VFW POST 1054 HOSTED FIRST ANNUAL MOVIE NIGHT FOR ATGWP MILITARY AND FAMILIES YOKOSUKA, JAPAN - On 20 Oct 2014, Afloat Training Group Western Pacific (ATGWP) hosted its first "Movie Night Under the Stars" with support from VFW Post 1054. The Post donated $200.00 to pay for the supplies needed for the event, which hosted 75 family members for a fun filled evening of movies and roasted marshmallows. ATGWP is one of two AAU organizations supported by the Post. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 7
VFW POST 1054 COMRADE ASSISTS VETERANS OBTAINING THEIR BENEFITS IN JAPAN YOKOSUKA, JAPAN - On 09 Sep 2014, VFW Post 1054, District 2 Mainland Japan and Assistant Department of Pacific Areas Service Officer Mike Castro visits with a Veteran family to discuss Veterans benefits and claims related issues. Comrade Castro, a VFW Post 1054 Past Post Commander, is considered the regional expert in Japan when it comes to assisting veterans and their families in filing for disability compensation, rehabilitation and education programs, pension and death benefits, and employment and training programs. DISTRICT 2 TAKES PART IN FUNDRAISER AT U.S. EMBASSY TOKYO JAPAN YOKOSUKA, JAPAN - On 20 Sep 2014, District 2 Commander Rick Farris inspects preparations during the annual U.S. Embassy fund raising event in Tokyo. VFW Posts 1054, 9612, and 9555 all participated in the daylong event interacting with local citizens and embassy personnel raising awareness of the VFW and Veterans benefits. Past VFW Post 1054 Commander and Buddy Poppy Chairman Mike Castro distributed Buddy Poppies and helped raise funds for the District 2 Relief Fund. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy also made an appearance while participating in the motorcycle pageant. Murphy s Military Law: If at first you don't succeed, then bomb disposal probably isn't for you. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 8
VFW POST 1054 SALUTES VOLUNTEER SPOUSES AT APPRECIATION DINNER YOKOSUKA, JAPAN - On 26 Sep 2014, Mrs. Sayuri Lutman and Mrs. Megumi Farris were recognized for their support of VFW Post 1054 and Yokosuka area Veterans during a VFW Post 1054 Spouse Appreciation Dinner. All spouses were recognized by Post Commander Robinson and presented flowers with grateful appreciation for all their support. Mrs. Lutman and Mrs. Farris were specifically cited for their significant personal contributions. Commander David Robinson and Post Adjutant Mike Lutman presented a Certificate of Appreciation and Commanders Letter of Appreciation to both ladies. Senior Vice Commander Gary Shearing presented them with a plaque, which reads "In grateful appreciation for your continued support of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. In the spirit of true Comradeship, we shall always be grateful." As cited by Commander Robinson, "While the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States does not yet recognize foreign-born spouses for membership in the Ladies' Auxiliary, it is my strongest desire to see that change. Women like yourself have earned and continue to earn the right of full and uncompromised recognition and membership in the VFW. You have found the time to do more for those who have served our great nation and I dare say, you have done more than most, who by birthright, are obligated to do more but have done far less." DISTRICT 2 TAKES PART IN VETERANS DAY CEREMONY IN HODOGAYA JAPAN Post YOKOSUKA, JAPAN - On 09 Nov 2014, District 2 Posts 1054, 9555, and 9612 attended the Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony at Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Hodogaya, Japan. Scouts from Troop 13 were in attendance as well. District 2 Commander Rick Farris presented a wreath and rendered honors on behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and all Veterans. The Canadian Embassy sponsored this year's event, to include Master of Ceremonies and a light reception. Past District 2 Commander Frank Hunter played bagpipes during the laying of all wreaths. Murphy s Military Law: If you enter the CO's Presence with an idea, you will leave his Presence with the CO's idea. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 9
VFW POST 1054 DOES SOMETHING DIFFERENT ON VETERANS DAY IN YOKOSUKA YOKOSUKA, JAPAN - On 10 Nov 2014, Sailors present pictures of family members that served in the military as part of the picture detail portion of the Veteran's Day Ceremony held onboard Fleet Activities, Yokosuka. The CFAY Honor Guard presented and folded our Nations Flag in their honor. The guest speaker, VFW Post 1054 Commander David Robinson, spoke about service and the sacrifices born by our young men and women who serve our nation. He also talked about the role the VFW serves in supporting our Veterans and how important it is that we continue to grow from the ranks of today s Veterans through membership. VFW POST 1054 VETERANS DAY WITH BOY SCOUTS YOKOSUKA, JAPAN - On 11 Nov 2014, Scouts and Senior Scout leaders from Troop 35 conducted the FRA 2 Bell Ceremony in honor of Veterans Day. Several VFW Post 1054 members were on hand and Past District 2 Commander and Past VFW Post 1054 Quartermaster Frank Hunter played bagpipes in honor of Veterans everywhere. Troop 13 conducted their annual gravesite cleanup and flag planting at the Yokohama Foreigners Cemetery. Scouts also rendered honors to Past VFW Post 1054 and District 2 Commander Arthur Shook, now serving on the staff of the Supreme Commander. Murphy s Military Law: The worse the weather is, the more you are required to be out in it. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 10
VFW POST 1054 CELEBRATES VETERANS DAY IN YOKOSUKA JAPAN YOKOSUKA, JAPAN - On 10 NOV 2014, VFW Post 1054 and District 2 Mainland Japan Adjutant Mike Lutman talks to 4 th and 5 th graders about Veteran's Day at Sullivan's Elementary School during the school s Veteran s Day observance ceremony. Lutman, a former Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, spoke to the students about the sacrifices service members and their families make to keep America great. He thanked each one of them for their service and for helping to make our country strong. Also pictured is retired Master Chief Legalman and VFW Post 1054 Life Member Mike Applegate. He is a teacher at Sullivans School and coordinated the event again this year as he has for over 15 years. Activities included two patriotic songs sang by the choir, students and faculty and led by Comrade Applegate. The Kinnick High School NJROTC unit provided the Color Guard for the event. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 11
VFW POST 9612 COMRADE CELEBRATES U.S. NAVY BIRTHDAY WITH VFW POST 1513 CALIFORNIA ESCONDIDO, CALIFORNIA - On 12 Oct 2014, Comrade Joe Mortimer of VFW Post 9612 (in American Legion Post 123 Philippines uniform) and Comrades of VFW Post 1513 Escondido, California, celebrated the 239th birthday of the United States Navy at a local area restaurant. We had great food, a brief ceremony, and had the oldest Sailor and the youngest Sailor cut the cake. Afterwards we sang Anchors Away. The entire restaurant erupted in applause and cheers! What a great way to celebrate one of my favorite birthdays! VFW POST 9612 COMRADE LIVING HISTORIAN CIVIL WAR REENACTOR IN CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES - Comrade Joe Mortimer of VFW Post 9612 Camp Zama, District 2 Mainland Japan, Department of Pacific Areas is a Living Historian with the American Civil War Society (ACWS) in California and impresses as a Trooper (Private) with Company E, 7th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment (1862-1865), U.S. Army of the Republic and also as a Leading Seaman, USS LEXINGTON, Timber-Clad Paddlewheel Steamer Gunboat (1861-1865), VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 12
U.S. Navy and helps to educate the public about a very trying time in our American History. As a Living History Reenactor the conditions are presented as close as possible to the really being back in time for the guests to be able to experience and observe. All uniforms, clothing, equipment, weapons, food, manners of the Reenactors, etc., are either replicas / reproductions of actual or in some cases, actual items from the Civil War (if you are rich enough to have something). -Tom s Farm Reenactment 11 October 2014- VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 13
-Moorpark Reenactment, 07-09 November 2014- Murphy s Military Law: No matter which way you have to march, its always uphill. Murphy s Military Law: Odd objects always attract fire. Are you are odd? VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 14
District 4 Taiwan DEPARTMENT COMMANDER VISITS TAIWAN District IV Cdr. & Dang Ascencio and with VFW Department of Pacific Areas Commander Bear Hudson, his wife Mam, and Past Grand Commander Orville Humfleet, with Taiwan s Minister of Veteran's Affairs Tung and his staff and other dignitaries at awards ceremony (left). Department Commander Bear Hudson being awarded with the Taiwan Medal of Honor By Taiwan s Minister of Veteran's Affairs (right). Bear greeting and meeting Taiwan Veterans at one of Taiwan s Veteran's Homes (left). Sharing time with elderly and disabled Vets and families at the home (right). Commander being shown a little of how Taipei Veteran's Hospital is a leader in geriatric and physically impaired rehabilitation, equipment, support and caring for of both Taiwanese and U.S Veterans in need (left). Some of the many parades, shows, speeches and activities in celebration of Taiwan's National Day 10 October 2014 (right). VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 15
District 5 Thailand DEPARTMENT SENIOR VICE COMMANDER VISIT MEKONG RIVER PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA - I Department Senior Vice Commander Homer Kemper (member of VFW Post 1054) just got back from a VFW meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. While he was there, he went on a trip on the Mekong River on a Vietnam era U.S. Patrol Boat. What a honor took 2 trips down the Mekong on an original NAM patrol and rescue boat that was used during NAM and is owned by the PP Cambodia Post Commander. Thanks John you made my VFW career! VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 16
VFW POST 10217 CELEBRATES VETERANS DAY See you in the next edition! VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 17