VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA HEADQUARTERS BULLETIN OCALA, FLORIDA September, 2013 Delivering For Veterans 1
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: Over the last decade, more than 80% of support received from VFW members and patriotic Americans was applied directly to veterans service, community service, legislative advocacy and military service programs worldwide. Showing Your Patriotism Several weeks ago the VFW mailed out a special set of Patriotic Address Labels with some bonus gifts for you to use. This month you will receive a special reminder if we did not hear from you. As always, we appreciate your support of all the life-changing programs the VFW has for veterans of all generations. There is a smaller sheet of patriotic U.S. flag labels in the reminder for you to use on your mail, with all the significant days to display the U.S. flag listed on the back. Please remember to display your U.S. flag, especially on those days, to show your fellow veterans and everyone in your community they are thought of and appreciated and to let them know you believe in showing your patriotism. You can visit heroes.vfw.org/flag and print a free flag poster to display. VFW s Special Edition Christmas Cards for 2013 This month we are mailing the VFW s Special Edition Christmas Cards for 2013. It may still be summer, but all too soon summer will be over and the holidays will be approaching before we know it! We certainly hope you enjoy the Christmas cards this year along with the other special gifts that are included in the package. In the letter that accompanies the cards and gifts, we are asking you to consider making some time to visit a hospitalized or homebound veteran in your community. Visit heroes.vfw.org/volunteer to find out about volunteering at your local VA facility. And please remember that the life changing VFW programs would not be available for veterans of all generations without the generosity of its members. Your donations to the VFW help support programs for veterans and service members right in your own Department. Veterans Day is not Far Away Later this month, we will be mailing a special package that includes a 2013 Petition to the United States Congress. This petition calls on our Congressional leaders to DEMAND JUSTICE FOR VETERANS! This petition calls on our leaders to specifically demand immediate attention to addressing the unacceptable VA workload, support legislation that puts veterans first, and to recognize and act on the needs of those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. Please sign and return the petition so we can deliver them to our Congressional leaders by Veterans Day to help make our voices heard in Washington! We have even included a first class stamp along with your petition to make it very simple and quick to return. Your support of this important program will also help keep the VFW National Veterans Service program strong and healthy for veterans of all ages. Promoting Planned Giving If you would like to help us spread the word about how to help veterans for generations to come, go to Department Resources, click on Promotional Tools and download the latest Planned Giving Ad Slicks. Use these in your publications, at Department Conventions, School of Instruction or any other opportunity you have. We would be happy to provide you with planned giving brochures as well. For assistance or more information, contact our Planned Giving Office at 816-968-1119 or by email at 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. 2
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 www.vfw.org and log in. You will find Department Resources under the How to Get Involved heading. The latest fundraising program information, ideas and promotional tools from the Development Department can be found here. Download ad slicks, press releases, banner ads and buttons 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! BUDDY POPPY: 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/searchresult.aspx?categoryid=128 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, Youth Essay, 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. The 114th National Convention Buddy Poppy Display Contest winners are: Category 1 Public Promotion of Poppy Campaign First Place - E.E. Streets Memorial Post No. 5118 and its Ladies Auxiliary Easton, Maryland Second Place - Ladies Auxiliary to the General Lewis B. Chesty Puller Post No. 1503 Dale City, Virginia Third Place - Factory City Post No. 8078 and its Ladies Auxiliary Kewanee, Illinois Honorable Mention - Lake Granbury Memorial Post No. 7835 and its Ladies Auxiliary Granbury, Texas 3
Directors Award - E.E. Streets Memorial Post No. 5118 and its Ladies Auxiliary Easton, Maryland Category 2 Memorial or Inspirational Displays First Place - Hugo Matejcek Post No. 3723 and its Ladies Auxiliary Owatonna, Minnesota Second Place - Roscoe Post No. 2955 and its Ladies Auxiliary Roscoe, Illinois Third Place - Ladies Auxiliary to the Charles L. Mc Gaha Post No. 10558 Cataula, Georgia Honorable Mention - Thibodaux Memorial Post No. 5097 and its Ladies Auxiliary Thibodaux, Louisiana Directors Award - Roscoe Post No. 2955 and its Ladies Auxiliary Roscoe, Illinois Category 3 Artistic or Decorative Use of Poppies First Place - Crawford County Post No. 4549 and its Ladies Auxiliary Robinson, Illinois Second Place - Ladies Auxiliary to the George Dokken Post No. 2118 Brookings, South Dakota Third Place - Carl L. Gill Post No. 3018 and its Ladies Auxiliary Fredonia, Kansas Honorable Mention - Mattheyer-Jordan Post No. 1719 and its Ladies Auxiliary Chandler, Oklahoma Directors Award - Overland-St. Ann Memorial Post No. 3944 Overland-St. Ann, Missouri Category 4 Memorial or Inspirational Displays (Jr. Girls Units/Sons of the VFW) First Place - Jr. Girls Unit Ladies Auxiliary to the Renis Barrett Post No. 5376 Calhoun, Georgia Second Place - Jr. Girls Unit Ladies Auxiliary to the Pontiac Post No. 886 Pontiac, Illinois Third Place - Jr. Girls Unit Ladies Auxiliary to the Foreign Service Post No. 1857 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Honorable Mention - Jr. Girls Unit Ladies Auxiliary to the Columbia Heights Post No. 230 Columbia Heights, Minnesota 4
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, click here http://www.vfwstore.org/detail.aspx?id=22300. 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/searchresult.aspx?categoryid=211. NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY, SEPTEMBER 20. 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/searchresult.aspx?categoryid=97. VFW HONORS AMERICA S TEACHERS DURING 2013-2014 PROGRAM 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 submitted by fellow teachers, VFW Posts, supervisors or other interested individuals (not relatives). Self-nominees are not eligible. Based on the nominees submitted by November 1, 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 December 15. After judging, each Department forwards the names of its winners to VFW National Headquarters for consideration in the national awards contest. This is part of the 2013-2014 All American Program. 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/detail.aspx?id=23980. Present to all teachers nominated at all levels for the national award. VFW NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVANT AWARDS. Departments are asked to submit three nominees (one for each career area) to the VFW Programs Office no later than February 1, 2014. VFW Programs will create citations for the following awards in each Department: VFW National Law Enforcement Award VFW National Firefighter Award VFW National Emergency Medical Technician 5
Each Department will receive their three awards and contact their recipients to arrange a presentation. Department Commanders may present the awards at their Department Convention, but are encouraged to also present the award in front of the recipient s peers at a professional association event, city council meeting, etc. The purpose of the second venue is to expose these VFW awards to the general public and especially other law enforcement personnel, firefighters and EMTs, many of whom are veterans eligible for VFW membership. SPECIAL NOTICE COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORTING. Recognizing that VFW and Ladies Auxiliary programs and chairmanships do not always coincide, we must find a way to establish an accurate accounting of the efforts and dollars expended by both organizations. Therefore, the following will apply for the 2013-2014 program year: All VFW Post 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 Ladies Auxiliary participated. The Ladies Auxiliary Chairmen of the different programs should report to their corresponding Department Chairmen in whatever way that Department asks them to and by the dates specified. The Ladies Auxiliary Department Chairmen will report to the VFW Community Service Chairman in the way that has been established by that Department and by the dates specified. The VFW Department and Ladies Auxiliary Department should coordinate to be sure that hours, dollars and volunteers are reported as best as possible so that mid-year and year-end figures proudly display the collective hard work of the organizations. VETERANS IN THE CLASSROOM MONTH IN NOVEMBER. VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members are encouraged to volunteer in their schools to talk about their military and home front experiences to students. Invite your local military recruiter to join you to talk about military service today. Additional information can be found in the 2013 2014 VFW Community Activities and Citizenship Education VFW Chairman s Guide, which can be accessed on www.vfw.org under My VFW. From the VFW home page, you must LOG IN (or create an account and LOG IN.) Go to General Members Tools and Resources heading, click on CHAIRMAN GUIDES. Participate in this activity as part of National Veterans Awareness week, November 10-16, as designated by Congress. VFW SPECIAL PROJECT PROGRAM. This program was put in place to recognize VFW units for creating and completing unique and extraordinary community service projects. Record book entry nominations that are found to be complete and well-substantiated should be endorsed by the Department Adjutant or VFW Department Community Activities Chairman and forwarded to National Programs Department. Deadline for entries is April 30 of each year. Every Post Special Project receiving the Award of Excellence in the May judging will be entered in the Fred C. Hall Memorial Outstanding Post Special Project Competition. Complete information can be found in the 2013 2014 VFW Community Activities and Citizenship Education Chairman s Guide. 2013-14 FRED C. HALL MEMORIAL OUTSTANDING POST SPECIAL PROJECT WINNER ANNOUNCED AT VFW NATIONAL CONVENTION IN LOUISVILLE. Veterans Memorial was this year s recipient from the Herman Eddie Roberts, Jr. VFW Post No. 6291, Murray, Kentucky. The members constructed this memorial to represent all the veterans of Murray-Calloway County. The memorial includes three flag poles, a central brass-engraved monument stone, a central walkway, a marker stone as well as a small bridge and benches. 6
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 17 (third Saturday in May); Memorial Day, May 26 (last Monday in May); Flag Day, June 14; National POW/MIA Day, September 20 (third Friday in September); and, Veterans Day, November 11. To purchase a POW/MIA flag, click here: http://www.vfwstore.org/detail.aspx?id=22305. MEMBERSHIP: MEMBERSHIP TRANSMITTAL DEADLINES FOR THE 2013-2014 YEAR: To prevent dues notices from being sent to those who have already paid, all membership transmittals must be received in the Dues Processing Department no later than noon on the following closing dates: MAILED DUES NOTICE SCHEDULE Mailed Date Processing Deadlines* JULY 25 JULY 8 SEPTEMBER 25 SEPTEMBER 9 NOVEMBER 25 NOVEMBER 4 * Must be processed by VFW national headquarters by the processing deadlines above in order to prevent the receipt of a subsequent mailed dues notice. FOR CONTEST PURPOSES *All membership transmittals must be received in dues processing by noon on the last business day prior to any contest end-date and for year-end processing. ADDITIONAL REMINDERS: Annual Dues: Resolution M-12 (Sec. 606 National Dues) was passed at the 114th National Convention in Louisville, KY. The Resolution raised the Veterans of Foreign Wars Annual Dues National Per Capita from $11.50 to $21.50. This increase will take effect on January 1, 2014. Recruiting Notes: Encourage Annual Members to take advantage of the Life Member Installment plan. Encourage life installment plan 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. National Membership Program: The 2013-2014 National Membership program is listed in the Leadership Reference Material guide. This can be viewed online via the OMS system. Dues Notices: The first dues notice was mailed on July 25, 2013. The second dues notice will be mailed on September 25, 2013, and the third dues notice will be mailed on November 25, 2013. Subscription Dues: The subscription dues resolution was approved at the National Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Subscription Dues training was given at the 114th National Convention in Louisville, KY. Subscription Dues will begin January 1, 2014. 7
Subscription Dues Training: The subscription dues training location is located in www.vfw.org, click on Log In, when the page loads, go to the View Training Materials link in red. The subscription dues presentation is under the link Subscription Dues. Please visit: https://www.vfw.org/oms/trainingmaterials.aspx. Legacy Life Membership: This prestigious program is available to all 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 What will your Legacy be? CONGRATULATIONS TO: TOP TEN RECRUITERS (as of 08/27/2013): George F. Foy VFW Post 5917, Dept. of IL Total Recruited: 228 Dennis F. Flynn (CNR) VFW Post 2866, Dept. of MO Total Recruited: 156 Gasper Delise VFW Post 9985, Dept. of PAC Total Recruited: 93 Thomas R.L. Glover (CNR) VFW Post 2451, Dept. of TX Total Recruited: 63 Daniel L. West (CNR) VFW Post 3413, Dept. of TX Total Recruited: 55 Guadalupe Barrios VFW Post 76, Dept. of TX Total Recruited: 55 Herbert G. Schwartzkopf VFW Post 7972, Dept. of KS Total Recruited: 50 8
Ignacio H. Castilleja VFW Post 76, Dept. of TX Total Recruited: 39 Robert P. Harmon (CNR) VFW Post 1831, Dept. of MO Total Recruited: 38 Rasul A. Aquil VFW Post 12131, Dept. of PA Total Recruited: 33 DEPARTMENTS WITH NEW POSTS: Department of North Carolina VFW Post 12132 Maggie Valley, NC MEMBER BENEFITS: Medicare (Medigap) Supplement or Medicare Advantage? You have choices. VFW-Sponsored Medicare Supplement Plan VFW s sponsored Medicare Supplement Plan offers a wide range of standardized plans to supplement your Original Medicare benefits. The plan helps to pay for many of the out-of-pocket expenses you are responsible for with Medicare, like a portion of physician visits and hospital deductibles. If you wish to apply with no physical exam or health questions to answer and regardless of your current health condition, the best time to apply for a Medicare Supplement plan is during your open enrollment period (a 6-month period typically starting the month you turn 65), although enrollment in this plan is also available outside of the enrollment period. Look for your offer in the mail from our approved insurance carrier just prior to your birthday to enjoy special rates negotiated just for VFW members. To learn more, or request an application, visit http://www.vfwinsurance.com/medicare-supplement-insurance.html. VFW-Sponsored Medicare Advantage Medicare Advantage plans are a great value for those looking for extra benefits beyond Original Medicare, including a prescription drug plan. Medicare Advantage plans cover all Part A and Part B Original Medicare benefits, but with different out-of-pocket costs and additional plan benefits. From basic coverage, to more detailed plans including vision and hearing screening, to wellness programs and much more, you have a choice of plans to fit what you need and give you the most comprehensive coverage. To learn about VFW s sponsored Medicare Advantage plan offered thru Humana, visit http://www.vfwinsurance.com/medicare-advantage.html, and click on Get Application. 9
ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS: REQUEST FOR GOVERNMENT MILITARY EQUIPMENT Department Adjutants and Quartermasters are asked to remind all Post Officers to refer to their 2013-2014 Leadership Reference Material when requesting a conditional donation of any government military equipment, ceremonial rifles or ammunition. Before contacting the governmental agency, a formal written request is to be addressed and mailed to the Adjutant General at VFW National Headquarters, and must be completed and signed by the current Post Commander, Post Adjutant or Post Quartermaster, one of whom needs to be the contact person. Also to be included is that contact person s mailing address and phone number, not the Post address. Address the request to the Adjutant General, VFW National Headquarters, 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Include the proper information as outlined in the Leadership Reference Material. It is requested that a Post not go through their Department Headquarters (but send them a courtesy copy). This only slows down the processing and creates unnecessary paperwork for the Department personnel. REMINDER In accordance with the Ritual General Rule 13(b), members will follow the action of the Chaplain or presiding officer relative to removal of caps during prayers; if uncovering, the hat shall be placed on the extended closed fingers of the right hand in such a way that the Cross of Malta is exposed and held over the heart. VFW FOUNDATION: The VFW Foundation needs your help. Each year, the VFW Foundation participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) and state employee campaigns (similar to the United Way though geared toward public sector employees). The money raised is used to support urgently-needed VFW programs for our troops abroad, military families back home and America s often forgotten veterans. CFC and state campaign kick-off events are held throughout the country beginning in September through October no doubt there may be one in your city or town. We seek VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members to attend these events so as to encourage employees to donate to the VFW Foundation. Events last 2-3 hours and all promotional material to distribute will be provided free-of-charge. Over the past five years, the VFW Foundation has worked diligently to publicize fundraising opportunities for your Post such as The Home Depot grant. Now, we ask that you assist us by getting involved with this incredibly worthwhile effort. If you would be interest in attending a local CFC or state campaign kick-off event on our behalf as a volunteer, please contact Becky Curtis, VFW Foundation Senior Program Coordinator at (816) 968-1128 or email foundation@vfw.org. Your presence might be a way to meet veterans and promote membership in your local Post. Many thanks! 10
NATIONAL MILITARY SERVICES (NMS): We have two updated Power Points available to download at www.vfw.org. The first Power Point is for use at VFW training and fundraising purposes. The second Power Point is for use when giving presentations to service members and their families. Login using your VFW member login, then click on National Military Services under How to Get Involved for the Power Points. VFW STORE: VFW Store is excited to offer several new POW/MIA products. Check out our new selection at http://www.vfwstore.org/searchresult.aspx?categoryid=97 and order now to receive in time for POW/MIA Recognition Day on September 20, 2013. Hosting a fundraising golf tournament this year? VFW Store can help! We have hundreds of inexpensive giveaway ideas, commemorative t-shirt options, golf balls, golf towels, tees, koozies, divot tools and ball markers. These, and more, can be customized with your logo. To get a FREE, NO OBLIGATION quote, call Kim Winston at 816-968- 1181 or email her at kwinston@vfw.org. 11
Mark your calendars and save the date for THE 2013 FLORIDA VFW AFTERNOON AT THE Where: Tropicana Field St. Petersburg, FL When: Sunday, September 22, 2013 Day Game vs. Baltimore Orioles Fundraiser for the Voice of Democracy More details to come. For questions please contact Darcy Calhoun at 727-825-3293 OR dcalhoun@raysbaseball.com 12
Fall Conference Meeting Is On October 26, 2013 Room Rate is good for 25-27 Oct, 2013 Sheraton Sand Key Resort Clearwater Beach, Florida $ 119.00 + Tax 727-595-1611 Complimentary Parking Make sure you mention VFW Please do not wait, book your room now to guarantee a room at the VFW rate. Oct 4 th is the last day for booking and the rate. Rooms will be released to the Public after that. 13
Southern Conference 31 Oct 3 Nov, 2013 Renaissance Orlando @ SeaWorld 6677 Sea Harbor Drive Orlando, Fl. 32821 $ 108.00 + Tax Complimentary Self-Parking Valet Parking is $ 22.00 Per Day 800-380-7917 Make sure you mention VFW Southern Conference Book Your Room Now Don t Wait they will go Fast 14
***REMINDER*** HEADQUARTERS IS CLOSED FOR LUNCH BETWEEN 12:30 PM AND 1:15 PM, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY We do not have an answering system to leave messages. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING 15