Volume V Number 7 A non-profit official publication December 2009

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Pacific Areas Commander Jim Malott Military Order of the Cootie Grand of the Pacific Commander Al Mitchell Volume V Number 7 A non-profit official publication December 2009 The Around the Pacific newsletter showcases what is happening locally throughout the VFW Department of Pacific Areas and the MOC Grand of the Pacific 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. Council of Administration and Grand Scratch! Council of Administration Grand of the Pacific Scratch Department of Pacific Areas Council of Administration Business Session. Grand of the Pacific Scratch. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 1

GRAND OF THE PACIFIC SCRATCH 05 December 2009 Cooties if the Grand of the Pacific gather for a very lousy Scratch!! What a gruesome bunch. KEVIN MITCHELL ELECTED INTO THE SEAMS AS NEW GRAND JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER Who let this happen? (Left photo) The new Grand of the Pacific Junior Vice Commander (Little Bug left) Kevin Mitchell was installed into office by Past Grand Commander Ken Swierzewski (former BIG BUG right). (Right photo) New Grand Junior Vice Commander Kevin Mitchell. Remember this face! CONGRATULATIONS, Kevin!!! Oooooh nooooo, what did we do?? VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 2

GRAND SCRATCH BUSINESS SESSION Grand of the Pacific Cooties get down to bidness! GRAND OF THE PACIFIC AWARDS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 3

DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION 06 December 2009 COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS SESSION Richard L. DeNoyer Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Richard L. DeNoyer was elected Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars arrival at the Department of Pacific Areas Council of Administration Business Session. Richard L. DeNoyer was elected Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on August 20, 2009, at the VFW s 110th National Convention, held in Phoenix, Arizona. Recognition of past comrades and our VFW National Home VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 4

COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION AWARDS DISTRICT RECRUITING AWARDS Presented by Department Commander Jim Malott, Department Senior Vice Commander Jim Oden, and Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Richard DeNoyer and accepted by the District Commanders to pass along to their awarding Comrades. District 1 Okinawa Japan District 2 Mainland Japan District 3 Korea District Senior Vice Commander Willie T. Brandon District 4 Taiwan District Junior Vice Commander Joe Mortimer District 5 Thailand / Cambodia District Commander Darin Combs District 6 Guam / Saipan District Commander Orville Humfleet District 7 Philippines District Commander Bear Husdon District Commander Mario Fajardo District Senior Vice Commander Jim Correll Congratulations and keep on recruiting! Thank you all for what you do for the VFW!! VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 5

OTHER AWARDS AND CONTRIBUTIONS PRESENTED District 1 Okinawa Japan District 1 Okinawa Japan CLEFT PALATE PROFRAM DONATION Outstanding Buddy Poppy Chairman Award ENTERTAINMENT Outstanding Military Services Program Award Department Junior Vice Commander Barry Hirshbein presents a check for $000.00 to Cleft Patalt Chairman Cliff Wilsey. CAMARADERIE Department Adjutant Dick Keeley Kicks off the entertainment portion of the evening (left) and Department Chaplain Tom Darkus gives the evening prayer (right). From left to right, Comrades Andy Prowant of District 3 Korea, Joe Mortimer of District 2 Mainland Japan, Bill Wichman of District 4 Taiwan, Ken Shaefer of District 7 Philippines, and Larry Lyons and wife of District 3 Korea share an evening meal together at the Cottage Kitchen, Angeles City, Philippines. Traditional Philippine dancers give a great performance. From left to right, Comrades Joe Mortimer of District 2 Mainland Japan, Bill Wichman of District 4 Taiwan, Jerry Krause of District 6 Guam/Saipan, Ken Shaefer of District 7 Philippines, and Kin Topasna of District 6 Guam/Saipan after the VIP Dinner held at VFW Post 2485, Angeles City, Philippines, on 07 December 2009. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 6

CEREMONY 50th ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY OF THE TURNOVER OF OLONGAPO CITY FROM THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT Postmaster General and CEO Hector R.R. Villanueva of the Philippine Postal Corporation was the highest Philippine government official representing the Republic of the Philippines. National anthem singers (left) and Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajubo (right). The ceremony commenced with introductions made by Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajubo and the United States and Philippine National Anthems sung by students of the Singers Special Program of the Arts Olongapo City. Vice Mayor Cajubo read a historical account of the Philippines and that of Olongapo City. She also read a chronological history of the relations between the United States and the Philippines. Opening remarks were made by Mayor James Bong Gordon describing the historical points of Subic Bay and Olongapo City. Ceremony participants and assembled guests. OLONGAPO CITY, ZAMBALES, PHILIPPINES Comrades of the Department of Pacific Areas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) including Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Richard DeNoyer and Department Junior Vice Commander Barry Hirshbein, along with District Commander Herbert Scholton, Post Commander Ed Balson, and members of American Legion, Post 4, Olongapo City (many of which are members of VFW Post 11447 Barrio Berretto Philippines) took part in a ceremony commemorating the turnover of Olongapo City from the United States Government to the Philippine Government 50 years ago on 07 December 1959 held at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center, Olongapo City. Mayor Bong Gordon addressing the assembled. All the great cities in the world have humble beginnings. Since the advent of the new world, to the enlightenment and the renaissance in Europe to the post-war periods, cities around the world had their share of tumultuous times. Through strong-willed determination and perseverance, progress was achieved and success was enjoyed, said Mayor James Bong Gordon in his opening message. The Mayor shared in detail, particularly to the students who were present, the history of Olongapo from being a small village to being recognized as one of the highly urbanized cities in the country through the contribution and concern of every resident of Olongapo City. Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Richard DeNoyer (left), Mayor Bong Gordon (center), and Postmaster General and CEO Hector R.R. Villanueva (right) standby at the start of the ceremony. VFW Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Richard DeNoyer,was the highest American official in attendance and had the honor of taking part in the ceremony representing the United States along with Mayor Gordon and Postmaster General Villanueva unveil the new commemorative postage stamp. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 7

Mayor Gordon and Postmaster General Villanueva led the launching and presentation of the Olongapo City Commemorative Stamps where Mayor Gordon and Postmaster Villanueva signed documents on stage to release 25,000 commemorative stamps into circulation which is also intended as a way of promoting tourism in Olongapo City. During the ceremony, the participants of the Gordon College acted out the signing of the documents relinquishing control of the Olongapo City area from the Unites States Government to the Philippine Government. what we now know as the VFW. DeNoyer spoke about the legacy and prosperity of Olongapo City as a seaport and a center of tourism between 1898-2009, spanning almost 111 years of United States and Philippines mutual cooperation, our relationship, hard fought freedom, and lasting friendship. After his speech, DeNoyer presented the United States Flag to Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajubo. Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Richard DeNoyer presents the flag of the United States to Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajubo. Brief History of Olongapo City VFW Department of Pacific Areas Comrades formed an Honor Guard. The Flag of the United States was lowered by the VFW Honor Guard, folded and presented to Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Richard DeNoyer who then presented it to the Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajubo. (Mayor Gordon was called away to an important meeting.) After the Imperial Japanese forces were defeated in 1945, the Republic of the Philippines was granted independence from the United States on 04 July 1946. The Philippines recognizes and celebrates the earlier Independence Day of 12 June 1898, when Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence after the Spanish-American War. Unlike the rest of the Philippines, Olongapo City continued to be governed as a part of the U.S. Naval Reservation until the lobbying efforts of James Gordon (half American-half Filipino) resulted in it being turned over to the Philippine government and converted into a municipality on 07 December 1959 and succeeded in having it reconverted to a chartered city on 01 June 1966, which administers itself autonomously from the Zambales Province. Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Richard DeNoyer addresses the assembled. Like his father before him, Mayor Richard Gordon, who was against departure of the U.S. military forces, lobbied for the turnover of the facility and its conversion into a Freeport Zone after the Senate of the Philippines rejected an extension of a treaty with the United States government. After the treaty for the Subic Bay Naval Station ran out, Richard Gordon, succeeded in getting the land turned into the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Shortly thereafter, most of the places that catered to the service members closed down, causing a severe impact on the local economy. Since that time, new businesses both in Olongapo City and at the freeport zone have sprung up and the economy is better now than it was before. --------------------------------------------------------------- Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Richard DeNoyer addressed the assembled thanking all for their hospitality and recognized city and government VIPs. DeNoyer spoke of the history between the United States and the Philippines and included the history of the VFW and Subic Bay having a shared beginning in 1898. It was in 1899 where veterans of the Spanish-American War who banded together to form VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 8

VIP DINNER Department Commander Jim Malott (left) Junior Vice Commander In Chief Richard DeNoyer (right) give remarks during the dinner. Dinner honoring Junior Vice Commander In Chief Richard DeNoyer s visit to the Department of Pacific Areas hosted by VFW Post 2485. ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES Comrades of the Department of Pacific Areas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States gathered in the evening of 07 December 2009 at the Post Home of VFW Post 2485 Member s Night celebration for a VIP dinner in honor of Junior Vice Commander In Chief Richard DeNoyer. DeNoyer thanked everyone for their hospitality and recognized official guests. He commented on his travel to the Department of Pacific Areas which was quite challenging and funny in the manner in which he relayed the events. He thanked Department Junior Vice Commander Hirshbein for his patience and diligence for his assistance. DeNoyer spoke of the 50th Anniversary Ceremony of the turnover of Olongapo City from the United States government to the Philippine government. He also spoke of VFW Membership and funding, VFW programs, and youth development programs. Comrades remember departed comrades and those who perished during the attack of Pearl Harbor Hawaii. Lafayette Donaldson, Chaplain, VFW Post 2485 rendered the closing prayer and remembered those who perished in Pearl Harbor Hawaii on Sunday, 07 December 1941 when Imperial Japanese Naval and Air Forces made their attach and entered the United States into World War II. Post Comander Larry Heilhecker (left) receives a check ftom Junior Vice Commander In Chief Richard DeNoyer (right). Comrades in attendance (left) and DeNoyer talks with comrades after the dinner (right). DeNoyer presented a check from the VFW National Headquarters for $3,500 to Post Commander Larry Heilhecker to be used for the maintenance and operation of Clark Cemetery in Angeles City. DeNoyer commented on the great work being done there at the cemetery and wished them continued success. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 9

District 1 Okinawa Japan VFW Post 9723, Naha, Okinawa Japan VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES COMRADES SUPPORT TROOPS IN OKINAWA BUDDY POPPY PROGRAM Marines enjoying a Thanksgiving Dinner. Presentation of donations made to the USO's Camp Hansen, Camp Schwab for the holiday dinners for the troops by members of VFW Post 9723. Buddy Poppy drive at Camp Foster Commissary. PEARL HARBOR REMEMBERED BY VFW POST 9723 Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony held at the Kadena NCO Club the VFW Message from National was read by Post Commander Stan Steward and a Prayer was given by the Chaplain. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 10

AWARD DISTRIBUTED AT POST MEETING AND COMRADE RUBS ELBOWS AT MARINE CORPS BALL Comrade James Evans of VFW Post 9723 and Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North USMC (Retired) (left Photo) and his daughter (right photo) at the Marine Corps Ball. Comrade Dennis Provencher presenting an award to VFW Post 9723 to Commander Stan Stewart during the Post meeting on 10 December 2009. Semper Fi VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 11

District 2 Mainland Japan DISTRICT 2 MAINLAND JAPAN COMRADES PAY RESPECTS AT CLARK CEMETERY PHILIPPINES Post Commander Robert Moses of VFW Post 9555 and District Junior Vice Commander Joe Mortimer of District 2 Mainland Japan, pay respects to Past Commander District 2 Mainland Japan Virgil Eugene Gene Gann. Moses (left) and Mortimer (right) stand by the Bataan Death March Memorial Marker. While at Clark Cemetery Moses and Mortimer took time to remember the fallen from the Bataan Death March and all others buried at the Clark Cemetery. ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES On the hot sunny afternoon of 09 December 2009, Post Commander Robert Moses of VFW Post 9555 and District Junior Vice Commander Joe Mortimer of District 2 Mainland Japan, traveled to Clark Cemetery while in Angeles City after the DPA CofA to pay respects to Past Commander District 2 Mainland Japan Virgil Eugene Gene Gann, who passed away on 10 October 2007 while serving as Commander VFW Post 11447, Barrio Berretto, District 7 Philippines. Gene Gann was a former District Commander of District 2 Mainland Japan. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 12

VFW POST 9612 S TALE OF TWO SANTAS So, who has been naughty and who has been nice? Ho! Ho!! Hoooooo!!! CAMP ZAMA Pete Carter NAF ATSUGI Joe Mortimer CAMP ZAMA, JAPAN Pete Carter, Life Member, VFW Post 9612 has a chat with to what she wants for Christmas. Santa Claus, played by Peter Carter, handed each child a candy cane and assured them that this would be the best Christmas ever. Pete, a natural Santa, has been volunteering at the annual Camp Zama community Holiday Concert and Tree Lighting Ceremonies for 10 years. NAF ATSUGI, JAPAN On 1 December 2009, Joe Mortimer, Commander, VFW Post 9612, suits up as Santa for the Fleet and Family Support Center New Parent s Support Program Kids Christmas Party coordinated my Comrade Sakae Suralie of VFW Post 9612. Later that evening, Joe, an artificial Santa, arrived on top of a fire truck for the Tree Lighting Festival on U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 13

District 3 Korea VFW DISTRICT 3 KOREA REMEMBERS COLONEL MILLETT OSAN, SOUTH KOREA District III Korea is sad to report that Colonel Lewis L. Millett, Medal of Honor recipient and Korean War Hero, passed away on 14 November 2009. He is best known for his heroic actions on 07 February 1951 at Hill 180 on present day Osan Air Base, Korea. He and his men are the namesake for VFW Post 10216 "Hill 180 Memorial Post 10216" of Songtan, Korea. Lewis L. Millett, 88, a retired Army colonel and veteran of three wars who received a Medal of Honor for leading a bayonet charge up a heavily defended hill during the Korean War, died 14 November 2009 at a hospital in Loma Linda, California. Colonel Millett was a resident of Idyllwild, California. In a 31-year career in the Army that included service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, Colonel Millett received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, three Bronze Stars, four Purple Hearts, and three Air Medals. He was captain of E Company, Second Battalion of the 25th Infantry Division's 27th Infantry Regiment in Korea on 07 February 1951, when he demonstrated what his Medal of Honor citation describes as his "superb leadership, conspicuous courage and consummate devotion to duty." Colonel Millett and his men were patrolling in the vicinity of Soam-Ni when they encountered enemy troops along a ridge known as Hill 180. After one of his platoons was pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and antitank fire, Col.onel Millett ordered his men to fix bayonets. He then led an assault up the hill, where, according to his citation, he "bayoneted two enemy soldiers and boldly continued on, throwing grenades, clubbing and bayoneting the enemy, while urging his men forward by shouting encouragement." Despite heavy enemy fire, the fierce hand-to-hand assault continued to the top of the hill. Although Colonel Millett was wounded by grenade fragments, he refused to be evacuated until the hill was secured. Historian S.L.A. Marshall later wrote that the Millett-led assault up Hill 180 was "the most complete bayonet charge by American troops since Cold Harbor," an 1864 Civil War battle. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 14

OSAN RETREAT CEREMONY IN HONOR OF COLONEL LEWIS L. MILLETT (MEDAL OF HONOR) OSAN, SOUTH KOREA Osan Air Base and VFW Post 10216 held a solemn Retreat Ceremony on 14 December to honor Medal of Honor recipient Lewis L. Millett. This event was dedicated to Col. Lewis Millett, an Army veteran of three wars who received the Medal of Honor for leading a bayonet charge up at Hill 180 located here at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Colonel Millett died November 14 at 88 years old. Colonel Millett served 31 years in the Army and had a career that included service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Colonel Millett received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, three Bronze Stars, four Purple Hearts, and three Air Medals. The Battle of Bayonet Hill is the namesake for VFW Post 10216 Hill 180 Memorial Post. Honor Guard members pass the flag in a memorial ceremony dedicated to Col. Lewis Millett. VFW Post 10216 Commander Shawn Watson and VFW Post member and Korean War veteran Curley Knepp are shown in the background. The ceremony took place at Osan s Hill 180 Memorial park and was hosted by the US Army s Battlefield Coordination Detachment and VFW Post 10216. Major (Retired) Curley Knepp, Korean War Veteran and honored member of VFW Post 10216. The Honor Guard members are also VFW members. Over 30 VFW members attended, to include many active duty members from our adopt-a-unit 303rd Intelligence Squadron. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 15

VFW Post 10216, Songtan Korea VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES RECRUITING AWARD RECOGNITION FOR VFW POST 10216 COMRADES Commander Watson presents a recruiting pin to Commander Watson presents a recruiting pin to SVC Hammerstrom. Commander Watson presents a recruiting awards to Doc Higgins Commander Watson presents a recruiting pin to Alan Laughter. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 16

Pup Tent #1, Honey Bucket Special Grand of the Pacific, Military Order of the Cootie PUP TENT 1 COOTIE ELECTED AS GRAND JVC PUP TENT 1 COOTIES ATTEND SCRATCH WITH PUP TENT 15 IN THE PHILIPPINES (Left photo) The new Grand of the Pacific Junior Vice Commander (Little Bug left) Kevin Mitchell was installed into office by Past Grand Commander Ken Swierzewski. (Right photo) Cootie ONE. Hide Gimlet Mortimer and Cootis Moses (center of the herd). Cootie ONE says, What a sorry excuse for a Grand JVC I might say,... and I did just say!!! What s a Cootie to do? Aim High, Kevin!!! (Sigh, ) ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES Seam Squirrel Joe Carsley of Pup Tent 15 in the happy fertile hunting grounds of Mighty Pinatubo Pup Tent in the Philippines saw fit to invite Cooties Robert Moses and Joe Mortimer, Hide Gimlet of Pup Tent 1, Honey Bucket Special in the happy fertile hunting grounds of Mainland Japan to attend their Scratch on the following day of 08 December 2009, to which Cootie Mortimer replied, Eh, why not! Wouldn t you know it, but there were a whole swarm of Cooties mucking about the premises. Along with the Cooties of Pup Tent 15, there was Cootie Larry Lyons of Pup Tent 2, Cootie Doc Higging and Cootie Andy Prowant of Pup Tent 8, Cootie Bill Wichman of Pup Tent 11, and Cooties Robert Moses and myself from Pup Tent 1. What a ruddy bunch of Cooties to be for sure. During this lousy Scratch they had the gall to ask for donations for an orphanage Christmas Party for 75 orphans. Well, it was for a good cause so, Cootie Mortimer donated 500 Pisos and not to be out done, Cootie Prowant donated 1,000 Pisos, --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 17

Department and Grand Announcements DPA ALL-STATE PROGRAM FOR 2009-2010 To view the Department of Pacific Areas All State Program, please click on the link below: DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS GRAVE DIGGERS http://vfwdeptpacific.org/awards%20programs/allstatedpa.pdf --------------------------------------------------------------- POST COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORTS All members please submit! Reminder to submit your Monthly Volunteer / Community Service Reports to your Post Junior Vice Commander as directed by your Posts. Reports are due on the Department Website on or before the last day of each month for that month. --------------------------------------------------------------- VFW BUDDY POPPY DONATIONS Become a member and support the Department of Pacific Areas Grave Diggers Program which is open to anyone who has a desire to support the Clark Cemetery. To use our PDF "fill-able" application form log onto: http://www.vfwpost2485.com/grave_diggers.pdf - Please mail your application and membership fee, as well as any future donations to: Donations for Buddy Poppys are greatly appreciated and accepted. Please see your Post Buddy Poppy Chairman for details. --------------------------------------------------------------- MOC PADDY DADDY PROGRAM VFW Post 2485 Attn: Grave Diggers PSC 517, Box RC-V FPO AP 96517-1000 If you make a donation or become a member of the Grave Diggers, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster. --------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS CLARK CEMETERY M.O.C. Grand of the Pacific is asking you to help support the Paddy Daddy Program. Applications are available online on the VFW Department of Pacific Areas website: The Paddy Daddy Application for signing up Comrades, Cooties, Friends, Family, and yes, even your Pets can be signed up! Please fill out as many applications as you like for a very good cause. The VFW National Home Special Project is the recipient of the proceeds from our very own program in the Pacific Areas. Send the application to me along with a check made out to Ee CHI GAE Pup Tent #2, in the amount of US$25.00, and I will promptly prepare your Certificate, Card and Pin and mail them to you. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to e-mail bthaney@vfw10223.org. Yours in Comradeship, L.O.T.C.S. Billy Haney Seam Squirrel Pup Tent #2 Military order of the Cootie Paddy Daddy Chairman Clark Cemetery Maintenance Fund donations accepted to support the maintenance of this cemetery, which is completely dependent on individual and group donations. VFW Post 2485, located in Angeles City, Philippines, is the caretaker of Clark Cemetery for the VFW Department of Pacific Areas and is in need of your help. http://www.vfwpost2485.com/cemetery.htm If you make a donation, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 18

MEMBERSHIP RECRUITING LIFE MEMBERSHIP VERSUS ANNUAL CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP VFW LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP Keep on recruiting and see how far we can get beyond our Bag Limit! ------------------------------------------- IS YOUR MEMBERSHIP UP TO DATE Are you a member in good standing? Look at your membership card. If it is about to expire, renew it today or better yet, go LIFE MEMBERSHIP and save money over time. It s never too late to switch to a Life Membership and you never have to worry about rate increases or remembering to renew! ------------------------------------------- MEMBERSHIP RECRUITING AND APPLICATION PROCESSING Membership is the future of our organization. All comrades should be willing assist with a membership growth and/or help the post in whatever needs to be done. When you are submitting an application for membership for a perspective new member, it is important to ensure you have it completed properly so as not to delay the processing. At the next Post Monthly General Business Meeting, the applications will be reviewed for completeness and voted on before submission to the VFW National Headquarters. To ensure no delays in processing: - Ensure you complete the application fully, - Include proof of eligibility, - Payment in the form of a check, money order, credit card, or cash for either Life Membership or Annual Membership. (Checks and money orders will be made out to VFW Post. ) Temporary membership is then granted to attend VFW Meetings and events with the Post until such time as the newly recruited Comrade receives their VFW Membership Card from the VFW National Headquarters with full membership benefits. 2009-2010 Life Membership: Up to Age 30 - $425.00 Age 31 through 40 - $410.00 Age 41 through 50 - $375.00 Age 51 through 60 - $335.00 Age 61 through 70 - $290.00 Age 71 through 80 - $225.00 Age 81 and Older - $170.00 It s not what you paid to be a member, it s what you paid to be eligible. Legacy Life Member levels (left to right) are Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The VFW's Legacy Life Membership provides an opportunity for Life Members to leave their mark on the nation's largest combat veterans' organization. Available only to current Life Members, the new Legacy Life Membership not only offers expanded and exclusive benefits, but also helps ensure that the VFW's good work will continue for generations to come. Legacy Life Members can select from three membership categories: Gold, Silver, or Bronze. Each offers a selection of exclusive benefits. Once activated, your membership will endow additional income - made in your name - that will provide a stable financial foundation for both your Post and the VFW. For more information logon to: http://www.vfw.org -------------------------------------------????????? Have you asked someone to join today? What are you waiting for? VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 19

DEPARTMENT FUNDRAISER Comrades, We have these beautiful VFW lapel pins (or can be used as tie tac) to raise funds for VFW Department of Pacific Areas. The price is US$3.00 for each pin. Let me know how many of the Eagle or Cross of Malta pins you would like for your Post or yourself. They make great give aways to your VFW friends. LOOK HERE! Place your order and advise your APO mailing address and I will forward. Payment should be made to VFW Department of Pacific Areas, but please send the check to me so I can account for all the pins and receipts before turning over to Tony. Let me know how many of each kind you want. My mailing address is: RAO (9951) c/o Chief, Jusmagthai APO AP 96546 Yours in comradeship, James Oden Senior Vice Commander Department of Pacific Areas --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VFW National Headquarters Announcements If you make a donation, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster. The VFW provides numerous services to military service members and their families. The three main efforts of the VFW Military Services department are: Click and see how you can help: http://www.vfw.org/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See you in the next edition! VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 20