VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS GUIDE TO THE GO: DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA Articles are listed by number not by pages: Faithfully Serving the Deserving NUMBER 7 January 1, 2015 403 Lee Jackson Highway Staunton, Virginia 24401 (540) 886-8112 FAX: 866-416-0586 In Virginia 800-888-3521 Website: www.vfwva.org Email: stateheadquarters@va.vfwwebmail.com GUIDE TO THE GO: Articles are listed by number not by pages: 1. Commander s Message 2. District Meetings 3. Buddy Poppy Increase 4. By-Laws and Manual of Procedure 5. Closing 6. Day on the Hill 7. E-Mail Account Access 8. General Orders 9. Important Dates 10. Leadership Reference Guide 11. Legacy Life Membership 12. Legislative 13. Membership 14. National Personnel Records Center 15. Patriot s Pen Essay 16. Patriot s Pen Winners 17. Post Officers 18. Reporting 19. Roster Updates 20. Teacher of the Year 21. Voice of Democracy Essay 22. Voice of Democracy Winners 1. COMMANDER S MESSAGE: By the time you read this message, we will be in the seventh month of the 2014-2015 Membership Year. All of our core programs, Voice of Democracy, Patriot s Pen, and the Teachers of the Year are completed. I want to thank all the Posts and Auxiliaries who participated in these programs, unfortunately only a small percentage of Posts in the Department participated. My question is Why? The old excuse is nobody wants to do anything, maybe it s because nobody asks them to do something. If that is the case, or maybe the excuse then it might be time for your Post to consider changing leadership or maybe it s time for you as a member to step up and turn things around. Active Posts don t lose membership, they increase it. Being a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is not a right, it s earned, be proud of who you are and proud of our organization. NOBODY DOES MORE FOR VETERANS. 2. DISTRICT MEETINGS: Yours in Comradeship, Earle P. (Buddy) Weekley, Jr. Department Commander 1 st Date: 02/07/15 Meeting: 11:00 AM Lunch: to follow meeting Location: Post 2296, Tasley 21503 Daugherty Rd Buddy Weekley 2 nd Date: 02/28/15 Lunch: 12:00 Noon Location: Post 4411, Franklin 3385 Beaverdam Rd Buddy Weekley 3 rd Date: 02/21/15 Meeting: 10:00 AM Lunch: To follow meeting Location: Post 637, Hopewell 1400 Lynchburg Street Ken Wiseman State Surgeon 4 th Date: 02/07/15 Meeting: 2:00 PM Lunch: To follow Meeting Location: Post 8759, Amelia Amelia City Veterans Ctn Tom Gimble State Jr. Vice Commander
5 th Date: 02/14/15 Lunch: To follow Meeting Meeting: 12:00 Noon Location: Post 4637, Martinsville 2327 Old Chatham Road Mike Boehme State Judge Advocate 6 th Date: 02/08/15 Meeting: 2:00 PM Lunch: to follow Meeting Location: Post 4491, New Castle 295 Hunters Drive Doug Keller State Sr. Vice Commander 7 th Date: 03/08/15 Lunch: 11:30 AM Location: Post 8613, Shenandoah 1103 Varina Ave Doug Keller State Sr. Vice Commander 8 th Date: 02/22/15 Location: Post 3103, Fredericksburg 2701 Princess Anne St. Ken Wiseman State Surgeon 9 th Date: 1/18/15 Registration: 10:00 AM Lunch: 12:00 Noon Location: Post 4667, Marion 861 Goolsby Street Buddy Weekley 10 th Date: 03/15/15 Lunch: 11:30 AM Location: Post 8241, McLean 1051 Springhill Road Mike Boehme State Judge Advocate 11 th Date: 1/17/15 Lunch: After meeting Meeting: 11:30 AM Location: Post 1499, Lexington 105 Memorial Lane Doug Keller State Sr. Vice Commander 12 th Date: 1/17/15 Registration: 10:00 AM Meeting: 11:00 AM Location: Prime Steak House, Norton Tom Gimble State Jr. Vice Commander 13 th Date: 01/24/15 Lunch: 12:00 Noon Meeting: To follow Lunch Location: Post 7638, Gordonsville 10271 Gordon Ave Buddy Weekley 3. BUDDY POPPY INCREASE: The Council of Administration voted to increase the price of Buddy Poppies $20 per 1000 as of October 1, 2014. The new prices will be $65.00 for boxes of 500, $130.00 for boxes of 1000 and $260.00 for boxes of 2000. 4. BY-LAWS AND MANUAL OF PROCEDURE: All officers should obtain current 2015 copies of the podium edition of the Congressional Charter, By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual. Copies of the revised edition of the Congressional Charter, By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual are available through the VFW Store at National Headquarters. The 2015 revised edition reflects the amendments adopted by the 115th National Convention, which became effective on August 20, 2014. 5. CLOSING: State Headquarters will be closed January 19 th, 2015. 6. DAY ON THE HILL: Comrades, our annual Day on the Hill in Richmond will be January 15, 2015. The Day on the Hill is our time to present the issues that are important to Virginia Veterans to our Legislators at the State Capitol. I encourage you to
plan to attend this very important event, remembering that there is strength in numbers. We will meet at Post 9808 in Mechanicsville at 0800 to have a short planning and organizational meeting. The comrades from Post 9808 will once again provide transportation to the Hill and back to the Post. We will be finished and back at the Post by 1500. If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 703 851 5822 or email tfgimble@gmail.com. I hope to see you all on January 15, 2015. Yours in Comradeship Tom Gimble Legislative Committee Chairman 7. E-MAIL ACCOUNT ACCESS: All email accounts will be reset so the new Officers can take control of their emails as of June 10 th. This will be the primary means of sending correspondence from State Headquarters to Post and District Officers. You will receive all General Orders, special notices and any other documentation that you need via email. This will help cut down on postal expenses and speed up the response time for you receiving the information. Here are directions for logging into your new account for the first time. 1. Go to Department web site www.vfwva.org 2. Click on Member Tools, VFW webmail. 3. The user name is your email address; put that on the first line (see below for your new address). 4. Your default password will be Virginia1 once you have accessed the mail program you will be asked to change it, it must contain at least one uppercase letter and one number. For District Officers your address will be cdrdist1@va.vfwwebmail.com or adjdist1@va.vfwwebmail.com or qmdist1@va.vfwwebmail.com for Districts other than the first just replace the 1 with your District #. For Post Officers your address will be cdrpost176@va.vfwwebmail.com or adjpost176@va.vfwwebmail.com or qmpost176@va.vfwwebmail.com for Post other than 176 just replace the 176 with your Post #. All Posts should prepare now for the full transition to the computer age. You can always find a library to get online. 8. GENERAL ORDERS: The cut off for the General Orders is the 20P th P of the month. No EXCEPTIONS. Subscriptions for hard copy via USPS for General Orders are $24.00 for the year. Please contact State Headquarters for more info. 9. IMPORTANT DATES: January 9-11, 2015 Winter Council, Williamsburg, VA Room Rate $70.00, cut-off date 12-17-14. June 11-14, 2015 Department Convention, Williamsburg, VA. Room Rate $87.00, cut-off date 5-20-15. Phone 757-220-2250. 10. LEADERSHIP REFERENCE GUIDE: Attention Post Commanders and Quartermasters: the VFW Leadership Reference Guide is now available online at the National VFW website (www.vfw.org). You will have to create an account and log on as a VFW member to be able to view or print it. 11. LEGACY LIFE MEMBERSHIP: 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 12. LEGISLATIVE: What will your Legacy be? ALL Comrades should be signed up to receive the VFW Action Corps Weekly. This bulletin provides us with a brief snapshot into what s taking place relative to legislatives issues concerning the VA, national security, our armed forces and other items that affect Veterans and their families. It provides you with a means to stay abreast about what s going on in Washington DC and around the world (i.e. recent notices of the identification of remains of those previously listed as MIA). If there is an item featured and you want to learn more about that particular issue because it affects you personally or someone you know, it can direct you to more in-depth information. Informed Veterans are ready to ask the right questions of their legislators and legislators know that Veterans and their families Vote. To sign up for this important e-mail service please contact Doc Crouch at cgdc1@juno.com or (703) 319-0845. 13. MEMBERSHIP: Commanders and Comrades, C. D. Doc Crouch Member National Legislative Committee We have used up half of Buddy's year. Are you satisfied with the membership of your District or Post? I hope to see improvement in the percentages from this point forward. If your annuals have not renewed by now, you have to renew them or recruit new members to replace them. We only have six months left to reach our goal of 100% for the Department. Most Posts depend on writing letters or calling by phone to renew their members. I believe this only works about 20% of the time. The best way is to send out two member teams to visit these comrades in person. I realize this takes a lot more effort and cost a little more than the letter and phone call, but the success rate is much higher. I hope you will make every effort to renew all of your members. Recruiting new members is easy; however keeping them in the Post is the problem. This is where leadership of the Post is critical. You, as Officers of the Post, must lead by example. Don't ask your members to go out and recruit if you are unwilling to do so. Change is one of the three certain things in life, the others are taxes and death. Will you lead your Post in changing a little to make the younger veterans, male and female, feel welcome? If ignored they will not come to many meetings. Then you have to go out and recruit more members to replace them. Makes sense to try to keep what you already have. I will be talking to District Commanders at Winter Council about visiting some Post in their Districts. We will try to work with them to raise their membership percentages and resolve any others problems they may have while in the area. The State Team is looking forward to visiting and helping train recruiters at the Post level while we are helping with membership. The holidays are behind us now and we have clear sailing for a while. Weather can be difficult at times but we can usually work around it. If your Post would like help with planning or execution of a membership event, please don't hesitate to contact me or State HQ. 14. NATIONAL PERSONNEL RECORDS CENTER: Yours in Comradeship, Tom Hines-PDC Membership Chairman The National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri moved in May 2011 but they are still receiving mail at their old address which delays responses to the veterans. Please ensure that all requests are addressed to their new mailing address at: National Personnel Records Center, Military Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138-1002. Please share this information to all your fellow veterans.
15. PATRIOT S PEN ESSAY: I appreciate American veterans for the many sacrifices they make so that we can live in freedom. Their Bravery and devotion to our country should be appreciated every day. They risked their lives so that our country could remain free and we could live without fear. Without our veterans we wouldn t have the freedom and rights that we have today. Over the summer, my family visited the Vietnam memorial in Washington DC. This was the first time that I had visited this memorial and it made a huge impact on me. Seeing all of those names of soldiers we lost in the Vietnam War was a surprise. So many people fought in that war and lost their lives. This memorial is a symbol of the sacrifices that our veterans made for our freedom. It reminded me how selfless our American veterans were that they gave up their lives for our safety. I appreciate our veterans because of all the sacrifices they have made so that we can live in freedom every day. So many countries I see on the news don t have the same freedoms. I can t imagine living in a world of fear like some of those other countries. I have the American Veterans to thank for this freedom. They sacrificed their live during training and battle. They put their life in danger every day. Their sacrificed their family life so that I can have a family. These sacrifices were made by our veterans without hesitation, because they knew they were fighting for their families and other families across the United States. I also appreciate our American veterans because I know how much hard work goes into being a soldier. They spend countless hours training for their missions. Just last week, my cousin who is in the National Guard had to complete a training exercise. The training exercise consisted of climbing down a rope out of a helicopter and then running12 miles with a 30 pound pack on his back. The exercise had to be completed in 3 hours. This is a very difficult task. My cousin trained for months to be able to complete this. American veterans trained very hard so that they would be prepared in battle. Due to their hard work, we have remained free and safe. The training, sacrifices, bravery and their devotion to our country is why I appreciate our American Veterans every day. 16. PATRIOT S PEN WINNERS: Parker C Moore 1 st Place Department Winner Patriot s Pen 2014-2015 Listed below are the winners of the Patriots Pen essay contest. Thank You to all of the Posts that participated. We had entries from all 13 Districts. Virginia s first place essay has been sent to National and we wish him the best of luck. 1st Place-Parker Moore, District 4 2nd Place-Zane Ruzicka, District 1 3rd Place -Caleb Hanger, District 7 17. POST OFFICERS: Joe Martin / Don Hall Patriot s Pen Chairmen Attention to Section 215 of National By-Laws state in part Any officer or committee member whose membership is not in good standing by reason of failure to pay current dues by December 31 shall forfeit his eligibility to hold any office in that administrative year. 18. REPORTING: Comrades to view whether your Post has submitted an Audit Report, Americanism, Community Service, Safety, Youth or Hospital report you will have to visit the Department website (www.vfwva.org). The website is updated daily. If you have any questions please call State Headquarters. There will be no form for Homeless when reporting for assistance to a homeless veteran please put it on a Community Activity report under aid to others.
19. ROSTER UPDATES: New Sr. Vice Commander VFW Post 1177 Ferman Shingleton 20246 Broad Run Dr. Sterling, VA 20165 703-430-2547 New Quartermaster VFW Post 3782 Rodney Owens 568 Owens Br Haysi, VA 24256 276-865-4397 20. TEACHER OF THE YEAR: 2014-2015 Department Teacher of the Year Winners K-5 Ann Komara Post 8644, District 11 6-8 Kathryn Ingram Post 2820, District 5 9-12 Craig Blackman Post 2894, District 2 21. VOICE OF DEMOCRACY ESSAY: Why Veterans are Important to our Nation's History and Future Voice of Democracy 2014 I fly high because of American veterans. I am the flag of the United States. Those who serve in the military are vital to our nation because they define our history and ensure our future. The military is a proving ground, weaving a tapestry of discipline, patriotism, and a hard work ethic in times of peace and war. Veterans have always been at the forefront of all that is best for our country. They lead the way in technological advances, health innovations, integration and equality for women, sending a steady stream of well trained, dedicated and patriotic citizens into the fabric of our country. Veterans, the wars they fight and the peace they keep, define our history. Nothing represents veterans more than me, the flag, and because of them I fly high. I fly high over Lexington and Concord. From the beginning of US history, Revolutionary War veterans displayed the American spirit and determination that would define the nation. These strong individuals could no longer tolerate being oppressed by a government that did not represent them. They had to be free, for themselves and for their future. I fly high over Tripoli. This conflict with the Barbary Pirates established America's sea superiority. Marines and Sailors began a precedent for American projection of power as the country went outside her borders onto the world's stage and protected her own interests. I fly high over Appomattox Courthouse. My face of stars and stripes changed as soldiers fought to keep the Union together during a pivotal moment in history. Civil war medics advanced modern medicine, pioneering the ambulance, anesthesia and triage. I fly high over the Western Front. Sailing across the Atlantic, American service members were instrumental in turning the tide of the First World War. Because of their selflessness in answering the call to duty, America was in a prime position to become a global leader. I fly high over Mount Suribachi. As the men of World War Two fought in Europe and the Pacific, American women joined the fight against tyranny and injustice. These veterans broke the gender barrier, furthering equality in America. Veterans came home from war and used the GI Bill to get an education they would not have otherwise obtained, leading to the strengthening of the middle class. I fly high over Inchon. During the Korean War, the military recognized that blacks and whites bleed the same and led the charge, desegregating combat units years before schools and neighborhoods became integrated. Veterans have always been on the forefront of American social progress. I fly high over Hue City. In Vietnam, many of our brightest and best sacrificed for America and came back to closed doors. Our nation learned a hard lesson about the value of our veterans and the honor they deserve. Never again would we take our service members for granted.
I continue to fly high over Afghanistan, in the skies of Iraq and Syria and around the world, as our veterans engage in a multifaceted conflict in an era of terrorism. Technologies developed for veterans benefit a wide variety of Americans. Many advances in chemistry, astrophysics, psychology, engineering, biological sciences and the Internet have their beginnings with veterans. Our veterans are the backbone of our nation, leading the way in all that is highest and best. Over the years thousands have left military service to become leaders in their communities around the country. John Kennedy, George Bush, John Glenn, Elvis Presley, Jackie Robinson and Dr. Seuss served their country along with countless others. Our veterans come from every walk of life and corner of the nation and they represent a kaleidoscope of American industry, creativity, philanthropy, innovation and leadership. When their intrepid bravery and selfless sacrifice are called upon again, our veterans will step up to the plate, and protect the future of America. I fly high over a land of the free because of the brave. America's veterans are America. Because of them, our past is illustrious and our future is bright. 22. VOICE OF DEMOCRACY WINNERS: Congratulations to District 10, District 2 and District 12 for submitting the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place VOD competition winning entries. 1 st Place- Brady Jernigan, District 10, Post609 2 nd Place-Erin Hamson, District 2, Post 392 3 rd Place- Emmily Woods, District 12, Post 8652 Thank you to everyone who participated in and supported this important youth program. All of the audio essays were of excellent quality. 13 of 13 Districts participated. In Comradeship, Don Westerlund Department VOD Chairman Official: By Order of: Kim A. DeShano State Adjutant Earle P. Weekley Jr.
DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES AND LADIES AUXILIARY Winter Council of Administration Meeting January 9 - January 11, 2015 Fort Magruder Hotel and Conference Center Williamsburg, Virginia 757-220-2250 9:00 AM 4:00 PM Recruiting Class Jefferson Davis Amphitheater 3:00 PM 5:00 PM Information Table Open Petersburg Hall Foyer 5:00 PM 6:00 PM Ladies Auxiliary Line Officers Meeting Dept. President s Room 6:30 PM 7:00 PM District Presidents Meeting w/program Chairman General Hill s/mcclellan s 7:00 PM 9:00 PM Ladies Auxiliary Council Meeting General Hill s/mcclellan s 9:00 PM 1:00 AM Military Order of the Cootie Dance McClellan s SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015 8:00 AM 3:00 PM Information Table Open Petersburg Hall Foyer 8:30 AM 9:00 AM Commanders Club Meeting Petersburg Hall 8:15 AM 8:45 AM Ladies Auxiliary Floor Practice General Hill s/mcclellan s 9:00 AM 9:30 AM National Military Services Workshop Petersburg Hall 9:00 AM 2:00 PM Ladies Auxiliary Conference Meeting General Hill s/mcclellan s 9:00 AM 4:00 PM Service Officer Training Jefferson Davis Amphitheater 9:30 AM 10:30 AM Open forum (members questions) Petersburg Hall 10:00 AM NOON MOC Council of Administration Meeting Lees 10:30 AM 11:30 PM Membership & Recruiting Workshop Petersburg Hall 11:30 AM 1:00 PM Cash Lunch furnished by Hotel 1:00 PM 4:00 PM VFW Council of Administration Meeting Petersburg Hall 2:30 PM 3:00 PM Ladies Auxiliary Program Chairmen Dept. President s Room 3:00 PM 5:00 PM MOCA Council of Administration Meeting Lees 5:30 PM 6:30 PM Reception General Emory s 6:30 PM 9:00 PM Banquet-Guest Speaker John A Biedrzycki Richmond Hall SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2015 9:00 AM 9:30 AM Joint Devotional Service Longstreet 9:30 AM NOON Ladies Auxiliary Conference, if needed Richmond Hall 9:30 AM NOON VFW Council of Admin. Meeting, if needed Petersburg Hall BANQUET TICKETS: $45.00 Includes Reception and Banquet. THERE WILL BE NO SATURDAY NIGHT DANCE. FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE MUST BE PURCHASED FROM THE MILITARY ORDER OF THE COOTIE. Department Hospitality Room - Kearney s Tenth District Hospitality Room 367 Third District Hospitality Room 467 (Tentative schedule subject to change)
REGISTRATION DEADLINE JANUARY 2 nd WINTER COUNCIL MEETING January 9 11, 2015 Fort Magruder Hotel and Conference Center ~ Williamsburg, Virginia ~ 757-220-2250 ~ $70.00 Per night (Group Rate Deadline is December 17 th ) PRE REGISTRATION FOR BANQUET TICKET $45.00 INCLUDES RECEPTION AND DINNER BANQUET ALL TICKETS MUST BE PRE-PURCHASED. THERE WILL BE NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE WINTER COUNCIL MEETING. There will be no Dance Saturday night. Dinner Menu Boneless Breast of Chicken with Chef s Choice of Sauce OR Pork Loin topped with Herbed Garlic Cream Sauce Served with: Chef s Choice of Starch and Vegetable Mixed Greens Salad with Ranch and Italian Dressings Warm Rolls and Butter Dessert Coffee/Decaffeinated Coffee/Hot Tea RETURN THIS PORTION TO STATE HEADQUARTERS BY JANUARY 2, 2015 (NO EXCEPTIONS) Check, Discover, American Express, Visa, or MasterCard Accepted Person placing the order (name) Phone: Please fill out completely for each person you are registering including Post number or Auxiliary number: Please charge my card: $ Name on Card: Please Circle One: Discover American Express MasterCard Visa SIGNATURE: Card Number: Exp. Date: Mail form to: State Headquarters, 403 Lee Jackson Highway, Staunton, VA 24401 You may also e-mail this form to: stateheadquarters@va.vfwwebmail.com or fax it to: 1-866-416-0586 if paying by Credit Card only Pre-paid tickets will not be mailed to you; they will be available for pick up at registration.