Vol. 64, No. 2 by JM Publishing

AMVET NEWS MICHIGAN

Summer, 2009

SERVING VETERANS SINCE 1945

Vol. 64, No. 2

COMMANDER'S CORNER

BY CMDR. Mary Wilseck

s I write this article, my last article as your State Commander, I’m just sitting here, contemplating how my year State Commander has gone. I do hope that I have served you, as your State commander, as you have wished me to. I have done my best. This year was different from any other year, most of our past State Commanders have had in the past. We’ve faced many difficulties and are still facing some decisions that most of us do not want to have to make. There are things stirring in Lansing that you will be hearing about soon. Hopefully, these things will be straightened out by the state convention. If not, we will be addressing them at the state convention. Get your delegates together! Please try to send

a full delegation to our 65th Department of Michigan, State Convention being held June 25th thru the 28th at the Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie. The first Convention Call has been sent out to all SEC members, Service Foundation members and all Post Commanders announcing the State Convention with all pertinent information. Please share this information with your post. AMVETS, Department of Michigan is yours. Please send your representatives to the Soo. Hope to see as many people there as possible. Again, thank you for letting me serve you. God bless you! 

1st Vice Commander's Report Bob Downer Candidate For Department Commander

MVETS POST 2273 and District III proudly supports Bob Downer for Department Commander. Bob enlisted into the U.S. Navy January 1969. After attending Hospital Corpsman “ A “ school he was stationed at Portsmouth Naval Hospital Virginia. Eighteen months later he attended Electrocardiograph (EKG) class “ C “ school and then was given orders to Oakland Naval Hospital Cardiology Lab in California. Upon completion of his four-year enlistment Bob was transferred to US Naval Reserve and received his Honorable Discharge in January, 1973. Bob joined AMVETS in 1998 where he got a quick lesson in an officer position and was Commander three years. He has held every position in his post including bar manager for five years and post adjutant the last five years. At District level Bob has held most offices including Commander for three years and is currently District Finance officer. On state level Bob has held the positions of Provost Marshall, Finance Officer, 2nd Vice Commander, Commander Butler’s Aide De Camp, currently serving as 1st Vice Commander and National Deputy Provost Marshall. Bob is currently serving on several District, State and National Committees. He is a member of Sad Sacks (Nickel Sack V), State Sadder 53 and serving as National Almost Not Quite. He was Department AMVET of the Year 2005. Bob is also AMVETS AlterNet Rep. to the Great Lakes National Cemetery (He is on the Honor Guard the 2nd Tuesday of every month) and AMVET representative to Michigan Veterans Trust Fund for Shiawassee County. Bob is a member of AMVET Riders, Durand Moose Lodge 2508, Eagle Club 3851, American Legion Post 57, Sons Of Spanish American War Veterans, Durand Lions Club (Past President and currently serving as Sight and Hearing Chairman) and Durand Patriots (Bob was one of several people that started this organization and still holds the position of Vice Chairman). Bob and his wife Liz have been married for 39 years. They have three children and five grandchildren. Bob owned his own business for 11 years while working at General Motors as a supervisor until he retired in 1998. They live in Durand, MI. 

By Bob Downer 1st Vice Commander

Be Sure to Check out all the Candidates In this issue...

Details on

page 6

Amvets

Upcoming Events

Department Of Michigan 2008-2009 State Executive Committee

Department Commander ........................................................ Mary Wilseck 1st Vice Commander.............................................................Robert Downer 2nd Vice Commander................................................................Vincent Carr Finance Officer..................................................................Anthony M. Lema Judge Advocate.............................................................. Daren R. Heckman Provost Marshal........................................................................Jean Bennett Nec Man....................................................................Pdc Dennis M. Butler Alternate Nec . ................................................................. Pdc John Dowd Immediate Pdc ........................................................ Fred Schwarzwalder District I Commander............................................................James Meloche District Ii Commander.............................................................Andrew Cicala District Iii Commander....................................................Michael Wainwright District Iv Commander.................................................................Alan Abels District V Commander............................................................ Roger Lanting District Vi Commander.....................................................Ivan D. Robertson District Vii Commander.......................................................... Charles Sliger Executive & Service Director..............................................Glenda Cogswell Aide De Camp......................................................................James Meloche Chaplain............................................................................... James Metzger Legislative Director...................................................................Alan Norman Inspector General...................................................................Eloise Hosken Department PRO................................................................... Martin Bennett

65th Department of Michigan State Convention June 25-29, 2009 Kewadin Casino, Sault Ste Marie, MI

65th National Convention August 8-15, 2009

Subordinate Organizations

Ladies Auxiliary President......................................................Kathleen Biela Auxiliary Legis/Liaison...................................................... Maureen Jackson Auxiliary Exec Secretary..................................................... Nancy Middleton Jr. Amvets President................................................................Daniel Allen Jr. Amvets Coordinator................................................... Robert Middleton Sons of Amvets Commander................................................ Bruce Ringler Sons of Amvets Coordinator............................................ Pdc John Dowd Service Foundation President...................................... Pdc Harold L. Reed Saddest Sad Sack..................................................................John Hoechral

Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, New Orleans, LA

Department of MI Fall SEC and Conference October 3-4, 2009

Next DEADLINE for The Michigan AMVETS News is 04/07/09 ANNUAL DEADLINE DATES

Spring Issue Summer Issue Fall Issue Winter Issue

January 7 April 7 July 7 October 7

Ramada Inn, Grayling, MI

The Michigan AMVET News Official Publication of the AMVETS Department of Michigan American Veterans who have served honorably since September 1940 Chartered by Congress July 28, 1947 Owned, Edited and Operated by the AMVETS Department of Michigan Published Quarterly Publication design by JM Publishing Editorial Office: Mail: P.O. Box 254 Dryden, MI 48428 UPS: 5489 Main St. Dryden, MI 48248 Phone 810-796-3876 Fax 810-796-3896 E-mail address: miamvet2008@yahoo.com The Department Headquarters business hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. NON-PROFIT POSTAGE PAID IN PONTIAC, MICHIGAN Subscription Rates: 50 cents per year to members * $1 per year to non-members Advertising Rates on Request

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 64, No. 2

Executive Director News

By Executive Service Director Glenda F. Cogswell

ts been a very busy year with much accomplished and even more to be accomplished. I would like to WELCOME the Post 171 Riders, who are now chartered. That makes 4 Chartered Riders groups for Michigan. I also want to remind everyone that Jasper McCain is still residing at the Grand Rapids Veterans Home, I am sure he would welcome a visit from anyone that may be in the area. Also recovering from illnesses are PDC David Ladd, and District VI Commander Ivan Robertson. With Memorial Day and Flag Day approaching or just past I thought I would share a prayer that I have carried around since I served in Desert Storm. This is a prayer given by Robert Shuller in January 1991. 

Programs

By Vincent Carr

o all of you Post Second Vice Commanders or others reporting Post Programs thank you very much for a job well done. Due to a late surge in programs reporting for the 2008 July to December reporting period we were able to accomplish 100% Post reporting. Now we will all have to get back on line with http://amvets.org/ to report Post programs accomplished in the 2009 January to June reporting period. We know that 100% is possible so get on line and report. I have been chairperson for a few Texas Hold em gaming events over the past year with the proceeds going to the AMVETS Department of Michigan. I have been very fortunate in having the able assistance of the AMVETS Family at Post 121 in St. Clair Shores. To those who have worked the long evenings with me late into the morning my sincere thanks. This is a job that can’t be done alone. These programs are capable of generating good profits for your organization or the Department Office but, it takes dedicated volunteers and good planning. If you partner with one of the many licensed gambling service providers do your research and location means everything. This will likely be the last time I will be reminding posts to report your programs. With your attendance at the AMVETS Department of Michigan 65th Annual Convention members can support my nomination and cast your vote for me as Department 1st Vice Commander for the coming year. Then I will be reminding you to get out there and recruit new membership at your post. This year’s Convention will be held June 25th thru 28th at the Kewadin Casinos Hotel and Convention Center in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Hope to see you there. 

A G.I. Family’s Prayer Hear, Lord, my prayer for my G.I. So eager to live - too young to die. Beneath an alien blistering sun He faces a dangerous enemy gun The storm clouds gather, the horror of war, My soldier stands bravely guarding the door. Defending justice, peace and freedom To his commander in chief give holy wisdom From wars alarms, bring swift release. Hasten the day of honorable peace On land and sand and sea and air I back my soldier with this prayer No matter how far he’s forced to roam Just bring I pray my G.I. home.

2nd Vice Commander's Report

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 64, No. 2

For AMVET News – From District II

istrict II held their Americanism Awards presentation on Sunday, March 1 at AMVETS Post #22 in Bay City. In attendance were the Department Commander, Mary Wilseck; Department Ladies Auxiliary President, Kathy Biela and the Ladies Auxiliary Americanism Officer, Pat Michalski along with other AMVET and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Department Officers. There were 17 winners along with parents, grandparents and siblings to receive their awards. Once again, the “Bay City Players” joined us. The Theme this year was: What Does an American Veteran Mean to Me? We had Uncle Sam and Betsy Ross along with representatives from Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force who all took part in our program. A lunch was served after the program.  List of winners appear below.

AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #93

AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #115

3rd Place – Jessica Schuh Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #115

2nd Place – Jacob Moegle Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #93

9th Grade Essay 1st Place – Carl King Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #22

12th Grade Essay 1st Place – Jaclyn Flegm Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #93

2nd Place – Kristen Kowaleski Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #115

2nd Place – Kendra Majewski Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #121

3rd Place – Erika Gisel Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #115

Theme: What Does an American Veteran Mean to Me? Kindergarten Flag Drawing 1st Place – Zachary Moore Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #22

4th Grade Poster 1st Place – Brandi King Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #22

2nd Place – Rylee Donovan Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #115

2nd Place – Calloway Daily Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #93

1st Grade Flag Drawing 1st Place – Jeff Oakley Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #115 2nd Grade Poster 1st Place – Caitlin Rawlins Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #93 2nd Place – Ashley Koglin Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #115 3rd Grade Poster 1st Place – Morgan Gust Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #115 2nd Place – Sydney Clay Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #93 3rd Place – Hunter Lauria Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #22

3rd Place – Jenna Arndt Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #115 5th Grade Poster 1st Place – Kara Pado Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #93 2nd Place – Cody Grzelakowski Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #115 3rd Place – Gary Pacynski Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #22 6th Grade Essay 1st Place – Colin Gust Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #115

7th Gade Essay 1st Place – Otyllia Abraham Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #115

10th Grade Essay 1st Place – Desirae Tibaudo Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #93

2nd Place – Katie Blake Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #93

2nd Place – Nevin Pleiness Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #115

8th Grade Essay 1st Place – Candace Majewski Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #121 2nd Place – Rebecca Bertrand Sponsored by:

3rd Place – Philip Majewski Sponsored by: AMVETS & Ladies Auxiliary #121

Michigan AMVETS News

Above – Winners of Americanism contests for District II. Below – Department Officers along with “Bay City Players”. Back row: Jean Toth, Diane Woods, Fran Wright, Sherry Smith, Mike Major, Pat Pacynski, Gary Wright. Front row: District II Commander, Andy Cicala; Department Commander, Mary Wilseck, Ladies Auxiliary President, Kathy Biela; District II President, Carol Pickett and District II Americanism Officer, Pat Michalski.

11th Grade Essay 1st Place – Courtney Piotter Sponsored by:

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Vol. 64, No. 2

THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WASHINGTON

Fellow Veterans, My name is Ric Shinseki, and I am a Veteran. For me, serving as Secretary of Veterans Affairs is a noble calling. It provides me the opportunity to give back to those who served with and for me during my 38 years in uniform and those on whose shoulders we all stood as we grew up in the profession of arms. The Department of Veterans Affairs has a solemn responsibility to all of you, today and in the future, as more Veterans join our ranks and enroll to secure the benefits and services they have earned. I am fully committed to fulfilling President Obama’s vision for transforming our department so that it will be well-positioned to perform this duty even better during the 21st Century. We welcome the assistance and advice of our Veterans Service Organizations, other government departments and agencies, Congress, and all VA stakeholders as we move forward, ethically and transparently, so that Veterans and citizens can understand our efforts. Creating that vision for transforming the VA into a 21st Century organization requires a comprehensive review of our department. We approach that review understanding that Veterans are central to everything VA does. We know that results count, that the department will be measured by what we do, not what we promise, and that our best days as an organization supporting Veterans are ahead of us. We will fulfill President Lincoln’s charge to care for “. . . him, who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by redesigning and reengineering ourselves for the future. Transforming any institution is supremely challenging; I know this from my own experience in leading large, proud, complex, and high-performing organizations through change. But the best organizations must be prepared to meet the challenging times, evolving technology and, most importantly, evolving needs of clients. Historically, organizations that are unwilling or unable to change soon find themselves irrelevant. You and your needs are not irrelevant. Veterans are our clients, and delivering the highest quality care and services in a timely, consistent and fair manner is a VA responsibility. I take that responsibility seriously and have charged all of the department’s employees for their best efforts and support every day to meet our obligations to you. Our path forward is challenging, but the President and Congress support us. They have asked us to do this well—for you. Veterans are our sole reason for existence and our number one priority—bar none. I look forward to working together with all VA employees to transform our department into an organization that reflects the change and commitment our country expects and our Veterans deserve. Thank you and God bless our military, our Veterans, and our Nation.

Eric K. Shinseki Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 64, No. 2

ELECTIONS

Candidate for 2nd Vice Commander

– Tony Lema –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– AMVETS Post 29 and District II proudly support Tony Lema for the position of Department 2nd Vice Commander

ony enlisted in the United States Navy on January 19, 1970. After attending school in Millington, Tennessee, he served 3 ½ years aboard the aircraft carrier Independence CV-62. Before being honorably discharged in May 1974, Tony attained the rank of ABE-2 (E-5). Tony joined AMVETS in 1984. He has served many different positions at Post 29, including Commander 1992 - 1993. Tony has also helped to charter several veterans’ organizations including VVA Chapter 154, Post 29 Honor Guard, and AMVETS Riders Post 29. He is also honored to have been voted by the Past Commanders to receive the Wolverine AMVET of the Year Award in 2001. Tony and his wife, Bertha, met while he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia and have been married for 36 years. His wife and sons, Michael and Christopher, give his candidacy their full support. At the Department-level, Tony has served as Inspector General under Commander Dowd and Commander Ladd, Provost Marshal, Judge Advocate, and currently as Finance Officer. He appreciates your support of his candidacy at the Department Convention in June 2009.

Candidate for Judge Advocate

– Jean Bennett –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– AMVETS Post 1941 and District V proudly supports Jean Bennett for Department Judge Advocate

Department

ean proudly served in the Army National Guard from 1976 to 1980 in New York, North Carolina and Virginia. She became a member of Red Arrow Post 1941 in 2002 and became a life member in 2003. She is also a charter member of Post 1941’s Riders Chapter.

- - -

Provost Marshall, current Inspector General, 2005 – 2006 Member of the following committees: o Americanism o ROTC o Communications o Registration

Jean has been an active member of AMVETS at the post, district, state National and national levels. She is very dedicated to serving the needs of our - Deputy Provost Marshall, 2009 veterans and active service men and women. Her service to the AMVETS - Chair, Women’s Veterans Committee, 2005 – 2008 organization and her local community is significant and noteworthy. Her - Chair, Diversity Committee, 2005 – 2008 accomplishments are: - Member, Americanism Committee Post

- - - - - - -

Jean is proud of the work she accomplishes on behalf of our veterans. Just recently she became the advisor for the newly formed Ferris State University Student Veterans Association. Also, Jean introduced the S.E.R.V. (Supportive Education for Returning Veterans) program to Ferris State’s administration which is in the process of adopting the program. Hopefully, the program will be in place for veterans entering Ferris in the Fall 2009 semester.

Public Relations Officer, 2002 – present Americanism Program Co-chair, 2002 – present Adjutant, 2006 – 2008 Finance Officer, 2005 – 2007 Coordinator, Mecosta County Veterans Service Organizations for Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day, 2002 present Publisher of The Red Arrow Gazette, 2003 – 2008 Liaison, Family Readiness Readiness Group (FRG), 1/125th INF, Army National Guard, Big Rapids

District - - - -

Adjutant, 2007 – 2009 Commander, 2006 – 2007 2nd Vice Commander, 2003 – 2005 Chair, District V Fund Raiser Committee, 2002 – 2007

Michigan AMVETS News

We ask for your support as Jean seeks the position of Department Judge Advocate at the State Convention in Sault Ste Marie in June. -6-

Vol. 64, No. 2

IF YOU WISH TO MAKE DONATIONS OR SEND TO OUR DEPLOYED TROOPS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MAY BE HELPFUL

Wireless Affinity Enterprises Support for AMVETS

Michigan National Guard Family Fund

5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do For anyone with a cell phone: (This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and wallet. Good information to have with you.) There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergency. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it. And pay particular attention to number 5. It won’t save your life, but your cell phone could help support American veterans. FIRST: Emergency The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out. SECOND: Have you locked your keys in the car? Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will Unlock. This saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other ‘remote’ for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk). Editor’s Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!’ THIRD: Hidden Battery Power Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate hidden battery power, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time. FOURTH: How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone? To check your Mobile phone’s serial number, key in the following Digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. When your phone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset. So even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won’t get your phone back, but at least you’ll know that whoever stole it can’t use it or sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones. And Finally.... FIFTH: Your cell phone can help American veterans. You can renew or purchase new cell phone service from any carrier including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint (all the major carriers), get the best deals on any phone you want, and part of the phone company’s profit is contributed directly to AMVETS.org. AMVETS.org is the support group that provides assistance for veterans and active military from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. That’s right, the contribution doesn’t come out of your pocket. Check out this special program at: www. amvetsmobile.com This is the kind of information people don’t mind receiving, so pass it on to your family and friends. It could come in handy someday. And if you want to help support our veterans and troops, this is the easy way to do it. FORWARD this information to all of your friends. It’s a great way to help the 25 million American military veterans and active personnel.

Consider a donation to the Michigan National Guard Family Fund. One hundred percent of this not-for-profit fund goes to financially struggling families of deployed Michigan National Guard members. Send your check or money order to: Michigan National Guard Family Fund Inc. 3411 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing MI 48906. For more information, call 517-481-8357.

Other sources to support service members Visit to the following Web sites to show support: Want to send a Gift Certificate to someone you know or someone you don’t know. To find out how, visit the CertifiChecks website at http://www.aafes.com/docs/homefront.htm Budweiser honors families with complimentary admission to theme parks. Here’s to the Heroes! America Supports You: http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/ Donate a calling card to help keep service members in touch with their families at Operation Uplink at http://www.operationuplink.org American Legion activities http://www.legion.org/homepage.php Learn more about the Michigan Project Blue Star: http://www.michigan.gov/homeland/0,1607,7-173-23612_34175---,00.html Send a greeting via e-mail through Operation Dear Abby at http:// anyservicemember.navy.mil/ or www.OperationDearAbby.net To find out ways to support service members and their families throughout the year visit the U.S. Department of Defense at http://www.defenselink.mil/ Make a donation to one of the military relief societies: Army Emergency Relief at http://www.aerhq.org/ Navy/Marine Relief Society at http://www.nmcrs.org/ Air Force Aid Society at http://www.afas.org/ Coast Guard Mutual Assistance at http://www.cgmahq.org/ Donate to “Operation USO Care Package” at http://www.usometrodc.org/ donationpage.htm Other ways to support: Support the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services at http://www.redcross.org/services/afes/ America Supports You at http://www.americasupportsyou.mil USO *** until everyone comes home at http://www.usocares.org/home.htm Operation Iraqi Freedom FAQ at http://www.army.mil/operations/iraq/faq.html

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 64, No. 2

In Memoriam Deceased Members as of April 1, 2009

Beryl Horning

Richard Bennett

110

John D. Mac Kenzie

Richard Moore

114

James L. Olver

Archie Dickinson

115

Carl P. Wendel

Dennis Liss

115

Dominic Badalamenti

Stanley M.I. Basner

Harold Mychek

115

George P. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil

Gilbert Rooney

115

Michael Pawlowski

Charles Schulte

115

John Hernandez

George Wagester

115

William Wyte

Arthur Wilkowski

115

John Zelenak

Joseph Wyese

115

Harold Bach

Donnie Miskelliey

120

George Schymanski

Robert LeRoy

121

John Danis

Ronald E. Aho

123

Peter Metes

Donald Koish

123

Lawrence Muresan

Robert McLenithan

126

Octavian Sackash

Mike Strugar

John Tipa

George R. Gibson Jr.

Stanley Basta

Eugene C. Clark

Michigan AMVETS News

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James Bristol

1957

John Koons

1957

Lewis Plank

1957

Ernie Sanchez

1957

Clifford H. Smith

1957

Andrew Waldfogel

1957 Vol. 64, No. 2

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) U.S. CASUALTY STATUS * FATALITIES AS OF: April 7, 2009, 10 a.m. EST OIF U.S. Military Casualties by Phase Combat Operations 19 Mar 03 thru 30 Apr 03 Post Combat Ops 1 May thru Present OIF U.S. DoD Civilian Casualties Totals

WIA RTD ** WIA Not RTD **

total Deaths

KIA

Non-Hostile

139

109

116

429

4,118

3,308

810

17,333

13,291

4,268

3,425

843

17,449

13,720

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) U.S. CASUALTY STATUS FATALITIES AS OF: April 7, 2009, 10 a.m. EST OEF U.S. Military Casualties

total Deaths

KIA

Non-Hostile

In and Around Afghanistan***

602

445

157

Other Locations**** OEF U.S. DoD Civilian Casualties Worldwide Total

670

449

WIA RTD ** WIA Not RTD **

221

978

1787 1

978

1,788

* OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM includes casualties that occurred on or after March 19, 2003 in the Arabian Sea, Bahrain, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Persian Gulf, Qatar, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. Prior to March 19, 2003, casualties in these countries were considered OeF. ** These columns indicate the number of servicemembers who were Wounded In Action (WIA) and Returned to Duty within 72 hours AND WIA and Not Returned to Duty within 72 hours. to determine the total WIA figure, add the columns "WIA RtD" and " WIA Not RtD" together. these figures are updated on tuesday unless there is a preceding holiday. *** OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (In and Around Afghanistan), includes casualties that occurred in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. **** OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (Other Locations), includes casualties that occurred in Guantanamo Bay (Cuba), Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Seychelles, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Yemen.

Bolt one on for the troops today! Yes, today! The Michigan Support Our Troops! plates are available at all branch offices of the Secretary of State and on the Department of State’s Plate It Your Way website.

Isn’t it time to show them how much we care? Switching into the Michigan Support Our Troops! Plate costs just $35.00 (the same as other specialty plates), and the troops are more than worth it. Nothing compared to what they do for all of us. Funds will benefit the programs of SupportOurTroops.Org, working for the troops and their families. Act Now! Don’t Delay. Don’t wait for your renewal month to get into this great new plate!. The troops didn’t wait. They went half way around for the world for us; let’s all do this simple thing for them! For more information you can go to www.supportourtroops.org

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 64, No. 2

The Michigan AMVETS News DO's and DON'TS DO have the articles in before deadline! Deadlines are the 7th of October for the Winter Issue, 7th of January for the Spring Issue, 7th of April for the Summer Issue and 7th of July for the Fall Issue. If articles are not in by the deadline they WILL NOT appear until the following issue. If you are having an event that you want in the paper ensure that the information is received in time for the appropriate issue before your event. DO make sure the pictures are clear and well-contrasted. Fuzzy or dark pictures won’t reproduce well. If you are submitting digital photos, set your camera to "high quality". DO send in articles. Posts and districts have something newsworthy going on. Why not share it with the rest of the department? If you send pictures make sure you have an article for them. I will not write your article and the pictures will not appear in the paper. DO write post numbers on the back of each picture so they can be returned to you.

Submit your digital original directly to the editor!

We accept almost any file from a computer. Simply type your report, including the title, byline and story, and add numbered captions at the end. Name the photo files to correspond with the caption number in your report and you’re ready to go!

Questions? Call me anytime at

810-796-3876. E-mail your submissions to: miamvet2008@yahoo.com

Michigan AMVETS News

DO send credits with your articles. Also send credits for articles from other publications and permission to reprint if necessary. DO refer to an individual as an AMVET. The organization is AMVETS. DO refer to the AMVETS Auxiliary as the “AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary.” DO type the article. You’re the only person who can read your writing. DON’T use all caps when typing. DON’T tape pictures to articles. Paper clip them to the article. We have to be able to scan the pictures to put them in the paper. This can’t be done if pictures are taped to the article and the article gets torn when we try to remove the pictures. DON’T print or type your captions on the back of photos. Ink smears! DON’T think we’re being too tough! We just want to make sure the paper is done right.

More Words Less Pictures

n an effort to make the Michigan AMVET News a true newspaper and not a pictorial quarterly, the publications committee is asking all contributors to consider writing more articles and submitting fewer pictures. The old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is only true if everyone knows what the picture relates to. Keep in mind the four Ws:

Who, Where When, What

This will make your articles easier to write. Articles should normally be 300 – 500 words and may be accompanied by one or two pictures for each article. By increasing the number of written articles, we can increase the reading time of the paper vastly and spur members’ interest in what’s going on around the state. You do want a better Michigan AMVET News, don’t you?

 TOP TEN Posts  As of April 7, 2009

CITY

POST

DISTRICT MEMBERS

1988

BALDWIN

1,155

120

MESICK

465

MT. CLEMENS

413

KENTWOOD

393

171

WESTLAND

316

121

ST. CLAIR SHORES

264

1957

ADRIAN

235

HARPER WOODS

235

BAY CITY

231

10.

110

CADILLAC

230

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Vol. 64, No. 2

VA News Under Secretary for Health Retires

ASHINGTON – Dr. Michael J. Kussman, the Under Secretary for Health for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), today announced his intention to retire from federal service by May 9, ending a 37-year government career. Dr. Kussman, who attained the rank of brigadier general while in the U.S. Army, has been with VA since 2000. As Under Secretary for Health since 2007, Dr. Kussman has directed a health care system with an annual budget of approximately $40.2 billion, overseeing the delivery of care to more than 5.6 million Veterans. VA, the nation’s largest health care system, employs more than 231,000 health care professionals and support staff at more than 1,400 sites of care, including hospitals; community and facility-based clinics; nursing homes; domiciliaries; readjustment counseling centers, and various other facilities. “I’ve appreciated the tremendous opportunity VA has given me to continue to serve those with whom I served while in uniform,” said Kussman. “VA has a reputation for providing ‘the best care anywhere,’ and I hope I have helped to enhance that reputation.” In addition to its health care mission, VA is the nation’s largest provider of graduate medical education and a major contributor to medical and scientific research. More than 80,000 volunteers, 100,000 health profession trainees, and 25,000 affiliated medical faculty members are integral parts of VA’s health care community. A native of Troy , N.Y. , Kussman earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Boston University , receiving his medical degree in 1968. In 1994, he earned a master’s degree in management from Salve Regina University . He is also a graduate of the Army War College and an honor graduate of the Command and General Staff College. He is board-certified in internal medicine and serves on the faculty of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. 

Medical Journal Praises VA Electronic Records VA Continues to Lead Health Care Industry

ASHINGTON – A recent study in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine singles out the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for its successful implementation of a comprehensive system of electronic health records. The study’s authors, led by Dr. Ashish K. Jha of Harvard University, noted that VA’s use of electronic health records has significantly enhanced the quality

Michigan AMVETS News

of patient care. They also found that only 1.5 percent of U.S. hospitals have comprehensive electronic health records; adding VA hospitals to the analyses doubled that number. “VA hospitals have used electronic health records for more than a decade with dramatic associated improvements in clinical quality,” the study’s authors wrote. VA clinicians began using computerized patient records in the mid-1990s for everything from recording examinations by doctors to displaying results of lab tests and x-rays. Patient records are available 100 percent of the time to VA health care workers, compared to 60 percent when VA relied on paper records. Dr. Michael J. Kussman, VA’s under secretary for health, said VA has “one of the most comprehensive and sophisticated electronic systems” for patient records in the nation. “VA’s electronic health record system has largely eliminated errors stemming from lost or incomplete medical records, making us one of the safest systems in the health care industry,” Kussman said. The authors of the NEJM article are the latest to praise VA for its technology and commitment to patient safety. In 2006, VA received the prestigious “Innovations in American Government” Award from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government for its advanced electronic health records and performance. 

Over 400 Disabled Veterans Register to Ski at National Event

ASHINGTON – As evidence of what President Barack Obama called America’s “unyielding commitment” to our nation’s Veterans, more than 400 severely injured Veterans will take part in the 23rd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic from March 29 through April 3 in Snowmass Village, Colo. The clinic, which is hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and co-sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), instructs Veterans with disabilities in adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing, and introduces them to a number of other adaptive recreational activities and sports. This year’s clinic will feature a record number of participants, including many who served in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said that he will attend this year’s event and is “looking forward to celebrating the triumph of the human spirit over both physical adversity and fear of failure.” He believes that the event, and the volunteers who work with Veterans during it, “give so many young Veterans a glimpse of what is possible if they keep hope alive. I know of few greater gifts one can bestow on others.” The clinic is an annual rehabilitation program open to U.S. military Veterans with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, certain neurological problems and other disabilities, who receive care at a VA medical facility or military treatment center. It is the largest adaptive event of its kind in the world. An estimated 200 certified ski instructors for the disabled and several current and former members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team serve as instructors to meet the unique needs of the participants.

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Vol. 64, No. 2

VA News “Now, more than ever, we need events like the Winter Sports Clinic to challenge and inspire our wounded Veterans,” said DAV National Commander Raymond E. Dempsey. “The complexity of the injuries suffered by some of our newest disabled Veterans and the health issues facing our aging Veterans make necessary the most creative and engaging recreational rehabilitation.”Winter Clinic 2/2/2/2 At the six-day event, Veterans also learn rock climbing, scuba diving, snowmobiling, curling and sled hockey. They can also participate in additional events and workshops. The U.S. Secret Service will offer a course on self-defense. “DAV is proud to have a committed partner in the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Dempsey. “Without our friends at VA, these ‘miracles’ are not possible.” VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitative and recreational therapies, and operates more than 1,400 sites of care, including 153 medical centers. DAV is a non-profit, congressionally chartered Veterans service organization with a membership of more than one million wartime disabled veterans. Contacts: For further information, contact Richard Olague, VA public affairs coordinator, Winter Sports Clinic, at (202) 461-7541; or (202) 746-8552 (cell), Rob Lewis, DAV Communications, at (859) 442-2049, or Log on to the event’s Web site at: www.wintersportsclinic.va.gov WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will spend more than $1.4 billion as part of President Obama’s economic recovery plan to improve services to America ’s Veterans. VA’s Internet site – www.va.gov/recovery – provides current information about VA’s work to deliver its portion of Recovery Act funds into the economy to benefit veterans. 

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Benefits VA

he American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) enables the VA to improve medical facilities and national cemeteries, provide grants to assist states in acquiring or constructing state nursing homes and extended care facilities, and to modify or alter existing facilities to care for Veterans. VA will dedicate ARRA funds to hire and train 1,500 temporary claims processors to speed benefits delivery to Veterans and pursue needed information technology initiatives for improved benefits and services. Funds will also be used to oversee and audit programs, grants, and projects funded under ARRA. As part of the President’s Recovery plan, VA will also make one-time payments of $250 to eligible Veterans and survivors to mitigate the effects of the current economy. These payments will be issued as early as June 2009. VA estimates $700 million in payments will be made to eligible beneficiaries as part of this measure. To be eligible for the $250 payment, VA beneficiaries must have received compensation, pension, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), or spina bifida benefits at any time between November 2008 and January 2009. Also, beneficiaries must reside within the United States or Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands , American Samoa , or the U.S. Virgin Islands. No application is necessary. VA will use its existing payment records to determine eligibility for the $250 payment. Beneficiaries will receive their payments the same way they receive their monthly VA benefits (either by direct deposit or mail). VA will inform beneficiaries and the public when releasing the payments. This payment is not countable in determining eligibility for VA pension or Parents’ DIC. The law allows one $250 payment per individual. The payment is tax-free. VA beneficiaries who also receive benefits from the Social Security Administration or Railroad Retire-

Michigan AMVETS News

ment Board will be paid through those agencies, and will therefore not receive the payment from VA. More details, including VA stimulus project timelines, will be available May 1, 2009. 

Obama's Budget

ASHINGTON (Feb. 26, 2009) - President Obama’s first proposed budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) expands eligibility for health care to an additional 500,000 deserving Veterans over the next five years, meets the need for continued growth in programs for the combat Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, and provides the resources to deliver quality health care for the Nation’s 5.5 million Veteran patients. The 2010 budget request is a significant step toward realizing a vision shared by the President and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki to transform VA into an organization that is people-centric, results-driven and forward-looking. “Our success must encompass cost-effectiveness,” Shinseki said. “We are stewards of taxpayer dollars, and we will include appropriate metrics to accurately gauge the quality of our care and the effectiveness of our management processes.” If accepted by Congress, the President’s budget proposal would increase VA’s budget from $97.7 billion this fiscal year to $112.8 billion for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2009. This is in addition to the $1.4 billion provided for VA projects in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The 2010 budget represents the first step toward increasing discretionary funding for VA efforts by $25 billion over the next five years. The gradual expansion in health care enrollment that this would support will open hospital and clinic doors to more than 500,000 Veterans by 2013 who have been regrettably excluded from VA medical care benefits since 2003. The 2010 budget request provides the resources to achieve this level of service while maintaining high quality and timely care for lower-income and service-disabled Veterans who currently rely on VA medical care. The new budget provides greater benefits for Veterans who are medically retired from active duty, allowing for the first time all military retirees to keep their full VA disability compensation along with their retired pay. The President’s budget request also provides the resources for effective implementation of the post-9/11 GI Bill -- providing unprecedented levels of educational support to the men and women who have served our country through active military duty. The new budget will support additional specialty care in such areas as prosthetics, vision and spinal cord injury, aging, and women’s health. New VA Centers of Excellence will focus on improving these critical services. The proposed fiscal year 2010 budget also addresses the tragic fact of homelessness among Veterans. It expands VA’s current services through a collaborative pilot program with non-profit organizations that is aimed at maintaining stable housing for vulnerable Veterans at risk of homelessness, while providing them with supportive services to help them get back on their feet through job training, preventive care, and other critical services. Finally, the President’s budget request provides the necessary investments to carry VA services to rural communities that are too often unable to access VA care. The President’s budget expands VA mental health screening and treatment with a focus on reaching Veterans in rural areas in part through an increase in Vet Centers and mobile health clinics. New outreach funding will help rural Veterans and their families stay informed of these resources and encourage them to pursue needed care. 

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Vol. 64, No. 2

VA News WH Sounds Retreat on Vet Health Care Plan March 19, 2009 Knight Ridder

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration on Wednesday abandoned a controversial plan to make veterans use private insurance to pay for costly treatments of combat-related injuries. Stung by the angry reaction to the proposal, the administration made the decision after a meeting between officials from 11 veterans advocacy groups and top White House officials. “Our voices were heard,” said Norbert Ryan, the president of the Military Officers Association of America. “They made the right decision on this.” The plan would have reversed a longstanding policy of providing government health coverage for all service-related injuries. Few details emerged beyond its reported savings of $540 million, however. Most veterans use private insurance only for health problems unrelated to their military service. “This is a moral issue for us,” said Paul Rieckhoff, the executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. What was most puzzling to experienced activists and others was that the White House floated the idea in the first place. Several said the administration came off as politically tone deaf to the importance of the issue. “They’ve grabbed hold of the ‘third rail’ and they shouldn’t have done this,” said Rick Weidman, director of government relations for Vietnam Veterans of America. “If they had asked anyone informally, we would have informed them, ‘Are you kidding? All hell will break loose.’” White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the intent of the plan had been to “maximize the resources available for veterans.” He said, however, that President Barack Obama, who met with the veterans groups on Monday in their first trip to the White House, recognized their concern that it could “under certain circumstances, affect veterans and their families’ ability to access health care.” A meeting on Wednesday afternoon with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel broke up without a resolution. By the time many of the same veterans advocates had reached Capitol Hill for a previously scheduled meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, however, the drama was over. Pelosi said the president, en route to California, had just called her from Air Force One to say the plan was off the table. “We are pleased that he has heard our concerns and taken them to heart,” said David Gorman, executive director of the Disabled American Veterans. Veterans groups were quick to praise the president for his proposed budget, which they said would provide more money for veterans’ health care than ever before. They said they looked forward to working with the White House in the future. The groups scored a second victory on Wednesday with the Pentagon’s decision to phase out involuntary enlistments, also known as “stop loss.” Rieckhoff called it a “huge day for veterans.”  Michigan AMVETS News

Department of Veterans Affairs

Assistance for Homeless Veterans

Does VA Have Programs That Can Assist Homeless Veterans? VA has many benefits and services to assist homeless veterans. Disability benefits, education, health care, rehabilitation services, residential care, and compensated work therapy are among the services we offer to eligible veterans.

What Kind of VA Services and Benefit Programs Are Available for Homeless Veterans? • Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program (HCHV) operates at 135 sites, where extensive outreach, physical and psychiatric health exams, supported housing programs, Drop-In-Centers, compensated work therapy, treatment, referrals, and ongoing case management are provided to homeless veterans with mental health problems, including substance abuse. • Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program (DCHV) provides medical care and rehabilitation in a residential setting on VA medical center grounds to eligible ambulatory veterans disabled by medical or psychiatric disorders, injury, or age and who do not need hospitalization or nursing home care. • Inpatient & Outpatient Health Care: VA medical centers provide inpatient treatment to thousands of homeless veterans each year. Hospitals and outpatient clinics provide eligible veterans with comprehensive physical and mental health care, alcohol and substance abuse treatment, rehabilitation treatment, and other specialized services. • Readjustment Counseling Centers also called Vet Centers, help veterans through community outreach. They offer specialized services, such as group, individual, and family counseling, to help eligible veterans overcome psychological difficulties or to resolve conflicts that may be contributing to their homelessness. They also provide referral services, connecting veterans to VA programs and community services. • Outreach: The staff from VA regional offices, medical centers, vet centers, and special homeless programs regularly visit community shelters, agencies, and the streets to help thousands of homeless veterans each year. • Benefits and Entitlements: VA annually awards more than $17 billion in disability benefits to millions of veterans. In many instances, these payments are the major source of income to veterans and serve to prevent homelessness. VA’s Fiduciary Program provides specialized case management to over 67,000 veterans, many of whom might be homeless without the services it provides. • Acquired Property Sales for Homeless Providers Program makes available properties VA obtains through foreclosures on VA-insured mortgages for sale to homeless provider organizations at a discount of 20 to 50 percent. Some of these properties are available for lease.

How Do You Get More Information? Contact any VA medical center or regional office and a VA representative can provide information about VA benefits and services available to assist homeless veterans. They can also provide you with the address and phone number of the VA homeless program coordinator nearest you. 

For More Information, Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000 or Visit Our Web Site at http://www.va.gov/homeless.

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Vol. 64, No. 2

AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN - POSTS post# city address district#

post# city address district#

1957

ADRIAN

122 N. MAIN

362

HOWELL

HOWELL A/L POST

2497

Alpena

2900 Connon Street

777

IRON MOUNTAIN

VETS’ CENTER

ARMADA

75185 NORTH AVE.

490

IRONWOOD

A/L — MCLEOD AVE.

1988

BALDWIN

JAMES RD. & 24TH ST.

122

ISHPEMING LAKE UNKY, CO. RD. CD.

BATTLE CREEK

A/L POST 54

KALAMAZOO EAGLES LODGE #526

BAY CITY

520 N. PINE

1234

KENT CITY

A/L — BALL CREEK AVE.

BEAVER ISLAND

NO POST HOME

KENTWOOD

98 52ND ST. S.E.

436

BEECHWOOD

NO POST HOME

1072

KINGSTON

VFW — KINGSTON RD.

1941

BIG RAPIDS

420 S. FOURTH AVE.

110

CADILLAC

127 W. CASS ST.

1899

KINROSS

NO POST HOME

COMSTOCK PARK

NO POST HOME

53 LIVONIA

NO POST HOME

1190

COVINGTON

VFW POST #8945

82 LUDINGTON

NO POST HOME

DEARBORN

NO POST HOME

120

MESICK

M-37 SOUTH

DEARBORN

NO POST HOME

MT. CLEMENS

1 AMVET DRIVE

9 Eastpointe

NO POST HOME

3652

MIDLAND

VFW POST 3651

DETROIT

3401 GILBERT

2006

Milford Post

Milford A/L

DETROIT

NO POST HOME

1942

Monroe

VFW Post

DETROIT

NO POST HOME

NEW BALTIMORE

51285 COUNTY LINE RD.

DETROIT

NO POST HOME

NEW HAVEN

57581 AMVET DR.

910

DETROIT

21431 FENKELL AVE.

1978

NILES

2627 S. 11TH ST.

2273

DURAND

8495 M-71

108

OXFORD

130 E. Drahner

588 EDMORE

VFW POST

4064 PERRY

VFW POST 4063

114 ELK RAPIDS

410 BRIDGE ST.

101 PONTIAC

VFW POST

123 ESCANABA

1315 N. LINCOLN RD.

115 PORT HOPE

8011 RUBICON RD.

1020

FARWELL

10651 N. Vandecar Rd.

1993

FENVILLE

VFW 2373 S. 53RD ST.

8962

GERMFASK

VFW POST

126

GRAND RAPIDS

2929 MARSHALL, S.E.

HAMTRAMCK

NO POST HOME

HARPER WOODS

19730 HARPER

404

HARRISON

AMERICAN LEGION POST 6

HIGGINS LAKE

8009 N. AU SABLE RD.

HIGHLAND PARK

55 VICTOR AVE.

204

HOLLAND

DAV POST

Michigan AMVETS News

RABER-GOETZVILLE NO POST HOME

2965

REED CITY

VFW POST 2964

316

SAGINAW

3309 RUCKLE ST.

1994

SPRING LAKE

NO POST HOME

121

ST. CLAIR SHORES

22427 E. NINE MILE RD.

3720

SWARTZ CREEK

VFW — 3131 S. ELMS RD.

WARREN

171

WESTLAND

1217 MERRIMAN

WYOMING

NO POST HOME

269

YPSILANTI

2839 E. Michigan Ave.

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Vol. 64, No. 2

Post News

Post 171 - Westland Wayne AMVETS Post 171 News & Happenings By Jim Meloche

t has been a good “New Year” here at Post 171 so far, and as we get into the summer, it promises to be even better. On Sunday, March 8th, our Auxiliary hosted a luncheon for the winners of the K thru 8 Americanism Poster and Essay Contest. It was truly heartwarming to see the effort and heart put into the drawings and essays of these young people as they celebrated America and her Veterans. Additionally, our Ladies Auxiliary recently hosted a District 1 meeting, followed by a Horseracing Fundraiser. Nearly $200 each was raised for both the Scholarship Program and the Americanism Program. Everyone left with a big smile on their face, especially those who took 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the big money race! Just this past weekend, the Ladies Auxiliary hosted a Children’s Easter Party that was a huge success. Chocolate Eggs, Peanut Butter Eggs, Hot Dogs and the Easter Bunny were the order of the day. All of the children left happy, even if they were just a bit too full of jelly beans by the end of the day. This past Palm Sunday, Post 171 once again hosted a luncheon for hospitalized, disabled and homeless Veterans. Fifty-seven Vets from the Dingell VA Hospital in Detroit, and the Michigan Veteran’s Foundation were in attendance for a ham dinner with all the trimmings. The Ladies Auxiliary joined assisted the AMVETS in working this event, and it was a truly moving experience for us all. The other big news right now is that we have added the most recent AMVET Riders Chapter to Michigan. The AMVET Riders of Post 171 were presented their charter by Department of Michigan Commander Mary Wilseck at a luncheon held March 28th in the Memorial Hall. Riders President Mike Holbert and his Executive Board were also ceremoniously sworn in at this time. The Riders have 21 “Charter Members” and have seen their membership grow to 26 so far. Only one more Riders group has to receive a Charter before they can establish a Department of Michigan strictly for the Riders. Their inaugural run is scheduled for May 17th with a BBQ afterwards on the Post picnic grounds. Everyone here is looking forward to the new and exciting things that the Riders can bring to our Post. Post 171 has also gone slightly high-tech; you can look for news and updates about our open to the public events at the website www.cruisinmichigan.com. This is an exciting venture for us, and we hope to see really good results from it. Our breakfasts on the last Michigan AMVETS News

Sunday of the month are open to the public, as well as any entertainer shows scheduled for the hall. Fred Wolfe, an amazing Elvis Impersonator, has a show scheduled in the Hall for May 16th. And of course our Pig Roast is coming up soon, near the end of August. Post 171 will be having our elections soon, and we look forward to installing our new officers in May. Participation at meetings has been up, and interest in what is happening at the Post is up as well. This bodes well as we move into the year, and continue to look for new and unique ways to serve our fellow Veterans. As you read this, the State Convention will have come and gone, and we will all be saluting a new State Commander. We at Post 171 wish to take one more opportunity to let everyone know how proud we all are of our own Mary Wilseck, who led us all as Department of Michigan Commander 2008-2009. We wish her all the luck, and will continue to support her in all her endeavors. 

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Department of Michigan Commander Mary Wilseck administering the Oath of Office to the newly elected AMVETS Riders officers.

Vol. 64, No. 2

Post News

Post 1941 - Big Rapids

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 64, No. 2

Post News

Post 1988 - Baldwin AMVETS POST 1988 TAKES FIRST PLACE IN HEARTS FOR HOSPICE FUNDRAISER

MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY

he local chapter of Hospice of Michigan held their annual Hearts for Hospice fundraiser from January 15 through February 15. Sixteen establishments around Lake County participated in the event to sell hearts to help hospice patients in the area. The grand total for the area was over $1,684 this year. AMVETS Post 1988 took first place selling $504 hearts during the event. Our waitress/bartender, Diane Gallentine shone as the stellar salesperson selling 462 of the total. Diane is also a member of Ladies Auxiliary Post 1988. Hospice has always been one of our important charities, meeting the medical, emotional and spiritual needs of the terminally ill by providing quality and compassionate care to patients and families right here in the local community. It is important for Post 1988 to support these organizations which keep the funds in the local area because this is one of the most economically depressed areas in the state, even during good times.

ember Appreciation Day at Post 1988, brought a pleasant group of members to our winter event. We featured Pizza Specials and our regular menu during the event, and had music for all after the door prize drawings for patriotic items and a special key tag give away featuring the state of Michigan with AMVETS Post 1988 presented to all attendees. A special treat for the members was when Commander Jack Shoop worked as a bartender for several hours that day. He set new precedents for break times and other ‘special perks’. 

By Donna Miller

Photos by Donna Miller

Ladies Auxiliary member and bartender/waitress Diane Gallentine sold 462 Hearts for Hospice during the recent fundraiser in Lake County.

Above: The door prizes which were given away during Member Appreciation Day at Post 1988

Hot Wheels Races Burn up Track for Charity

uring Daytona’s opening Nascar Race for the season Post 1988 held a special Hot Wheels event to raise money for charity. The event races 6 cars at a time and uses dice as a means to determine who will move and when. We ‘rent’ cars to those who might not bring one, collect an entrance fee, and then must pay quarters when lanes have been vacated. It is a fun way to spend the afternoon and when we have 12 or 18 members taking part it takes all afternoon. We have a great time, and earn a bundle for the charity of the day. We have held races for charity twice so far and have donated to the local Boys Scouts and local Girl Scouts. Everyone looks forward to more races in the future.

Below: Commander Shoop behind the bar on Member Appreciation Day

John Smith, Rich Johnson, and Ken Deur hope to win this week’s Race for Charity.

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 64, No. 2

Friends of the Michigan AMVETS PLATINUM

Lee Wright Siding

Barton Malow Rigging Co.

Pak-Rite Industries Inc. Ross Mortgage Corporation Thomas H. Andrews Jr. & Assoc.

02/06/2009 - 05/15/2009

Kopacka Assoc. Inc.

GOLD Novastar Solutions

Transport Amjot Singh, Inc.

SILVER

Turbine Tool & Gage Inc.

Construction Tank Services

Whirlcreek Logistics Corp.

Noodles & Co.

AMVETS

SALUTE YOU

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 64, No. 2

The United States Flag The United States Flag

The United States Flag

he flag of the United States is one of the oldest national standards in the world. General George Washington first raised the Continental Army flag in 1776, a red-and-white striped flag with the British Union Jack where we now have stars. Several flag designs with 13 stripes were used in 1776 and 1777, until Congress established an official design on June 14, 1777 — now observed as Flag Day. The act stated, “That the Flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” Washington explained it this way: “We take the stars from heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity representing liberty.”

The First Flag

No records confirm who designed the original Stars and Stripes, but historians believe Francis Hopkinson, one of the signers of the Declaration of IndeRoss showing the United States flagthe to George Washington and others pendence, probably modified the unofficial Continental flag into the design we Betsy Betsy Ross showing United States flag now have. to George Washington and others The State Navy Board of Pennsylvania, on May 29, 1777, commissioned red stripe. The stars have one point up and are in nine horizontal rows. The Betsy Ross to sew flags for Navy vessels. Legend credits Ross with having odd-numbered rows have six stars. The even-numbered rows have five stars, diagonally between the stars in the longer rows.  sewn the first flag to meet the specifications outlined Congress, whileUnited chang- centered The by flag of the States is one of the oldest national standards in the w ing the stars from six points to five to speed her work. General Washington raised Betsy Ross showing States flagthe Continental Army flag in 1776, The flag was first carried in battle at Brandywine, Pa., in George September 1777. Itthe Unitedfirst first flew over foreign territory in early 1778, white at Nassau, Bahama Islands, where striped flag with the British Union Jack where we now have stars. to George Washington and others Americans captured a fort from the British. After Vermont and Kentucky became states in the 1790s, Congress approved adding two flag more stars and two more stripes to the group that the withnational Several flagrepresented 13 stripes were used in 1776 The of the United States is one ofdesigns the oldest standards in the world.and 1777, until Cong original 13 colonies, now states. This was the Star Spangled Banner” of which established an official design on Army June flag 14, 1777 — now observed as Flag Da General George Washington first raised the Continental in 1776, a red-andFrancis Scott Key wrote in 1814. his was the poem written by World War I Colonel John McCrae, a surgeon stated, the Flagwhere of the thirteen United States be thirteen white striped flag with the British“that Union Jack we nowFirst have stars. with Canada’s Brigade Artillery. It expressed McCrae’s stripes, grief over altern the “row on row” ofwhite graves of whofield, had died on Flanders’ 1818 Law Sets Final Form white, that the union be thirteen stars, in soldiers a blue representing a ne battlefields, located in a region of western Belgium and northern France. The As other states entered the Union, it became obvious that stripes could not Washington explained it thisuntil way: “We take the stars from he Several flag designs withconstellation.” 13 stripes were used in 1776 and 1777, Congress be added continually, so in 1818 Congress reestablished the 13-stripe flag for poem presented a striking image of the bright red flowers blooming among the rows whiteseparating crosses and became a rallying cry to all the who fought in the First red stars from ourstates. mother country, itasby white stripes, thus showing tha established anallowed official design onforJune 14, 1777 —ofnow observed Flag Day. act the original 13 colonies and for additional new World War. The first printed version of it reportedly was in December 1915, in The law specified stripes should horizontal, alternately red andStates from her, and the stripes shallalternate go downred to posterity represe stated, “thatthatthe Flag ofbeseparated the thirteen United bewhite thirteen stripes, and white, and the union, or canton, should display 20 stars for the states then in the the British magazine Punch. liberty.”ofstars, poem had a huge impact onatwo women, Anna E. Guerin of white, that the color union beor arrangement thirteen blue field, representing new union. But it did not specify shades the stars,white and widein a McCrae’s France and Georgia native Moina Michael. Both worked hard to initiate the sale variation persisted. During the Civil War, gold stars were more common constellation.” Washington explained it thisthanway: “We take the stars from heaven, the of artificial poppies to help orphans and others left destitute by the war. By the white and the stars sometimes appeared in a circle. First Flag was redfirst from our mother separating it by stripes, thus showing that we with have time Guerin established the first sale in the U.S., in 1920 the help of The The time the Stars and Stripescountry, flew The in a Flag Day celebration in white American Legion, the poppy was well known in the allied countries — AmerHartford, Conn., 1861, the first summer of the Civil War. Instripes the late 1800s, separated from her, and the white shall go down to posterity representing ica, Britain, France, Canada, Australia and New Zealand — as the “Flower of schools held Flag Day programs to contribute to the Americanization of imNo records confirm who designed the original Stars and Stripes, but historia liberty.” migrant children, and the observance caught on with individual communities. Remembrance.” Proceeds from that first sale went to the American and French Children’s League. Francis Hopkinson, of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, p As a patriotic custom, the Stars and Stripes still flies in front of schools whenone Guerin had difficulty with the distribution of the poppies in early 1922 and classes are in session. modified the unofficial Continental flag into the design we now have. The First Flag In 1916, the president proclaimed a nationwide observance of Flag Day, sought out Michael for help. Michael had started a smaller-scaled Poppy Day but it was not until 1949 that Congress voted for Flag Day to be a permanent during a YMCA conference she was attending in New York and wanted to use poppies as a symbol of remembrance of the war. Guerin, called the “Poppy holiday. the 49th confirm and 50th starswho were added in 1959 andthe 1960,original the stan- the NoWhen records designed Stars and Stripes, but historians believe dards of design became even more precise. The regulated design calls for seven Lady of France” in her homeland, and Michael, later dubbed “The Poppy PrinFrancis the the oflegislature, Independence, probably cess” by the Georgia went to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) red and six white Hopkinson, stripes, with the redone stripesof at top andsigners bottom. Theof union of Declaration for help. Following its first nationwide distribution of poppies, the VFW adnavymodified blue fills the upper quarter from the top to the lower edge of the fourth theleftunofficial Continental flag into theopted design we now have. the poppy as its official memorial flower in 1922.

The Flower of Remembrance

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 64, No. 2

The Flower of Remembrance in Flanders Fields By John McCrae In Flanders fields the poppies blow

However, shortage poppies from French Between theacrosses, row onof row, That mark ourled place;toandthe in theidea sky of using unemmanufacturers The larks, still bravely singing, fly. ployedScarce andheard disabled amid theveterans guns below.to produce the artificial flowers. In 1924, a poppy factory was built We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, feltPa., dawn,providing saw sunset glow in Pittsburgh, a reliable source of Loved, and were loved, and now we lie poppies and afields. practical means of assistance to In Flanders veterans. Today, veterans at VA medical faciliTake up our quarrel with the foe: ties and veterans homes help To you from failing hands we throwassemble the popThe torch; be yours to hold it high. pies, which If ye breakare faithdistributed with us who die by veterans service We shall notthroughout sleep, though poppies grow organizations the country. In Flanders fields. Donations received in return for these artithis was the poem written World War I Colonelveterans John McCrae, surgeon with ficial poppies have by helped countless and atheir widows, widowers and Canada's First Brigade Artillery. It expressed McCrae's grief over the "row on row" of orphans overwho thehad years. The poppybattlefields, itself continues toaserve a perpetual tribute graves of soldiers died on Flanders' located in regionas of western Belgium and who northern France. thetheir poemlives presented a striking image of the bright to those have given for the nation’s freedom.  red

flew flags at half-staff. Supporters of Waterloo’s claim say earlier observances in other places were either informal, not community- wide or one-time events. By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities. It was not in untilFlanders after World War I, however, that the day was expanded Fields to honor those who have died in all American By John McCrae wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some In Flanders fields the poppies blow other federal holidays.

The Flower of Remembrance

Between the crosses, row on row,

Some Haveplace; Confederate ThatStates mark our and in Observances the sky

Many Southern also have their ownfly. days for honoring the Confederate The larks, stillstates bravely singing, dead. Mississippi celebrates Confederate Memorial Day on the last Monday of flowers blooming among the rows of white crosses and became a rallying cry to all who Scarce heard amid the guns below. April, Alabama on the fourth Monday of April, and Georgia on April 26. North fought in the First World War. the first printed version of it reportedly was in December 1915, in the British magazine Punch. and South Carolina observe it on May 10, Louisiana on June 3 and Tennessee calls date Confederate Decoration Texas celebrates Confederate Heroes Wethat are the dead. Short daysDay. ago McCrae's poem had a huge impact on two women, Anna e. Guerin of France and Georgia native Moina Michael. Both worked hard to initiate the sale of artificial poppies Day January 19 and Virginia calls the last Monday We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow in May Confederate Memoto help orphans and others left destitute by the war. By the time Guerin established the rial Day. first sale in the U.S., in 1920 with the help of the American Legion, the poppy was well Loved, and were loved, and now we lie known in the allied countries — America, Britain, France, Canada, Australia and New Gen. Logan’s order for his posts to decorate graves in 1868 “with the choicest Zealand — as the "Flower of Remembrance." Proceeds from that first sale went to the In Flanders fields. of springtime” urged: “We should guard their graves with sacred vigihree years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an flowers American and French Children's League. lance. ... Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Guerin had difficulty with the distribution of the poppies in early 1922 and sought out mourners. Letquarrel no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to Decoration Day as Poppy a timeDayforduring the anation Michael for — help.established Michael had started a smaller-scaled YMCA to decorate the fond Take up our with the foe: graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared it should the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and To you from failing hands we throw be May 30. It is believed the date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom undivided republic.” The be yours to hold it high. Thetorch; crowd attending the first Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National all over the cou was approximately If ye break faith with the us same who size die as those that attend today’s obserThe first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Ceme- Cemetery about 5,000 people. Then, as now, small American tery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The ceremonies centered vance, We shall not sleep, though poppies grow flags were placed on each grave — a tradition followed at many national cemeteries today. In recent around the mourning- draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home In Flanders fields. of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. years, the custom has grown in many families to decorate the graves of all deUlysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the parted loved ones. The origins of special services to honor with those who die in war can be found Soldiers’ Sailors’ Orphan Homewritten and members the GARWar made their way thisandwas the poem by ofWorld I Colonel John McCrae, a surgeon through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, in antiquity. The Athenian leader Pericles offered a tribute to the fallen heroes of Canada's Brigade Artillery. It expressed McCrae's grief War over "row on row" the Peloponnesian overthe 24 centuries ago that couldofbe applied today to the reciting prayers and First singing hymns. 1.1 million Americans whoin have died in the of nation’s wars: “Not only are they graves of soldiers who had died on Flanders' battlefields, located a region western commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten Local Observances To BeFrance. First Belgium and Claim northern the poem presented a striking image of the bright red Local springtime tributes to the Civil War dead already had been held in memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.” flowers blooming among the rows of white crosses and became a rallying cry toheroes all who To ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen are never forgotten, in various places. One of the first occurred in Columbus, Miss., April 25, 1866, December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The fought the visited Firsta World the firstofprinted when a group ofin women cemetery toWar. decorate the graves Confederateversion of it reportedly was in December soldiers who had battle at Shiloh. Nearby were the graves of Union sol- National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House 1915, in fallen the inBritish magazine Punch. diers, neglected because they were the enemy. Disturbed at the sight of the bare Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s chargraves, the women placed some of their flowers on those graves, as well. Today, ter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to country, e. which provides of themFrance so much freedom McCrae's poem had a tohuge impactofon two Day women, Guerin and and opportunity” by encities in the North and the South claim be the birthplace Memorial in theirAnna couraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial 1866. Both Maconnative and Columbus, Ga., Michael. claim the title, Both as well as Richmond,hard Va. Georgia Moina worked to and initiate theMoment sale of ofRemembrance. artificial poppies Day the National The village of Boalsburg, Pa., claims it began there two years earlier. A stone in Moment of Remembrance to helpIll., orphans and the others left by the ByNational the time Guerin established the a Carbondale, cemetery carries statement thatdestitute the first Decoration Day war.The encourages all Americans to pause wherever ceremony place April 29,in1866. Carbondale wartime first took sale inthere theonU.S., 1920 with was thethehelp ofhome the American Legion, the poppy was well of Gen. Logan. Approximately 25 places have been named in connection with the they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial known in the allied countries — America, Britain, France, Canada, Australia and New origin of Memorial Day, many of them in the South where most of the war dead Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those from who have died in service to the — as the "Flower of Remembrance." Proceeds that first sale went to the wereZealand buried. nation. As Moment of Remembrance foundAmerican and French Children's League. er Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we Official Birthplace Declared can all help put the memorial back in MeIn 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., morial Day.”  Guerin had difficulty witha ceremony the distribution ofhonored the poppies in early 1922 and sought out the “birthplace” of Memorial Day. There, on May 5, 1866, had started aand smaller-scaled Poppy Day during a YMCA localMichael veterans whofor hadhelp. fought inMichael the Civil War. Businesses closed residents

The Origins of Memorial Day

The Origin

Michigan AMVETS News

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Three the he Grand Decor grave Logan date w over t

the first large observance was held the Potomac River from Washington mourning- draped Vol.veranda 64, No. of 2 the Ar Lee. Various Washington officials, in over the ceremonies. After speeches

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For more information contact Post 8905 21902 Hempstead Highway Cypress, Tx 77429 281-469-6632

m e d a l s Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 64, No. 2

President Obama’s Veteran’s Stimulus Package By Kevin Reed

he Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will spend more than $1.4 billion as part of President Obama’s economic recovery plan to improve services to America’s Veterans. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) enables the VA to improve medical facilities and national cemeteries, provide grants to assist states in acquiring or constructing state nursing homes and extended care facilities, and to modify or alter existing facilities to care for Veterans. VA will dedicate ARRA funds to hire and train 1,500 temporary claims processors to speed benefits delivery to Veterans and pursue needed information technology initiatives for improved benefits and services. Funds will also be used to oversee and audit programs, grants, and projects funded under ARRA. As part of President Obama’s Recovery plan, the VA will also make onetime payments of $250 to eligible Veterans and survivors to help offset the effects of the current economy. These payments will be issued starting in June 2009. VA estimates $700 million in payments will be made to eligible beneficiaries as part of this measure. To be eligible for the $250 payment, VA beneficiaries must have received compensation, pension, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), or spina bifida benefits at any time between November 2008 and January 2009. Also, beneficiaries must reside within the United States or Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. No application is necessary. VA will use its existing payment records to determine eligibility for the $250 payment. Beneficiaries will receive their payments the same way they receive their monthly VA benefits (either by direct deposit or mail). VA will inform beneficiaries and the public when releasing the payments. This payment is not countable in determining eligibility for VA pension or Parents’ DIC. The law allows one $250 payment per individual. The payment is tax-free. VA beneficiaries who also receive benefits from the Social Security Administration or Railroad Retirement Board will be paid through those agencies, and will therefore not receive the payment from VA. 

Some Vets to Get VA Stimulus Payment April 03, 2009

ASHINGTON - The Veterans Affairs Department said Thursday it will issue a one-time payment of $250 to qualifying veterans as part of its stimulus spending. Altogether, the VA said it will spend more than $1.4 billion in stimulus money as part of President Barack Obama’s economic recovery plan. Some of the money will go to hire and train 1,500 temporary claims processors to help reduce a six-month backlog in disability claims, but a large amount will go to upgrade veterans hospitals and cemeteries across the country. The $250 payments will be issued as early as June. To be eligible, a veteran must have received a qualifying compensation between November of last year and January. It is estimated that $700 million will be spent on the payments. The approximate $1 billion in construction projects range from $550,000 to relocate a sleep lab in Northport, N.Y., to $1.1 million to replace roads and gutters in a facility in Battle Creek, Mich. About $50 million will go to improve veterans cemeteries, with projects ranging from about $9,000 for a lawn tractor for Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Pennsylvania to $28,500 for a casket carrier in Black Hills, S.D. 

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 64, No. 2

New GI Bill Overview Military.com

POEM by Dave W.

he new GI Bill (Chapter 33) or so-called “Post 9/11 GI Bill,” boasts the most comprehensive education benefits package since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. This new benefit does not go into effect until August 1, 2009. Many post 9/11 veterans and servicemembers will soon see a new package of education benefits. This new Post 9/11 GI Bill, or so-called GI Bill for the 21st Century, boasts the most comprehensive education benefits package since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. The new bill goes well beyond helping to pay for tuition; many veterans who served after Sept. 11, 2001, will get full tuition and fees, a new monthly housing stipend, and a $1,000 a year stipend for books and supplies. The new bill also gives Reserve and Guard members who have been activated for more than 90 days since 9/11 access to the same GI Bill benefits. NOTE: The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently NOT accepting applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. You should check the VA GI Bill website regularly to determine when VA will begin accepting Post-9/11 GI Bill applications submitted online or by mail. 

Dear Lord, As the sun sets on another day, Glowing softly in the west, Please set a special place aside for our wonderful country’s best. For the selfless men and women who knowingly give their all... Who stand guard ‘round our banner...and shall never let it fall. They leave behind both spouse and child to protect and preserve our land, They leave behind both hearth and home in service great and grand. They endure heartache and hardship for an occasional word from home, They endure sharp criticisms, and they often feel alone. But Lord, please touch their souls tonight, somehow let them know we care, That we’re standing right behind them, even when they’re “Over There”. And Lord if they’re wet and cold in the darkness of a wild and rolling sea, Or sweltering in the desert sands, and waiting patiently... If they’re soaring through the silver clouds, or standing guard out in the rain, If they’re laughing, living, loving...or in quiet, heartfelt pain. Please, Lord tonight embrace them, Soldiers, Sailors one and all, For they dearly love their country, and they daily give their all For the young airman away from home, for the first time in his life, And the officer far away, from his children and his wife. To the women dressed in olive drab instead of skirts or jeans, Because when you say “Patriot”...they can tell you what it means. And Lord, if before this night is through, Heaven’s Gate should open wide, And a soldier, airman, sailor or marine should step inside, If he straightens to attention with a clicking of his boot, And proudly states his presence with a textbook sharp salute, Embrace him, Lord...and love him...in Your great and perfect way For he was one of the best, dear Lord...the Pride of the USA. 

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USA Jet Airlines is a subsidiary of Active Aero Group - 23 -

www.activeaero.com Vol. 64, No. 2

The U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute Program FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION, INC. “Dedicated to our greatest national treasure ... our military service men and women and their loved ones”

FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES ELIGIBILITY FOR DONATED AIRLINE TICKETS The Seal of the U.S. Department of the Army, and the emblem of the Assistant Secretary of the Army Freedom Team Salute is a Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army program launched in May 2005. The program recognizes U.S. Army Veterans and the Parents, Spouses and Employers of U.S. Army Soldiers. The program also recognizes those Special Supporters who have significantly contributed to supporting U.S. Army Soldiers and the Army’s Mission.

The nonprofit Fisher House Foundation administers the “Hero Miles” program for the Department of Defense in accordance with Public Law 108-110, the FY 05 Defense Authorization Act. The program is comprised of individual airlines whose passengers donate their frequent flyer miles to assist service members and their families. Specifically, Fisher House Foundation provides free airline tickets to military men and women who are undergoing treatment at a military or VA medical center incident to their service in Iraq or Afghanistan, and their families. There are two categories of eligible recipients:  Service men and women with an approved leave of five or more days may be given a free round trip airline ticket for travel from the medical center to their home and return if they are not eligible for government funded airfare.

Anyone (military or civilian) can honor a U.S. Army Veteran or an Army Supporter. Active Duty Soldiers can honor their Parents and Spouse. Guard and Reserve Soldiers can honor their Parents, Spouse and Employer. Commendation packages arrive in 3 to 4 weeks.

 Qualifying service men and women may be given free round trip airline tickets to enable their family or close friends to visit them while they are being treated at the medical center. The request for tickets will ordinarily originate with the service member and be forwarded to Fisher House Foundation by the social work staff or family assistance center at a medical center, or through service casualty offices. Only under exceptional circumstances should family members contact Fisher House Foundation directly.

There is no cost to participate. The program is fully funded by the U.S. Army.

AIRLINE PARTNERS

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer Freedom Team Salute Ambassador can find information on the Freedom Team Salute website at www.FreedomTeamSalute.com.

Fisher House Foundation has written agreements with individual airlines that contain specific criteria for the use of the miles donated to the “Hero Miles” program. It is for this reason that the Foundation must ensure the miles are used only for service members whose hospitalization is the result of service in Iraq or Afghanistan.

There have been more than 1.3 million Commendation recipients since the program began in May 2005.

Participating airlines are:

Learn how a Freedom team Salute commendation can powerfully express your personal gratitude. Standing by our Soldiers is not an easy task—it requires steadfast vision, commitment and sacrifice—and the time spent in the Army shapes a Soldier’s life forever. Recognizing what a simple expression of gratitude can mean, in 2005 the Army created Freedom Team Salute. The program recognizes the essential bond between Soldiers, family and community; celebrates the sacrifices made by all those who support our Soldiers; and honors the millions of Soldier Veterans who have served and who remain as our living connection to generations of duty, honor, and patriotism. Through a simple process, Freedom Team Salute allows all Soldiers to recognize their Parents, Spouse and Employer (of Guard and Reserve Soldiers) with a Commendation thanking them for the value they bring to the Army family. The program also allows anyone to recognize a U.S. Army Veteran for his or her service to the nation—no matter where or when he or she served, or for how long. Additionally, anyone can recognize an Army Supporter who has significantly contributed to supporting U.S. Army Soldiers and the Army’s Mission.  Michigan AMVETS News

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ABOUT FISHER HOUSE Fisher House Foundation is best known for the network of 43 comfort homes on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. The houses are 5,000 to 16,800 square foot homes, with up to 21 suites, donated to the military and Department of Veterans Affairs by Fisher House Foundation. The Foundation provides support to families of patients receiving care at the nearby medical center and has ensured that families of service men and women wounded or injured in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operating Enduring Freedom do not pay for their stay at a Fisher House or other base facility if they are on a wait list. For more information on the work of Fisher House Foundation, go to www.fisherhouse.org, or call toll-free (888) 294-8560.

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Vol. 64, No. 2

f you are planning a vacation, now is the time to call Kari at the AMVETS Higgins Lake Lodge and reserve your dates. If you are unaware, there are six - four-bedroom, two-bath cottages, one two-bedroom cottage, and the lodge with 17 bedrooms and meals. A swimming beach, a boat dock, fire pits, five row boats (no motors) for fishing. In the fall there are color tours. Call Kari, our manager at 1-989-821-6574.

mAKE yOUR rESERVATIONS tODAY!

For your next vacation you must visit the AMVETS Lodge on beautiful Higgins Lake. 106 Thorpe Ave, Roscommon, MI 48653 I-75 Exit 244 or US127 Military Road Exit

For reservations call : 989-821-6574 Four Bedroom Cottages

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One bed.................................. $50 Two beds................................. $60 Three beds............................... $70

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AMVETS................................ $30 Non-Members......................... $33 Michigan AMVETS News

Breakfast or Lunch...... $5 Plus Tax Dinner........................ $8 Plus Tax

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Vol. 64, No. 2

Auxiliary NEWS Kathy's Korner Kathy Biela, AUXILIARY PRESIDENT

hope that everyone has been enjoying the beautiful spring weather. 2009 has already been a busy year as I have continued to enjoy my visits and travels throughout Michigan. Since my last article, I’ve enjoyed touring Aleda Lutz Veterans Hospital, Ann Arbor Hospital, Battle Creek Veterans Hospital and Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Thank you to all of our V.A. Representatives and Deputies for coordinating these visits and making them such a pleasure to attend. The AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary is well represented and doing magnificent work for our Veterans at all of our Michigan V.A. Hospitals and Homes. Keep up the great work! I had a great weekend with my Aux. Sisters from Aux. 22 as I attended their yearly “Retreat” with them. Those girls sure know how to have a good time. I was also happy to help celebrate AMVETS Post #29’s 63rd Anniversary with them at their Post. Our S.E.C. Meeting in February was productive and our

Celebrating Women's Contributions to the Army: Women's History Month Mar 04 By Army Senior Leaders

Michigan AMVETS News

Dept. Officers continue working hard in representing the Ladies Auxiliary. District II once again put on a wonderful Americanism Program in Bay City and I was proud to attend this event, along with our Dept. Commander, Mary Wilseck, and be a part of it. Also traveling with me was our Dept. PRO, Harriet Biela & Norma Duran from Aux. #9. Pat Michalski always goes above and beyond for Americanism and it shows! Kudos Pat! The Dept. of Michigan Ladies Auxiliary hosted a Round Table for the National 4th District Ladies Aux. while they were in town for the AMVETS National 4th District, and it was great to see some of our out of state Auxiliary Sisters, including our National President, Charlene Kee, and share ideas with each other. Big thanks to Kathy Keizer, Sharon & Dori Colley, and Nancy Middleton for their help with the refreshments, etc. for this event. A big highlight of my year was attending our National Commander, Chad Hapner’s Testimonial in March and having the honor of being seated at the head table representing the Dept. of MI Ladies Auxiliary. We are all so proud of Chad and the great job that he is doing and it was a privilege to be there and to tell him so! My official visit to District V was another busy day as I started off the day enjoying a wonderful breakfast put on by Post 126. From there I enjoyed my tour of Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and those in attendance enjoyed serving root beer floats to the residents. Amazingly, all of the Dept. Officers managed to keep the ice cream off of our clean, white uniforms. We truly are a gifted bunch! I thoroughly enjoyed by visit at the District V Meeting, which included a candlelight induction of new members, the installation of new officers and the icing on the cake was the entertaining performance by the Thespian Players! All I can say is that those ladies never cease to amaze me!!! (The photos we took will say the rest!) Thanks! Attending my first Silver Helmet was also a big thrill for me! I enjoyed tooling around with Commander Wilseck, who managed to keep me out of trouble that weekend (and that’s not always an easy job!). It was wonderful to get to visit & pay tribute to the memorials for our Vietnam Veterans, our Korean Veterans, and our WWII Veterans, and to be reminded of the sacrifices that all of our Veterans have made for us. I encourage anyone who has never been to Washington to go and spend some time there. Commander Mary and Sons Commander Bruce’s Testimonial was held together and they had a great turnout and a fun evening. It was a great night to celebrate the wonderful year that these two super individuals - who I have had a ball working with this year – have had and all that they have accomplished for our AMVETS Family. Congratulations also to Auxiliary 57 as they celebrated their 60th Anniversary during their joint installation in March. I enjoyed being there with them and having the privilege of installing their new officers. I still have many more visits and events coming up before the end of my year and I hope to see both old (familiar) and new faces at them. Also looking forward to our Dept. Convention in June and seeing you there. Don’t forget that together we can all “Make It Happen” here in Michigan! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions, or if I can be of any service to you. You can contact me at: 586-948-3602 or email me at: klb428@aol.com Kathy. 

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Vol. 64, No. 2

PDP Maureen Jackson and PRO/Historian Harriet Biela to visit post #23 where they had a cocktail and met members from the post. A short visit and Madam President was on her way to District V for their meeting, being served was a delicious dinner with one of her favorite desserts ‘Better than Sex Cake’, and a wonderful talented ‘roast’ put on by the Thesbian Players. Once again they out did themselves in character, costume, and President Kathy’s secrets (no one will ever know who gave them this information). After the fun it was serious business, President Kathy installed the new district officers and new members. The Grand Rapids week ended with the highlighted Testimonial for National Commander Chad Hapner, what an honor to be the Auxiliary Department of MI President at the same time as the National Commander who is also from MI, It doesn’t get any better than that. Madam President spent the weekend with PDP and District V’s President Marilyn Boring who generously opened her home to her.

Auxiliary NEWS

Keeping Up With President Kathy

he calendar is saying spring but the snow is telling us that it is not ready to give up; just ask President Kathy as her Escape, like the yellow school bus, keeps clicking on and on down the expressways with all the orange barrels being surprised with snow. The month has brought spring SEC meeting and an opportunity to visit and tour the following Veteran’s hospitals and homes: Ann Arbor, Aldea Lutz Saginaw, Battle Creek, and Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. After the tour of the Grand Rapids Home President Kathy, joined by her many department officers, made ice cream floats for the residents. We are happy to say that no one had root beer or ice cream on their nice white jackets, just goes to show you how well they do under pressure. From there PDP Dori Colley chauffeured President Kathy, Honors/Awards Chairman PDP Maureen Jackson and PRO/Historian Harriet Biela to visit post #23 where they had a cocktail and met members from the post. A short visit and Madam President was on her way to District V for their meeting, being served was a delicious dinner with one of her favorite desserts ‘Better than Sex Cake’, and a wonderful talented ‘roast’ put on by the Thesbian Players. Once again they out did themselves in character, costume, and President Kathy’s secrets (no one will ever know who gave them this information). After the fun it was serious business, President Kathy installed the new district officers and new members. The Grand Rapids week ended with the highlighted Testimonial for National Commander Chad Hapner, what an honor to be the Auxiliary Department of MI President at the same time as the National Commander who is also from MI, It doesn’t get any better than that. Madam President spent the weekend with PDP and District V’s President Marilyn Boring who generously opened her home to her. President Kathy came home to unpack and repack her luggage for the Silver Helmet Awards Banquet at the Hilton Baltimore Airport in Linthicum, MD. This time she left her wheels at home and flew the big bird in the sky for the event. A busy time being able to see many monuments, hold an informal round table discussion with the National 4th District Auxiliaries and the banquet. Then it was back on the big bird home. Americanism Programs were held at Post #93 and District II Bay City at Post #22. There was a wonderful turnout of children as they did posters and essays on the theme “What Does an American Veteran Mean to Me”. President Kathy attended both with PDP Maureen Jackson, Department PRO Harriet Biela, and District II President Carol Pickett. Present at the Americanism Awards Program was AMVET Department Commander Mary Wilseck and District II AMMichigan AMVETS News

Ann Arbor, seated in the new logging lodge at the bingo area, left to right: Pat Krzesowik VAVS Rep, Madam President Kathy, standing VAVS Deputy Georgeanne Rothenberg.

Battle Creek: Clarice Poisson VAVS Rep presenting President Kathy with a beautiful plaque from the hospital.

Aleda Lutz Saginaw: Norma Duran Post # 9, Voluntary Service Director, Madam President Kathy, VAVS Rep Marcella Schmidt, PDP Maureen Jackson, SGT at Arms Carmen Cimpson.

Standing in front of the beautiful painting of the front of the Home are left to right: PDP and VAVS Rep Sharon Colley, PDP and VAVS Deputy Dori Colley, President Kathy and Voluntary Service Director Jan Rosochacki.

Wonderful group that toured the home, standing left to right: PDP/Dept Secretary Nancy Middleton, District I President Theadus Reeves, 1st Vice Kathy Keizer, PDP/VAVS Rep Sharon Colley, Marceil Evans Post #8, Wendy Keizer Post #126. Seated: PRO/Historian Harriet Biela, Madam President Kathy and PDP/Deputy Dori Colley.

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Look at those PDP’s put to work with President Kathy. Nancy Middleton, President Kathy, Dori Colley, and

Vol. 64, No. 2

Auxiliary NEWS

Wonderful group that toured the home, standing left to right: PDP/Dept Secretary Nancy st Middleton, District I President Theadus Reeves, 1 Vice Kathy Keizer, PDP/VAVS Rep Sharon Colley, Marceil Evans Post #8, Wendy Keizer Post #126. Seated: PRO/Historian Harriet Biela, Madam President Kathy and PDP/Deputy Dori Colley.

Keeping Up With President Kathy

Department President Kathy Biela reading PDP now the new District V President Marilyn Boring her duties.

VET Commander Andy Cicala. President of Post #93 Sandy Jacob, her Americanism Chairman Bonnie Rajeski, and American ism Officer Pat Michalski brought together a wonderful program. Michalski, once again, planned an event that left everyone wanting to see more, as all branches of the ser vice were represented as well as the different flags of the U.S. AMVET Department Commander Mary Wilseck along with Department President Kathy, officers, children, teachers and parents ended the program with marching around the holding flags and singDepartment President Kathy Biela installing all officers of District V.

PDP Sharon Colley trying to make Department President Kathy keep a straight face.

Look at those PDP’s put to work with President Kathy. Nancy Middleton, President Kathy, Dori Colley, and Maureen Jackson. Not a drop of ice cream or soda on those white jackets. GOOD WORK!

Look carefully these are our leaders of the Dept, left to right: 1st President Kathy sneaking one of those Vice Kathy Keizer, Scholarship Officer Dori Colley, Executive good ice cream floats with PDP Secretary Nancy Middleton, Treasurer Sharon Colley, Department Maureen Jackson who’s getting one President Kathy Biela, and Honor & Awards Maureen Jackson. In ready for herself. this group we have 4 PDP, one present and one future. SCARY!

Department President Kathy Biela reading PDP now the new District V President Marilyn Boring her duties.

Department President Kathy Biela installing all officers of District V.

Stopping for a visit at Post #23 before District V. Enjoying a cocktail at their famous bar, left to right: PDP Maureen Jackson, Madam President Kathy Biela, PDP Dori Colley, and PRO/Historian Harriet Biela. President Kathy wearing her sash of badges earned from the Thesbian Players joined by Mom, Harriet Biela.

Look carefully these are our leaders of the Dept, left to right: 1st Vice Kathy Keizer, Scholarship Officer Dori Colley, Executive Secretary Nancy Middleton, Treasurer Sharon Colley, Department President Kathy Biela, and Honor & Awards Maureen Jackson. In this group we have 4 PDP, one present and one future. SCARY!

PDP Sharon Colley trying to make Department President Kathy keep a Department President Kathy Biela installing all officers of District V. straight face.

Michigan AMVETS News

PDP Sharon Colley trying

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President Kathy keep a straight face.

Vol. 64, No. 2

home and flew the big bird in the sky for the event. A busy time being able to see many monuments, hold an informal round table discussion with the National 4th District Auxiliaries and the banquet. Then it was back on the big bird home.

Auxiliary NEWS

Americanism Programs were held at Post #93 and District II Bay City at Post #22. There was a wonderful turnout of children as they did posters and essays on the theme “What Does an American Veteran Mean to Me”. President Kathy attended both with PDP Maureen Jackson, Department PRO Harriet Biela, and District II President Carol Pickett. Present at the Americanism Awards Program was AMVET Department Commander Mary Wilseck and District II AMVET Commander Andy Cicala. President of Post #93 Sandy Jacob, her Americanism Chairman Bonnie Rajeski, and Americanism Officer Pat Michalski brought together a wonderful program. Michalski, once again, planned an event that left everyone wanting to see more, as ing patriotic songs. Bringing March to an endall branches of the service were represented as well as the different flags of the U.S. AMVET Madam President attended the Testimonial Dinner in honor of AMVET Starting the parade our leaders Department Commander Mary Wilseck along with Department President Kathy, officers, Department Commander Mary Wilseck representing the Department of MI, children, teachers and parents ended the program with marching around the holding flags and Department President Kathy Biela and and Sons of AMVET Commander Bruce AMVET Commander Mary Wilseck. singing patriotic songs. Bringing March to an end Madam President attended the Testimonial Ringler. April is here and President Kathy Dinner in honor of AMVET Department Commander Mary Wilseck and Sons of AMVET looks forward to her own Testimonial Commander Bruce Ringler.

Keeping Up With President Kathy

Starting the parade representing the De Department Presid AMVET Commande

Dinner this month and attending more functions. Soon it will be convention April is here and President Kathy looks forward to her own Testimonial Dinner this month and epack her luggage for the Silver Helmet Awards time and we will wonder where the year attending more functions. Soon it will be convention time and we will wonder where the year nthicum, MD. This time she left her wheels at has gone. has gone. event. A busy time being able to see many

scussion with the National 4 District Auxiliaries District II Americanism g bird home.

District II Americanism program, in the background representing all the branches of the service, seated left to right: District II Commander Andy Cicala, Amvet Commander Mary Wilseck, Department President Kathy Biela, PDP/District II President Carol Pickett, and PDP/ Americanism Officer Pat Michalski.

program, in the background

representing all the branches of 3 and District II Bay City at Post #22. There was a the service, seated left to right: District II Commander Andy sters and essays on the theme “What Does an Cicala, Amvet Commander Kathy attended both with PDP Maureen Jackson, Mary Wilseck, Department President Kathy Biela, President Carol Pickett. Present at the PDP/District II President Carol Pickett, and PDP/ Americanism epartment Commander Mary Wilseck and District Officer Pat Michalski. t of Post #93 Sandy Jacob, her Americanism Officer Pat Michalski brought together a wonderful

event that left everyone wanting to see more, as as well as the different flags of the U.S. AMVET Enjoying gifts received , left to right: District II President Carol Pickett, Department President Kathy g with Department President Kathy, officers, Biela, Americanism Officer Pat Michalski ogram with marching around the holding flags and n end Madam President attended the Testimonial mander Mary Wilseck and Sons of AMVET

ard to her own Testimonial Dinner this month and nvention time and we will wonder where the year

Post #93 Americanism program left to right: District II President Carol Pickett, Department President Kathy Biela, Americanism Officer Pat Michalski, Auxiliary President Sandy Jacob.

“The Pride of Michigan” a Kodak moment, Taking a minute from ‘Silver Helmet’ festivities, AMVET Department Commander Mary Wilseck, National Commander Chad Hapner and Auxiliary Department President Kathy biela.

Waiting for dinner, MI had the front table, AMVET Dept Commander Mary Wilseck, Auxiliary Dept President Kathy Biela, PDP/Dept NEC Woman Pat Whitcher

Department Officers Nancy Middleton, Sharon Colley, Dori Colley, Kathy Keizer and President Kathy Biela waiting to hold the ‘Informational Roundtable’ discussion with th the National 4 district Auxiliary guests.

Post #93 Americanism program left to right: District II President Carol Pickett, Department President Kathy Biela, Americanism Officer Pat Michalski, Auxiliary President Sandy Jacob.

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 64, No. 2

Auxiliary NEWS Keeping Up With President Kathy Hospital Chairman Harriet Biela and AuxiliaChairman Val Krotkiewicz had a busy season staples. One family had 3 children and mother ry members were busy at Christmas making gift with Christmas gifts for children at Macomb Fos- while the other family had 3 children and both packages for nursing homes. Auxiliary members ter Care, donations from Auxiliary members to parents. All were very happy on Christmas mornput together coffee cans covered with material Toys for Tots, Christmas tree gifts from churches ing as everyone received the minimum of 10 gifts and made bags filled with 10 different comfort and member donations of new baby items like along with Christmas filled stockings. Kathy deitems for distribution. Nursing homes also re- bibs, toys, onsies, crocheted blankets, crocheted livered them to Lighthouse Outreach for districeived Christmas felt socks, plastic canvas bas- hats and much more for Macomb Birthrite Cen- bution. The annual blanket project also went to kets filled with candy, and individual cards signed ter. New children’s clothes were also donated to lighthouse. Christmas and Thanksgiving tray faHospital Chairman harriet biela and Auxiliary members were busy at Christmas making gift vors with cookies and candy were made and disby members. Ladies met on a snowy afternoon Nativity Parish in Detroit for distribution. and put their busy fingers to work. Community Chairman Kathy Biela has been tributed along with crochet and quilted lap robes packages for nursing homes. Auxiliary members put together coffee cans covered with material St. Anthony’s was entertained by a dancing very busy with the holiday season. Once again to Arden Court and Madonna Villa Senior homes. group of and made bags filled with 10 different comfort items for ditribution. Nursing homes also girls at Christmas, volunteers served the Auxiliary adopted 2 families and for Thanks- Kathy made a blanket for one of the young boys cookies and punch after the performance. Winter giving food packages were given for dinner and who belongs to the Young Marines, which he received Christmas felt socks, plastic canvas baskets filled with candy, and individual cards season finished, Easter projects started with Lo- beyond meals. At Christmas the families once must have been thrilled with. Spring is here and retta Sniezyk already making bunny baskets. again received many generous boxes of food and plans are being made for more projects. One of signed by members. Ladies met on a snowy afternoon and put their busy fingers to work.

Finished filled coffee cans and bags for Christmas

Loretta Sniezyk showing off Easter baskets she made, she also made Christmas baskets.

Val Krotkiewicz and Rosemary lucas are busy filling felt socks.

Dancers from Lydia Dance School performing at St. Anthony for Christmas

Volunteers from Post #9 taking a break after serving refreshments at St. Anthony, left to right: Harriet Biela, Pat Malendowski, Dave Mobus, and Kathy Mobus

Michigan AMVETS News

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St. Anthony’s was entertained by a dancing group of girls at Christmas, volunteers served cookies and punch after the performance. Winter season finished, Easter projects started with

Vol. 64, No. 2

Auxiliary NEWS Keeping Up With President Kathy the big events is the Annual Paws with a Cause Auction/Coffee House Entertainment still to be held in Chairman Val Krotkiewicz had a busy season with Christmas gifts for children at Macomb Foster April. Kathy puts months Care, donations from Auxiliary members to Toys for Tots, Christmas tree gifts from churches and hours into this project, and member donations of new baby items like bibs, toys, onsies, crocheted blankets, crocheted it is one of her favorites. 

hats and much more for Macomb Birthrite Center. New children’s clothes were also donated to Nativity Parish in Detroit for distribution.

Some of the items donated with Chairman Val Our leaders out of uniform looking wonderful. AMVET Commander Krotkiewicz, Dept President Mary Wilseck and Depatment President Kathy Biela at the Kathy Biela and Rosemary Commander’s Testimonial dinner. Lucas

Department President Kathy Biela poses with members from her post #9, Norma Duran, and Mom Harriet Biela.

hairman Val Krotkiewicz had a busy season with Christmas gifts for children at Macomb Foster Joining the celebration for AMVET Commander Mary are, donations from Auxiliary members to Toys for Tots, Christmas tree gifts from churches Wilseck, Post #57 members nd member donations of new baby items like bibs, toys, onsies, crocheted blankets, crocheted take a minute with Madam President Kathy. Left to right ats and much more for Macomb Birthrite Center. New children’s clothes were also donated to PDP Maureen Jackson, Nativity Parish in Detroit for distribution. President Kathy Biela, Jay Community Chairman Kathy Biela has been very busy with the holiday season. Once again the Charvot, 3rd Vice Yvette Rusak Auxiliary adopted 2 families and for Thanksgiving food packages were given for dinner and beyond meals. At Christmas the families once again received many generous boxes of food and Some of the items donated staples. One family had 3 children and mother while the other family had 3 children and both with Chairman Val parents. All were very happy on Christmas morning as everyone received the minimum of 10 Krotkiewicz, Dept President gifts along with Christmas filled stockings. Kathy delivered them to Lighthouse Outreach for Kathy Biela and Rosemary Lucas distribution. The annual blanket project also went to lighthouse. Christmas and Thanksgiving tray favors with cookies and candy were made and distributed along with crochet and quilted lap robes to Arden Court and Madonna Villa Senior homes. Kathy made a blanket for one of the young boys who belongs to the Young Marines, which he must have been thrilled with. Spring is here and plans are being made for more projects. One of the big events is the Annual Paws with a Cause Auction/Coffee House Entertainment still to be held in April. Kathy puts months and hours into this project, it is one of her favorites. ommunity Chairman Kathy Biela has been very busy with the holiday season. Once again the

Auxiliary adopted 2 families and for Thanksgiving food packages were given for dinner and eyond meals. At Christmas the families once again received many generous boxes of food and taples. One family had 3 children and mother while the other family had 3 children and both arents. All were very happy on Christmas morning as everyone received the minimum of 10 ifts along with Christmas filled stockings. Kathy delivered them to Lighthouse Outreach for istribution. The annual blanket project also went to lighthouse. Christmas and Thanksgiving ray favors with cookies and candy were made and distributed along with crochet and quilted ap robes to Arden Court and Madonna Villa Senior homes. Kathy made a blanket for one of he young boys who belongs to the Young Marines, which he must have been thrilled with. Chairman Kathy Biela showing off the USMC Kathy Biela and Pastor Mel with pring is here and plans are being made for more projects. One of the big events is the Annual some of the Christmas packages. blanket she made for the young man in our aws with a Cause Auction/Coffee House Entertainment still to be held in April. Kathy puts adopted Christmas family. months and hours into this project, it is one of her favorites. Michigan AMVETS News

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Christmas tray favors and felt socks filled for senior homes!

Vol. 64, No. 2

Auxiliary News By Pat Michalski

Post 22

n November, we had a shower for the local Women’s Shelter where we donated $400 in items or cash. In December we purchased 3-4 gifts each for 11 children (whose parent was serving overseas and wouldn’t be home for Christmas) for a total of $560.00. Our Bingo is doing good and if you are ever in the area, stop in on Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. In February we held our 7th Annual Ladies Auxiliary Retreat. This is where the Auxiliary pays for one overnight stay for any member who wants to go. This year we had 17 members, along with our State President, Kathy Biela and Norma Duran; District II President, Carol Picket; PDP’s Maureen Jackson, Pat Whitcher and Doreen Pierce; and Carmen Simpson, State Sgt At Arms. We have a roundtable on Saturday. We hire a DJ for the week-end and have a blind auction on Saturday to recover some of the expenses. This year the theme was “Mardi Gras” and as always, a good time was had by all. We hosted the Spring S.E.C. meeting in February and provided lunch (Taco/Nacho Bar along with Banana splits) and was able to turn over $168.00 to the Department Ways and Means. We sponsored the Flag Drawing, Poster and Essay Contests for Americanism and had 5 local winners win on the District level. The wInners for Post #22 were: Flag Drawing – Kdg., Zachary Moore; Poster – 3rd Grade, Hunter Lauria; 4th Grade, Brandi King; 5th Grade, Gary Pacynski; and Essay – 9h Grade, Carl King. On Sunday, March 1, we sponsored the District II Americanism Awards which our Department Commander and President were in attendance along with the “Bay City Players”. We had 17 winners along with parents, grandparents and siblings from throughout District II in attendance to receive their awards. At the end of March, we sponsored a Craft Show/Bake Sale for PAWS WITH A CAUSE. We had 4 PAWS dogs along with trainers, clients and foster parents visit with us all during the day. We were able to send a $700 check to PAWS.  Top left: Americanism Officer Pat Michalski with Kdg. winner, Zachary Moore Bottom left: Americanism Officer Pat Michalski with 4th grade winner, Brandi King. Top right: PAWS – Back row: Jackie (Ellen’s mother), Aux. #22 members – Sue Christie, Kay Rosebrock and Pat Michalski. Front row: Ellen Herlache, Field Representative with “CISCO” who is an Assistance Demonstration Dog; Louise, client with her dog Jessie and Tanner who is a foster dog. Center right: L to R: Dept. Sgt. At Arms, Carmen Simpson; Dept. Ladies Auxiliary President, Kathy Biela; District II President and P.D.P., Carol Pickett; N.E.C. Woman and P.D.P., Pat Whitcher; P.D.P.’s Doreen Pierce and Maureen Jackson. Bottom right L to R: Auxiliary #22 members: Diane Deary, Linda Malesky, Fran Wright, Ginger Stowell, Judy Valencia and Kathy King.

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 64, No. 2

Auxiliary NEWS Post 126 - Hewitt Madigan Submitted by Wendy Lynema, Auxiliary President

Pennies from Heaven

his is a photo of our “Pennies from Heaven”. Made by auxiliary member Terri Lambright for our Auxiliary Scholarship Program. You can see the pennies falling from heaven toward the bucket! We’ve received many compliments on this. 

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 64, No. 2

SONS OF AMVETS NEWS 'd like to Thank the AMVET family for their kindness and generosity that they have shown to me during my travels these past two years. I've met a lot of new friends and got to see a lot of old friends. I hope you will show the new Commander the same kindness and generosity.

Convention is coming up really fast, June 25 - 28 at the Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie. Hope to see you there. There will be alot of business to attend to but also time to have fun. It's time to elect the new officers to represent you for the coming year. Make sure you keep doing your project reports. I'd like to welcome aboard our new Squadron, Escanaba Post 123. In closing, I would like to thank everyone again. ď&#x201A;ś

Sons Cmdr. Ringler

Who are Sons of AMVETS?

The Sons of AMVETS is a subordinate organization of the AMVETS. We have been part of the AMVET Family since 1974.

What do the Sons do?

The Sons of AMVETS sponsor various community projects. These include Americanism, Legislative and Scholarship programs, as well as assisting our parent organization of AMVETS, and our active and growing Veterans Hospital Program on the Local, State and National Levels.

Why should my post have a Sons of AMVETS Squadron?

A Sons of AMVETS Squadron will allow your post to increase its membership and your presence in the community. It will allow more members of you family to become active in AMVETS. A Sons of AMVETS Squadron can bring new fresh ideas to any AMVETS Post increasing membership and potential income.

Your in Service, Department of Michigan Sons of AMVETS Commander Bruce Ringler

age and is not eligible for membership in the parent organization. This is not to include inlaws of any type.

Why should I join the Sons of AMVETS?

Your membership in the Sons of AMVETS makes you a part of the fastest growing Veterans Service Organization in the United States. Most of all, it will allow you to be a part of the fellowship of the AMVETS Family, and make a difference in your community, state, and nation. It gives us a chance to give something back to those who sacrificed so much, for the freedom that we love so dearly. Dues for Members at Large are $22.00. You must be more than 50 miles from an existing Squadron for Member at Large.

Who should I contact about Sons of AMVETS?

To become a member of Sons of AMVETS Just

fill out the application below and contact your local Sons of AMVETS Squadron. AMVETS if your interested in starting a Sons of AMVETS Squadron at your post, contact the Sons of AMVETS Department of Michigan for a starter kit and we will be happy to help you.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me or any of the Department of Michigan Officers. Respectfully Submitted Douglas S. Beedon Sons of AMVETS Department of Michigan 1st Vice Commander 1715 N Greenfield Cir NE # 101 Grand Rapids, MI 49505 dsbeedon@comcast,net Home (616)794-2294 Cell (616)328-3329

Who can join Sons of AMVETS?

Eligibility for membership in the Sons of AMVETS shall be limited to all male descendents, grandsons, adopted sons and stepsons, fathers, husbands, widowers, and brothers of members of AMVETS and the deceased members of AMVETS, or the personnel who died and would have been eligible for membership in the parent organization, and are at least eighteen (18) years of

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 64, No. 2

-----SCHOLARSHIPS-------------------Military Scholarships Available Through Grantham University

rantham’s desire is to make education affordable for our nation’s service members, which is why they have established scholarships for active duty, reserve, guard, veterans, and military family members. Grantham’s Military Scholarship covers the tuition remaining after Military Tuition Assistance (TA) benefits have been applied, up to the fiscal year (FY) cap, even for National Guardsmen and reservists who only receive 75% TA benefits ($187.50 per credit hour). It also includes a Textbook and Technology grant that covers the costs of required textbooks and software. In addition, military students, who use all their allotted FY TA with Grantham, are allowed to take one additional credit hour - at no additional cost - for every $1,000.00 of TA paid (Additional credits must be used the same FY they are earned). Grantham University offers online undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Business Management, General Studies, Computer Science, and other technology-related fields. For more information, visit: http://www.grantham.edu/admissions/ scholarships.php.

in North America, DeVry University provides high-quality, careeroriented associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in technology, healthcare technology, business and management. More than 48,000 students are enrolled at its 87 locations in 25 states and Canada, as well as through DeVry University Online. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. DeVry University, a division of DeVry Inc. (NYSE: DV), is based in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. For more information about DeVry University, visit http://www.devry.edu. University of Phoenix The following scholarship is funded by the University of Phoenix and is a joint venture to help veterans; active duty service members, reservists, Guardsmen and family members obtain a high-quality online education. 

AMVETS and DeVry University recently announced a new partnership to provide up to 30 new scholarships for veterans and their spouses and children. Beginning in November, the partialtuition scholarships will be available to those who have applied for or enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs at DeVry University or its Keller Graduate School of Management. The AMVETS scholarships are part of the millions of dollars in scholarships awarded by DeVry University to prospective students each year.

Fifty scholarships will be awarded this year. Each scholarship will consist of a $4,000 non-cash credit to the University of Phoenix.

Download University of Phoenix scholarship application. For more information about the University of Phoenix, visit www. phoenix.edu

Apply today! As one of the largest degree-granting higher education systems

SADDEST SCRIBBLINGS

hen I go to my post or to some of the other AMVET posts for a Scrimmage, I have noticed and some of you have asked yourselves,"Who are these people in the strange hats and wearing the burlap sacks at convention and conference?” I would like to answer that question and reintroduce ourselves with this article and hopefully more to follow here in the AMVET News The Sad Sacks are a subordinate organization of AMVETS, just like the Auxiliary or the Sons. We are considered to be the fun and honor group of the organization similar to the 40&8 for the American Legion or the Cooties to the VFW. We were named in 1945 after the George Baker comic character at the California Convention. I’ll tell more of the story in a later article. Another good question that I’ve been asked is what do we do? Our main purpose is to assist the AMVETS with their projects as much as possible. When the Sacks hold a fundraiser, the money usually goes to Nurses Scholarships. Some of the money is raised by the levying of fines at the scrimmages. More on that later. Many of you have asked me why the Department Saddest is booed when they are introduced at Conference and Convention. The simple things to remember are opposite and odd. Since the Sacks are usually a bunch of odd people, instead of applauding you boo. In closing, I am hoping to attend the Scrimmages in your area as much as possible and to get to talk to you about us. 

Michigan AMVETS News

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By John Hoecherl State Saddest

Vol. 64, No. 2

THE MICHIGAN AMVETS NEWS

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID MICHIGAN WEB PRESS PERMIT #181 PONTIAC, MI 48343

5489 Main St. P.O. Box 254 Dryden, MI 48248

Check it out! AMVETS Dept. of Michigan web site

amvetsmi.org

Application for Membership

DUES AT LARGE ARE $25. DUES VARY AT POSTS.

AMVETS

MICHIGAN HEADQUARTERS 5489 Main St., P.O. Box 254, Dryden, MI 48248 (Please Print Information Below)

I APPLY FOR ____NEW ANNUAL ____ RENEWAL ____LIFE MEM. AND PRESENT $__________FOR DUES

POST#__________ STATE__________

SPONSOR__________________________________________________________________ NAME__________________________________________________ SPOUSE____________________________ ADDRESS___________________________________________________ PHONE_________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP______________________________________________________________ BRANCH OF SERVICE______________________ YEAR ENTERED SERVICE____________ DISCHARGED__________SERVICE NUMBER______________________________ TYPE OF DISCHARGE________________ SEX_____M _____F DATE OF BIRTH_______/_______/_______ SIGNATURE_____________________________________________________

DATE___________________________________ POST_____________________________________________ AUTHORIZING OFFICER_____________________________________________________________________

AMVETS

JOIN AMVETS TODAY!

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY: ANY PERSON WHO SERVED OR IS CURRENTLY SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE U.S.A. AT ANY TIME AFTER SEPTEMBER 15, 1940 INCLUDING RESERVISTS AND NATIONAL GUARDSMEN WITH HONORABLE DISCHARGE, HONORABLE SEPARATION OR GENERAL DISCHARGE UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS.

TEMPORARY MEMBERSHIP CARD NOT VALID MORE THAN 60 DAYS AFTER DATE ISSUED

Your official Membership Card will be forwarded to you. If you do not receive your card within 60 days, contact AMVETS Michigan Headquarters. DATE_________ POST#_________ STATE_________ THE SUM OF $__________IN PAYMENT OF AMVETS MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR THE YEAR ____________ HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM: NAME_______________________________________

PERSON RECEIVING DUES NAME______________________________ PHONE (HOME)______________________ (WORK)____________________________ ___________________________________ SIGNATURE OF PERSON RECEIVING DUES