Spring, 2010 by JM Publishing

S Spring, 2010

Commander’s Message

By Carl B. Morgan, Jr.

Play & Win

Play the who, what, when, where trivia game. Page 4

e have had a busy time since our October DEC. There are several things we need to address before and during our next DEC. First, every post needs to place at least one community service report to National Headquarters. Our non-profit status is based on these reports. If you don’t place at least one community service report, you could lose your non-profit status. I know that every post has completed at least one community/veteran project. Anything that your members do for their community, veterans, hospital, schools or neighbors could be reported as being done in the name of AMVETS. This includes the veteran members of your post. We keep forgetting that our members are veterans too, so if the post puts on an event for their members and didn’t charge them and some were in need for this event (such as a dinner) or if you put on an event and charged your members and the funds went for a charitable cause you could count this. I know every post has completed at least one function to support a veteran, their community or a person in need. This isn’t bragging, it is what we are here for, and it is required to maintain our non-profit status. If you are having a problem getting it put online, send or mail it to our second vice Lacey Sheppard, Nancy Shiverdecker or Joan Myers to place it for you.

Membership Next, I would like to discuss membership. You will not get new members unless you ask a veteran to join. We have a problem through out the state, where we place our post signs out and expect veterans to come in and sign up, a few will but most will not. We need to make an effort to go out and recruit veterans and at the same time show the community the things we are doing to help our community and our veterans. This brings up another item in recruiting, a problem we incurred in November. An individual was recruited and this individual was living a long way away from the post, so the person who recruited him sent the membership application to another post that was closer to the individual’s residence. The post that received the membership application cashed the check for life membership and was waiting for more information to process the application. Several months went by, and our new members wanted to know where his membership was. He called me and I checked and could not find a record, since his membership was sent to another location, and the place that he gave the money didn’t have a record either. We could not find him. This went to national and our new life member didn’t want anything to

do with us and wanted his money back. A week after going to national our new member sent us a copy of the canceled check and we knew where the membership was sent. Two days later we received a request for life membership from the post, a total of four months after the check was cashed. Needless to say the money was refunded and we lost a life member. Although good intentions were involved in the actions taken, we lost a member. If you recruit a member who is closer to another post, recruit them as a member at large send it to the department and the department will help him to become a member of the closer post. The department was caught unaware because we could not tell national or the individual the status of the membership.

Operating Without a License? For all those posts in our organization that have a canteen and still operating with out their proper license for their area, you will get caught. When you get caught it will cost a lot of money and embarrassment to your post and AMVETS. The NC Dept. of Revenue has targeted all Veteran organizations that have canteens or bars for the taxes they are not paying on alcohol and sales. You are required by law to have licenses and to pay taxes on any alcohol and sales even in dry counties through the use of a private club license. To have a canteen that has the logo of AMVETS on it and AMVETS membership to enter you are required to be legal with all state and local laws by our National and State Constitution.

State Awards Banquet Now for some good items, post commanders if you haven’t already done so please submit your nominations for that individual who has worked hard in your post, for the Commander’s Award. This award will be given at the State Awards Banquet. We request that the individual receiving the award attend the banquet. The only purpose for this banquet is to recognize those who have worked hard for our organization. We need to recognize the people who do the work that keeps us going. If we don’t, sooner or later they will give up and will not work. The banquet will have a master of ceremonies, awards by AMVETS, Sons of AMVETS and Ladies Auxiliary, and entertainment. This is a good time to take that special someone out to a dress event, be recognized and have fun. The banquet is a semi-formal event, so please bring dress clothing such as a suit, dress or pant suit. Above all come to the banquet to receive or recognize the awards. 

Local Post Reports Are you mentioned? - Page 6

NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2010

From the President

Table of Contents

The NC AMVET News is published three times per year by Midwest Publishing, Inc.

Commander’s Report.............................................. 1 Foundation President’s Report.............................. 3 Greetings from National District II........................ 3

By Pat Pulliam

Play & Win Trivia Game........................................... 4 Post Directory...........................................................5

his year has brought some changes to the number of meetings that we have. That being said, the Auxiliary has moved forward and we are adjusting. What a wonderful group of ladies! With gratitude to Commander Morgan and the AMVETS we are going to have our major fund raiser at the March DEC. This is the reverse drawing. Please support us so we can continue to have the “ways and means” to do our programs. Ladies, remember to get your service reports into the appropriate chairperson, and if you have a letter for the state convention book, please get it to Ann Rozmaryn by May 1, 2010. See you in Clemmons and please keep our veterans, retired and active duty, in your thoughts and prayers. Pat Pulliam Department President

Post Reports............................................................ 6 Honors and Awards................................................ 13 Officers................................................................... 15

In Memory of Alice

orn in Sodus, N.Y., Dec. 9, 1922, to the late George and Gwendola Harper, she was of the Methodist faith. She was the first female supervisor at Lorillard Tobacco Co. and was employed with them for over 25 years. She served in the U. S. Marine Corps during World War II and held the rank of staff sergeant. Mrs. Stanley was a member of AMVETS Post 13 in Lexington as well as a member of the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary affiliated with that same post and held the position of adjutant for the Piedmont District of the North Carolina AMVETS. She volunteered for

the Randolph County Honor Guard, was member of the American Legion Post 8 in Lexington, and volunteered at the VA Hospital in Salisbury. She enjoyed bowling, fishing, and gardening, but above everything else, she loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, William N. Morrison and her second husband, George R. Stanley. Memorial contributions may be made to AMVETS Americanism Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 234, Lexington, NC 27292.

DEADLINES FOR NEWSPAPER ARTICLES January 15 to print March 25

A Prayer For Those We Love Almighty God, we entrust all who are

July 15 to print September 25

dear to us to thy never-failing care

October 15 to print December 25

To contribute to your NC AMVETS NEWS, mail submissions to: NC AMVETS - Attn. Nancy Shiverdecker 13470 Old Beatty Ford Rd., Rockwell, NC 28138

cib2marine@yahoo.com 704-267-6410

and love, for this and the life to come; knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

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NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2010

Foundation President’s Report

From the President of the North Carolina AMVETS

By Charlie Clayborn

Service Foundation

e have just completed our first year as a 501-C(3) non-profit organization. We have received our EIN, have done our by-Laws and are incorporated in the state of North Carolina. We have also just renewed our Solicitation License. We have yet to write any grant requests as we are still getting our feet wet in that arena. We did try a sweepstakes drawing but it failed. Now that we have gotten the major actions or incorporation out of the way we are going to work real hard this year in trying to obtain donations to make us healthier so we can better assist AMVETS of North Carolina with their goals.  Charlie Claybourn

Greetings from the National District II Commander

t has been an interesting year to date. I have attended several executive committee meetings, and it is interesting how the different departments conduct business, including the number of days of the meeting, hospitality room where applicable, membership, renewals, programs etc. It is my intention to prepare a compendium to be handed out at our next district meeting. Hopefully the operations from the other departments may help one or more departments to rethink some of their operational formats. As always membership is a top priority for AMVETS. The end of year numbers have been published by Phil Ledwell, National Membership Director and District II has some serious issues. Here, again, I am hoping the membership formats used by the various depts. Might help those who need to gain membership. Our next District meeting will be on the 17th of April at AMVETS Post 38, Falling Waters, West Virginia. I look forward to seeing all of you at the North Carolina Spring D.E.C. in Clemmons.  Yours in AMVETS W. F. Clark, Commander National District II

PROGRAMS REPORTING

elow are web sites that provide information on veterans benefits and how to file/ask for them. Accordingly, there are many sites that explain how to obtain books, military/medical records, information and how to appeal a denied claim with the VA. Please pass this information on to every vVeteran you know. Nearly 100% of this information is free and available for all veterans, the only catch is: you have to ask for it, because they won’t tell you about a specific benefit unless you ask for it. You need to know what questions to ask so the right doors open for you - and then be ready to have an advocate who is willing to work with and for you, stay in the process, and press for your rights and your best interests. 

Links for Veterans

Appeals: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05.doc Board of Veteran’s Appeals: http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/ CARES Commission: http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/ CARES Draft National Plan: http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105 Center for Minority Veterans: http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/ Center for Veterans Enterprise: http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm Center for Women Veterans: http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/ Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans: http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html Classified Records - American Gulf War Veterans Assoc.: http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6 http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6/ch07.doc Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page: http://www.va.gov/ Directory of Veterans Service Organizations: http://www1.va.gov/vso/index. cfm?template=view Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm Due Process: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02.doc Duty to Assist: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01.doc Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/ Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Care: http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf Environmental Agents: http://www1.va.gov/environagents/ Environmental Agents M10: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002 Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibility: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315 EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU): http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC and http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158 See also, Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet: http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.doc EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GULF WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU): http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC Fee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206 Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependants 2005: http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben. pdf OR, http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm Forms and Records Request: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/ General Compensation Provisions: http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter11_subchaptervi_.html Geriatrics and Extended Care: http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/ Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG: http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm Guide to Gulf War Veteran’s Health: http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf Gulf War Subject Index: http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7 and http://www1.va.gov/ GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=A&template=main&letter=A Gulf War Veteran’s Illnesses Q&As: http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdf Hearings: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admi - http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/ mr/part1/ch04.docn21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc Homeless Veterans: http://www1.va.gov/homeless/

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NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2010

Play & Win

Fill in the blanks and submit your answers to: NC AMVETS - Attn. Nancy Shiverdecker 13470 Old Beatty Ford Rd., Rockwell, NC 28138 cib2marine@yahoo.com

Commander of AMVETS Post 906

Play the who, what, when, where trivia game. Look for this symbol throughout the paper to identify clues!



______________________ has graciously agreed to sing _______________________________ at the opening ceremony of the _________________ in the Boiling Spring Lakes Community Center on Saturday __________________________, 2010.

From the Convention Site Committee:

lease review the requirements for hosting DEC’s and State Convention. If there is a hotel in your area that is willing to work with us and these requirements please notify the Committee Chair Jim Ely or Co-Chair Mike Rozmaryn.

Note: These requirements are not set in stone. The Committee will negotiate the final details.

ACCOMMODATIONS NECESSARY FOR DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE

COMMITTEE MEETINGS Meetings Each Year in October, January and March (or April) Lodging for 2 nights (Approximately 50 - 75 Rooms) Saturday & Sunday - Three Registration Tables w/Chairs in Foyer Meeting Rooms - Friday Evening 6:00 - 11:00 p.m. seating 50 SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AMVETS: Theater Style for 100 • Head Table for 8 • Podium w/Microphone in Center of Head Table • Floor Microphone in Center of Room AUXILIARY: Round Tables for 8, Seating 60 • Head Table for 8/Poduim & Microphone • Hospitality Suite (2 Rooms) Friday Evening and Saturday • Conference Room Friday & Saturday • Saturday a.m. - Private Dining Area for Past Dept. Commander’s Breakfast (Est. 15) • All Meeting Rooms Will Be Complimentary • Provide a Complimentary 1 Bedroom Suite for the Department Commander • Provide a Complimentary Room Each for the State Auxiliary President, State Adjutant and State Secretary

ACCOMMODATIONS NECESSARY FOR ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION

• Each Year the First Weekend in June - Friday, Saturday and Sunday • Lodging for 2 nights (Approximately 75-100 Rooms) • Friday, Saturday, Sunday - Three Registrations Tables w/Chairs in Foyer • Friday Evening - Meeting Room 6:00 - 11:00 p.m. Seating 50 • Meeting Rooms - Saturday & Sunday • 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. AMVETS and Auxiliary on Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for AMVETS and Auxiliary on Sunday AMVETS: Theater Style for 120 • Head Table for 8 • Podium w/Microphone in Center of Head Table • Floor Microphone in Center of Room AUXILIARY: Round Tables, Seating 50 • Head Table for 8 w/Podium and Microphone • Banquet - Saturday: Social Hour 6:00 -7:00 p.m. We will enter Banquet Hall at 7:00 p.m. Begin Dinner approximately 7:15 (No food to be served until signaled by Convention Chairperson) • Round Tables, Seating 200-250 • Two Large Head Tables (2 Tiers) w/Podium & Microphone • Hospitality Suite (2 Rooms) Friday 2:00 p.m. until Noon Sunday • Saturday 7:30 a.m. - Private Dining Area for Past Dept. Commander’s Breakfast (Est 15). Sunday 7:30 a.m. - Private Dining Area for Past Dept. Presidents Breakfast (Est. 12) • All Meeting Rooms will be Complimentary • Provide a Complimentary 1 Bedroom Suite for the Dept. Commander • Provide a Complimentary EX-King room for State Auxiliary President • Provide a Complimentary Room Each for the State Adjutant and State Secretary • Check with the Convention Bureau to see if they supply Complimentary Freebies and Convention Badges to AMVETS and Auxiliary Members

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NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2010

NORTH CAROLINA amVETS POST DIRECTORY

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NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2010

post 101 - Halifax county AMVETS Post 191 won 2nd place in the Civic Group in the Roanoke Rapids Christmas Parade.

Roanoke Rapids Christmas Parade L-R Joyce Willis, Cora Brigman, Auxiliary President Post 320 & Department President Pat Pulliam

Pat Pulliam donated American Flags to Girl Scout Troop 377’s Co-leader Kelly Vann Auxiliary Post 12 Reverse Drawing L-R Kathern Hankins, Alice Stanley and Larry Klass.

Cora Brigman Department Sgt-at-Arms leads the way at Flag Disposal Ceremony Joyce Willis Auxiliary 320 sitting on Santa’s lap

PDC Bill Pullia looks on as Santa sits on Department Auxiliary President’s lap ?? at Post 320’s Christmas Party

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NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2010

post 201 - Franklin county AmVets Post 201 hosts 1st Veterans Day Ceremony at Lake Royale By Norm Bell, 1st Vice Commander

or many years AmVets Post 201 of Franklin County, North Carolina has hosted both a Memorial Day and 4th of July celebration at Lake Royale our Post home. In 2009 we made the decision to honor the living veterans within our community by offering a Veterans Day ceremony. Our pre-event planning team made the decision that we would seek a World War II veteran as our key-note speaker. We are honored that Anne Capucille accepted our invitation. She was a member of the Woman’s Army Corp manufacturing airplanes during the War and now maintains active involvement with AmVets Post 635 of Raleigh. Not too many women can say that General Omar Bradley, gave them away in marriage, but Anne had that experience. She was enlisted and her husband was a career officer, so there were challenging social issues with other officers’ wives. This feisty lady has a tremendous life experience and her humor had us all laughing. Lake Royale is a large community with the lake and The River Golf Course as main attractions. We invited the President of the Lake Royale P.O.A. Board of Directors to address us. Very few of us were aware of the military experience that US Army Col (Ret) Ken Smith had until we asked him for his biography- 30 years active duty, wears the Parachutist Badge, The Ranger Tab and Combat Infantry Badge, Legion of Merit (2X) and Bronze Star (2X, one with V for heroism), among many awards. Col. Smith has created an environment that encourages volunteerism and continues to demContinued on next page

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NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2010

post 201 - Continued Continued from previous page onstrate his leadership with personal involvement in all aspects of community activities. Our Post Chaplain WO Seth Taylor is an active member of the North Carolina National Guard. He has recently completed his qualifications and schooling for Warrant Officer. Chaplain Tailor opened and closed our ceremony with prayer. Susan Smith, the wife of Col. Smith and member of our community RoyaleAire singing group, provided an emotional rendition of our National Anthem. Her strong voice resounded through the clubhouse where our ceremony took place. Our Post Adjutant, Forrest Johnson led us in the pledge of Allegiance, then Post Commander, Dick Maryman provided welcoming statements In addition to the above mentioned honored guest speakers, our local politicians also attended and paid respect to veterans. The Honorable Lucy Allen, our Representative at the North Carolina House of Representatives and Franklin County Commissioner Bob Winters both conveyed their support for the active military, POWs and veterans.

One of the highlights of the event was the reading by members of our Post the time line and brief history of Wars from World War II to the War on Terrorism and the Iraq War. At each reading the attending veterans from those actions were recognized. We were honored to have two WWII veterans among the 55 people in attendance. During the ceremony a moment of silence was observed for the losses incurred in the recent tragedy at Fort Hood. In recognition of all veterans lost to death, especially those from World War II, a wreath was presented by Mrs. Opie Pierce for placement at our community flagpole. Our ceremony was concluded with the emotion charged song made famous by Lee Greenwood “God Bless the USA” sung wonderfully by US Army Chaplain Lt. Col. (Ret.) Daniel Jenks. Col. Jenks has performed this song on the Iraq battlefield for visiting dignitaries, including President George W. Bush.

 The day before Valentine’s Day

post 225 - Jacksonville September, 2009: September 11 Jacksonville 9-11 services 1030 am 3 members present October, 2009: October 23 - Beirut Memorial services - Camp Johnson 10 am 7 members present & colors in place October 23 - Beirut Memorial services Camp Geiger 2 pm 5 members present November, 2009: 2 - County Commissioners meeting 3 members present 7 - Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade 9 member’s present 11 - Veterans Day Services at DAV 16 6 members present & colors in place. 17 - Jacksonville City Council meeting 7 pm.

3 members present 3 members received certificates as “Veteran of the Year”. 20 - MARSOC Change of Command, 10 am 2 members present 24 - OCCOVO meeting County Commissioner recognizes AMVETS Post 225 with a certificate for their outstanding volunteer services to our community. 26 - Thanksgiving meal for troops free need volunteers. December, 2009: 7 - Pearl Harbor Service at American Legion Jacksonville 11 am - post colors in place by 10 am 12 - Wreaths Across America - Carolina Veteran Cemetery, Jacksonville at 12 noon -- Page 8 --

and Post colors in place by 1130 am. 12 - Eastern District meeting - Golden Corral, Smithfield, NC 19 - Post meeting canceled due to Christmas leave 25 - USO Christmas meal for the troops free - need volunteers. January, 2010: 12 - MCB,CL Military Council meeting 10am CL, Library 16 - Post meeting 10 am 26 - Onslow County Council Of Veterans Organizations meeting 7 pm at American legion building, Jacksonville. Thank-you, Joseph Traumer

NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2010

post 333 - Swannanoa

have included Post 333 Community Service Report along with this article to show how easy it is to submit your Post Community Service if you do not have access to a computer to directly report to National. If you will send this to Joann Myers Community Service chair or Nancy Shiverdecker, Adjutant we will enter it for you. Memorial Team Cookout - We gave an appreciation picnic for the Buncombe County Memorial Drill Team that conducts an average of 140 funerals a year. D.C. Memorial Trip - Transport veterans to visit the Vietnam Memorial for medical reasons. Service Claims Act - Transport Veterans to Winston-Salem for claims processing (currently the service office at the VAMC is only open 1 or 2 days a week vice 5 days a week).

Programs Reporting 9/09 – 12/09

Program # Vol VAMC Breakfast 5 Memorial Team Cookout 4 Yard Sale 9 Military Funerals 2 Belk Charity Sale VAMC Game Night Veterans Day Service Christmas Parade 4 Santa Gifting 6 Service Claims Act DC Memorial Trip Toys for Tots Holiday Family Support 2

Hours 15 12 85 85 10 5 2 8 12 5 2 4 6

Mileage Expenses 112 23 95 50 486 39 369 54 100 15 6 76 112 16 18 44 34

Donations 250 110

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42 320 136 45 20 200 500 827 165 100

NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2010

post 333 - Continued

post 777 - Winston-Salem

he Ladies Auxiliary of Post # 777 in Winston-Salem held their monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 24th. Peggy Coble, Secretary of the Auxiliary, had two visitors with her. One of the visitors was Sheila Kirkley from Rowlett, Texas. Sheila had never heard of AMVETS until Peggy mentioned attending the meeting with her. After learning what AMVETS stood for and all the good things that they do for our veterans and the community, she donated $500 to the Auxiliary! Needless to say, the Auxiliary was very excited about the contribution. The Auxiliary decided to use this money to continually send care packages to veterans. Pictured are a few of the Auxiliary members “counting the money”. From left to right – Joy Wood, 2nd Vice; Jan Bullard, 3rd Vice; Cynthia New, Auxiliary member; Virginia Johnson, President; Peggy Coble, Secretary and Evelyn Craven, 1st Vice. Another picture of the Ladies assembling the packages to be sent to two veterans from Post # 777. 

post 845 - Rockwell

ommander AMVETS Post 845 Robert Hopkins pictured far left and members of TARHEEL Base of Submarine Veterans pose for this Photo before the Veterans Day Parade in Asheboro.. Members can ride on the float with the Mark 14 World War 2 Torpedo. This group uses this float in many parades throughout the state during the year.

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NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2010

post 845 - Rockwell Post 845 Sons of AMVETS Annual Fish Fry Side top: Pictured Left to rigt Allen Drew, John Drew Sons Commander, Sonny Mill and Post 3rd Vice James Arrowood Side middle: Chief Cook John Drew about to cook a nice piece of Flounder Side bottom: Post members and family all enjoyed the food and enjoyed the NASCAR Richmond Race inside on the big screen tv’s.

Pillows for Soldiers

obert Hopkins Commander AMVETS Post 845 Rockwell and Homer Robinson AMVETS Post 845 and President of the Rowan County Veterans Council took part in the distribution of Pillows for Soldiers at the Hefner VA Medical Center, Salisbury recently, others taking part were Carolyn Adams, Director of the VA Medical Center, Nancy Brown-Perry, Chief, Voluntary Services and James Luther veterans service officer. Pillows for Soldiers is a nonprofit organization that ships pillows to individual veterans and soldiers. They made their first shipment of 500 pillows to the VA Medical Center Salisbury. The program sponsors intend to provide Pillows to 152 VA hospitals in this country. David Busch, is the Founder/President. Each pillow features a pillowcase with a label specially designed for Pillows for Soldiers, as well as a thank you note to each recipient. The tag reads, “Bringing comfort to those who protect our freedom.. Thank you for your service and God Bless America”. Pillows for Soldiers uses 100 percent of its donations for the purchase of pillows. Its web site www.pillowsforsoldiers.com allows for donations and other special features.

Halloween & Christmas - Continued on next page

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NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2010

post 845 - Rockwell

Halloween & Christmas Continued from previous page

post 906 - Boiling Spring Lakes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

ost Representative Karen Timko and Post Adjutant Rena Fisk put together 14 “Think Pink” baskets for the female veterans at the VAMC Fayetteville. They had pink soaps, stationary, lotion, pink book lights and other items. Kim Holden the Women Veterans Program Manager and staff, Samantha Chavis, Jo Henry, Doris Jones and Glenda Kessen were glad to see women veterans helping other women veterans. There are currently only two female veterans at the Fayetteville VAMC, the above mentioned ladies assured us that as other female veterans entered the hospital they would give them the “Think Pink” care baskets. 

Upcoming Event:

he Fire in the Lakes Festival is in honor of North Carolina Prescribed Fire Week February 7 – 13 and will host a variety of agencies, organizations, fire equipment, games with prizes, yummy food, and even an actual prescribed fire! Bring your family and friends to this exciting event, you won’t want to miss out!

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NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2010

HONORS & AWARDS CRITERIA

1. The Honors & Awards Committee will consist of all the Past Department Commanders. The Chairman will he elected by the group. 2. Six (6) members of the committee present and voting shall be considered a quorum. 3. The: committee may, if they choose, not make an award in the absence of any nominees. 4. No members of the committee may participate in the judgment of an award application that originates from his/her post or concerns a member of his/her Post. 5. If any member, in good standing, wants to recommend anyone for an award. they must submit their recommendations to their post Commander or District Commander.

AMVET OF THE YEAR 1. 2. 3.

This award will be presented to an outstanding NC resident, who is in good standing in the Department NC AMVETS, Consideration for this award will be based on the following; A. Membership B. Community Service C. Hospital Service D. Veterans Service E. Activities of Post and State that promote the Aims and Purposes of AM VETS.

U.S.S. NORTH CAROLINA BATTLESHIP AWARD

This award will be presented to a NC resident who is in good standing in the Department of NC AMVETS and has done outstanding work in the following: A. AMVETS Programs B. VAVS Local and State C. Leadership D. Service to veterans and families E.. Improvement of our community and state

POST AND DISTRICT AWARDS Each Post Commander and District Commander, please send the name of one AMVET, in good standing from your Post or District, to the Honors and Awards Chairman. All nominees for awards must be received by the chairman by the close of business Saturday at the April D.E.C. (Prior to the Picnic) WHITE CLOVERS

This award is presented to an AMVET who has done outstanding work in the Department of NC.

ALL F1NAL DECISIONS WILL BE MADE BY THE HONORS & AWARDS COMMITTEE.

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NORTH CAROLINA

AMVETS 2009-2010 MEMBERSHIP AWARDS

POST CLASSES: A - 250 or more members B- 151 to 249 members C- 100 to 150 members D- 51 to 99 members E- 10 to 50 members

he Post with the greatest percent increase in their class will receive a trophy and $100 at the awards banquet June 2010. Calculations will be based on membership as of August 31, 2009 and ending May 1, 2010. DISTRICT COMMANDERS AWARDS: The District Commander with the largest number of new Post Charters submitted between August 31, 2009 and May 1, 2010 will receive a trophy and $100 at the awards banquet June 2010. ♦RECRUITER AWARD: Each of the three District Commanders will submit the name of one AMVET from their District that promoted AMVETS through membership activities. These three AMVETS will each receive a plaque and $100 at the awards banquet June 2010. **TOP RECRUITER AWARD: The top individual recruiter of new members will receive life membership or $ equivalent if already a life member and hotel accommodations for the fall DEC (hotel accommodations must be used at the fall DEC or forfeited). Department Commander’s Service Awards will be presented to the Post and Post 1st Vice Commander achieving 100% membership by December 31, 2009.

^District Commanders submit names by May 1st - this is separate from the Honors and Awards Nominee. **Post Commanders or Adjutants submit the name of the individual in your post that has recruited the most new members for 2009 with a list of the members by May 1st.

NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2010