AMVET NEWS MICHIGAN
Summer, 2010
SERVING VETERANS SINCE 1945
Vol. 65, No. 2
COMMANDER'S CORNER
I
BY CMDR. Bob Downer
t is hard to believe that my year as your State Commander is coming to an end. It seems like only yesterday that I was writing my first article and thanking all of you for allowing me to serve. Once again I would like to express my appreciation for all of the hard work and extra effort that all members of the various Executive Committees have put in throughout this year. We have had numerous areas with problems to work out and I feel that progress was made in many of these areas. However we still have a long way to go. I would like to let you all know of some of our successes though. As I mentioned in my last article we had been trying to qualify for one of the five grants being given by the State for the continuation of the AMVETS Service Department. I am proud to say that the AMVETS Service Department is the only stand alone organization that was given one of the grants. All others were awarded to the Coalition of Organizations which included the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Order of the Purple Heart, Marine Corps League and Disabled Veterans of America. This was and still is a major accomplishment for our entire organization and was only possible through the hard work and dedication of those involved. I would especially like to thank Glenda Cogswell who spent many long and arduous hours putting the grant packet together and ensuring that all of the criteria were met. But I should tell you that as with any success comes some compromise. The Department of Military and Veterans affairs who oversees the grant process has put us on a probation-
ary period to ensure that we meet all of the requirements for the grant. These requirements forced us to make some adjustments on how we, as a Department, do business. We can no longer have a dual position of State Executive and Service Director and the two positions had to be separated. Nor can any portion of the grant money be spent in support of the Department Headquarters staff. This in itself creates numerous problems and adjustments within the Department which are currently being evaluated and hopefully resolved through coordination between the Department Executive Committee, Department Service Foundation, Personnel Board and many others. This effort will also need the support of all of the subordinate organizations, posts and members. I am confident that with all of us working together we can make our Department and the Organization as a whole not only self sufficient once again but stronger and more unified. I would also like to thank those posts who stepped up to the plate and held fund raisers to help the Department with its ever growing financial burdens. Their efforts and donations have gone a long way toward getting the AMVETS back on our feet. We still have a long way to go and I encourage all of our posts to either continue their wonderful efforts or for those who still are on the side lines to get involved and help out. Keeping our Department operational will only benefit us all. As many of you are now aware we have developed a new and hopefully user friendly web site this year with a wealth of information available to all members and non members alike. Continued on page 3
1st Vice Commander's Report
A
s we wrap up the 2009-2010 membership year a big thank you should go out from each of us for the fine job done this year by our Commander, Bob Downer and our Executive Director, Glenda Cogswell and associates. Without the leadership and acumen of these AMVETS our future would be far more desperate. As it stands we will be hard pressed in the coming year to fulfill all of the obligations required of us as a Veterans Service Organization. The membership numbers for the first quarter of calendar year 2010 show growth of 7.66% over the same period in 2009 with a renewal percentage of 73.71%, that is the highest in AMVETS National 4th District. That percentage also indicates that more than 25% percent of our annual membership has failed to renew. Keep after these members with a letter or a phone call and get them back. I want to thank all of the District and Post Membership Chairpersons for your hard work this year. Each of you is responsible for that 73%+ membership renewal rate and you should take satisfaction in the results of a job well done.
I will be accepting nomination at the Department of Michigan Convention June 14-27, to serve AMVETS as Department Commander. I hope that my service as 1st Vice Commander this year reflects favorably and that you will all attend the convention and support my effort. It will take all of us working together to further the causes of AMVETS and the Department of Michigan in the coming years. If you are available to serve on the Department level and you have District or Post Executive Committee experience you should consider making yourself available for nomination or appointment. It is an awarding experience and you get to wear a white hat.ď‚ś Best Regards Vince Carr
By Vince Carr 1st Vice Commander
Amvets
Upcoming Events
Department Of Michigan 2009-2010 State Executive Committee
Department Commander ......................................................Robert Downer 1st Vice Commander.................................................................Vincent Carr 2nd Vice Commander........................................................Anthony M. Lema Finance Officer.........................................................................Jean Bennett Judge Advocate.............................................................. Daren R. Heckman Provost Marshal...................................................................... Roger Lanting Nec Man....................................................................Pdc Dennis M. Butler Alternate Nec . ................................................................. Pdc John Dowd Immediate Pdc ................................................................... Mary Wilseck District I Commander............................................................James Meloche District Ii Commander.................................................................Dave Ewald District Iii Commander....................................................Michael Wainwright District Iv Commander.................................................................Alan Abels District V Commander.............................................................. Perry Corwin District Vi Commander............................................................. Paul Ladochi District Vii Commander............................................................ Carol Hebert Executive & Service Director..............................................Glenda Cogswell Aide De Camp......................................................................... Dennis Butler Chaplain............................................................................... Donald Cooney Legislative Director.................................................................John Hoechrel Inspector General.....................................................................Alan Norman Department PRO................................................................... Martin Bennett
66th Department of Michigan State Convention June 24-27, 2010 Auburn Hills Marriott at Centerpoint 3600 Centerpoint Parkway Pontiac, MI 48341 (248) 253-9800, Rooms Rate: $81 66TH NATIONAL CONVENTION AUGUST 7-14, 2010 The Galt House Hotel 140 North Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40202 www.galthouse.com Reservations: (800) 843- 4258 (502) 589-5200 Room Rate: $113.86-$148.36 (inclusive of taxes*) Cut-off Date: July 9, 2010 Parking: $9 Per Night
Subordinate Organizations
Ladies Auxiliary President........................................................ Kathy Keizer Auxiliary Legislation/Liaison........................................................Kathy Biela Auxiliary Executive Secretary............................................. Nancy Middleton Jr. Amvets President.............................................................Ashley Keizer Jr. Amvets Coordinator................................................... Robert Middleton Sons of Amvets Commander........................................... Douglas Beedon Sons of Amvets Coordinator............................................ Pdc John Dowd Service Foundation President...................................... Pdc Harold L. Reed Saddest Sad Sack..................................................................John Hoechral
Next DEADLINE for The Michigan AMVETS News is 10/07/2010 ANNUAL DEADLINE DATES
Spring Issue Summer Issue Fall Issue Winter Issue
January 7 April 7 July 7 October 7
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
AMVETS Department of Michigan Fall Conference and SEC October 1-3, 2010 Ramada Inn Grayling 2650 I75 Business Loop (989) 348-7611 Rooms Rate: $60
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 ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN Subscription Rates: 50 cents per year to members * $1 per year to non-members Advertising Rates on Request
Michigan AMVETS News
-2-
Vol. 65, No. 2
COMMANDER'S CORNER, cont.
We continue to add benefits for our users such as a discount for all who visit the site on flowers from a highly reputable wholesale group which promises great products at reduced cost. We are also working hard with a company called Performance Group who, with your help and input, will work with the various food distributors to gain each post and subordinate organization the best possible discount when purchasing food or other operational supplies. But we can’t do it until everyone gets involved and sends in the information providing power to the Performance Group when dealing with the distributors. If you don’t have the information forms sent in please do so. If you need additional information or forms please contact the Department Headquarters. In closing I would once again like to express my thanks to all of the officers and staff, which have helped and supported me during my term as State Commander. I would also like to thank the many posts and members that I have visited and spoken with this past year. A number of friendships were developed and I’m sure that they will continue for many years to come. I leave with the knowledge that I did my best for the organization as a whole and even though some may not have agreed with my methods they have to know that any actions taken were for the betterment of the AMVETS Organization in Michigan. Thank all of you for letting me serve as your Commander and it is my hope that I may continue to serve the AMVETS in other roles. I have faith that the leadership to follow will continue our strides to make this organization the strongest and most respected in the nation.
Executive Director's Notes
K
eep an eye on our website for new member benefits that are up and coming, one of which will enable the members to link to a florist and receive $10 or more off of their order. Convention will be upon us in a couple of weeks and the beginning of a new year along with new officers. Good luck to all that are running for office. We also have a new post in Eaton Rapids. Welcome Post 1583. I am happy to inform everyone that we received a grant for our Service Department. The terms of the grant are quite specific and we will only cover the south east quarter of the state and has additional requirements on it that we are working on at this time. Below is a listing of our Service Officers and where they will be working beginning May: Kevin Reed: (810) 627-0082 Post 29, Mt Clemens US Army Reserve Center, Waterford VA Regional Office, Detroit David Downer: (810) 627-0050 Saginaw VA Medical Center, Saginaw Post 1583, Eaton Rapids Bay Area YMCA, Bay City Clinton County Senior Center, St Johns We are waiting for approval from Gratiot, Midland, and Ingham Counties on work sites there
In gratitude, Robert Downer
Legislative Corner By John Hoecherl, Legislative Director
House Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security
Nathan Pierpont: (810) 627-0104 VA Medical Center, Ann Arbor Shiawassee County Office of Veterans Affairs, Corunna Post 2273, Durand Hamburg Senior Center, Hamburg Mt. Morris Senior Center, Mt. Morris Loose Senior Center, Linden Fenton Community Center, Fenton
Current as of 5/4/2010 12:13:41 PM HB 4127—referred 1/27/2009 re-referred on 4/29/2009 by Jones, Rick—Traffic control; driver license; designation of veteran status on driver license; provide for. Amends sec. 310 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.310).—2/17/2009 Reported out with recommendation as substitute (H-1) on 2/17/2009
Glenda Cogswell: (586) 604-4744 VA Regional Office, Detroit AMVETS HQ, Dryden We are currently waiting on confirmation from Sanilac, St Clair, Tuscola, and Huron Counties for work sites.
HB 4203—referred 5/5/2009 by McDowell, Gary—Recreation; outdoor activities; waiver or reduction of state recreational fees; require for certain veterans. Amends secs. 43537, 74117 & 83106 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.43537 et seq.).—5/12/2009 Reported out with recommendation as substitute (H-1) on 5/12/2009 HB 4276—referred 2/17/2009 by Griffin, Martin— Cemeteries and funerals; funeral practices; procedure to screen for veteran status when cremation order is signed; require of funeral homes. Amends 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.101 - 339.2919) by adding sec. 1807a.—2/17/2009 Reported out with recommendation on 2/17/2009 HB 4512—referred 3/4/2009 by Polidori, Gino—State financing and management; purchasing; state construction contract preference to firms owned by veterans with certain disabilities; establish. Amends sec. 241 of 1984 PA 431 (MCL 18.1241).—3/10/2009 Reported out with recomMichigan AMVETS News
By Glenda Cogswell Executive Director
And we will be hiring a new Service Officer for the following areas: VA Medical Center, Detroit Jackson, Lenawee, and Monroe Counties. mendation on 3/10/2009 HB 4751—referred 4/1/2009 by Calley, Brian—Labor; other; unpaid leave for immediate family members of military personnel being deployed; allow. Creates new act. 4/28/2009—Reported out with recommendation on 4/28/2009
-3-
HB 4770—referred 6/18/2009 by Lahti, Michael—Highways; name; renaming a portion of US-2; designate as the “Iron County Veterans Memorial Highway”. Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2080) by adding sec. 1061.—7/14/2009 Reported out with recommendation on 7/14/2009 HB 5076—referred 6/16/2009 by Kurtz, Kenneth—Highways; name; portion of Vol. 65, No. 2
Legislative Corner By John Hoecherl, Legislative Director
M-99; designate as “75th Infantry Combat Division Memorial Highway”. Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2080) by adding sec. 1062. HB 5102—referred 6/16/2009 by LeBlanc,Richard—Communications; cellular telephone; termination of cellular telephone contracts by certain active military personnel; allow. Creates new act.—8/26/2009 Reported out with recommendation on 8/26/2009 HB 5219—referred 10/15/2009 by Ball, Richard—Highways; name; renaming a portion of M-21; designate as “PFC Harold R. Cooley-WWII Marine Corps League Memorial Highway”. Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2080) by adding sec. 1079.—10/20/2009 Reported out with recommendation on 10/20/2009 HB 5245—referred 8/19/2009 by Polidori, Gino—Occupations; mortuary science; registry of names of unclaimed cremated remains; require. Amends 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.101 - 339.2919) by adding sec. 1809b. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5246’09 8/26/2009 Reported out with recommendation as substitute (H-2) on 8/26/2009 HB 5246—referred 8/19/2009 by Kurtz, Kenneth—Cemeteries and funerals; burial or cremation; funeral director liable for properly disposing of unclaimed cremated remains; grant immunity. Amends title of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.101 - 339.2919) & adds sec. 1809a. TIE BAR WITH: HB
Michigan AMVETS News
5245’09—8/26/2009 Reported out with recommendation as substitute (H-1) on 8/26/2009 HB 5540—referred 11/4/2009 by Espinoza, John—Income tax; income; compensation earned by the spouse of an individual called into active duty; deduct from taxable income. Amends sec. 30 of 1967 PA 281 (MCL 206.30). 11/10/2009—Reported out with recommendation as substitute (H-1) on 11/10/2009 HB 5850—referred 2/23/2010 by Miller, Fred—Probate; other; disposition of decedent’s remains; require that directions by a person properly designated by a service member be followed. Amends secs. 3206 & 3209 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.3206 & 700.3209). 3/16/2010—Reported out with recommendation as substitute (H-1) on 3/16/2010 HB 5899—referred 2/25/2010 by Kurtz, Kenneth—Cemeteries and funerals; burial or cremation; immunity for funeral director properly disposing of unclaimed cremated remains; revise effective date. Amends enacting sec. 1 of 2009 PA 149.—3/2/2010 Reported out with recommendation on 3/2/2010 HB 5900—referred 2/25/2010 by Polidori, Gino—Occupations; mortuary science; registry of names of unclaimed cremated remains; revise effective date. Amends enacting sec. 1 of 2009 PA 148.—3/2/2010 Re-
-4-
ported out with recommendation on 3/2/2010 SB 0204—referred 6/18/2009 by Olshove, Dennis—Liens; other; self-service storage facility’s right to deny access to property and sell property if rent is unpaid; prohibit for units rented by certain military personnel. Amends secs. 2, 3, 4 & 5 of 1985 PA 148 (MCL 570.522 et seq.). 8/26/2009— Reported out with recommendation on 8/26/2009 SB 0313—referred 4/29/2009 by Pappageorge, John—State financing and management; purchasing; state construction contract preference to firms owned by veterans with certain disabilities; establish. Amends sec. 241 of 1984 PA 431 (MCL 18.1241). SB 0371—referred 6/11/2009 by Garcia, Valde—Communications; cellular telephone; active duty military personnel; allow to cancel cellular telephone contract without penalties. Creates new act. 11/10/2009—Reported out with recommendation on 11/10/2009 HJR AA—referred 8/26/2009 byJones, Rick—Public employees and officers; other; veteran’s preference for state jobs; revise. Amends sec. 5, art. XI of the state constitution. 11/10/2009—Reported out with recommendation on 11/10/2009 HR 0012—referred 2/4/2009 by Knollenberg, Marty—A resolution to express support for the people of
India following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai and to memorialize the President and Congress to work with Indian authorities in both humanitarian and strategic capacities. —2/17/2009 Reported out with recommendation on 2/17/2009 HR 0034—referred 2/25/2009 by Green, Kevin—A resolution to memorialize the United States Congress to continue funding the F-22 Raptor fifth generation air dominance stealth fighter. —5/12/2009 HR 0201—referred 1/20/2010 by Elsenheimer, Kevin—A resolution to urge the United States Coast Guard to operate a cutter ship out of Charlevoix. HCR 0012—referred 3/4/2009 by Lahti, Michael—A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to appoint an independent counsel to investigate the Prisoner of War - Missing in Action issue. 3/10/2009—Reported out with recommendation on 3/10/2009 HCR 0017—referred 10/22/2009 by Opsommer, Paul— A concurrent resolution to urge Michigan’s public institutions of higher education to adopt veteranfriendly policies. —3/16/2010 Reported out with recommendation on 3/16/2010
Vol. 65, No. 2
AMVETS RIDERS Amvets Riders News By Josh Feltman
W
armer weather is here and as always this is the time to enjoy the road. It is also the time for the riders to kick their programs into high gear. In this spirit the Department riders will be conducting their own fundraiser. The riders in Michigan are selling first aid kits that are small enough to fit in a saddle bag, or be tucked away in your car. We generally hesitate to think that we may need one but we all know that being prepared is always the better path to take. These kits sell for $10 each and they will be delivered at the summer convention. Please see a rider before convention to secure yours. Michigan now has eight riders chapters. Congrats to Kentwood and Bay City as they are Michigan’s newest chapters. I hope that these chapters will continue the trend we have started, and be a positive light wherever they shine. I have only one thing to ask all of the other posts in michigan, why haven’t you chartered a riders chapter yet? I challenge you to contact your members and start a chapter today. Our charter process is painless and it requires less time than you think. A quick call or email is all it takes to get started. Please take the initiative and change your post forever. In closing, I will leave you with this quote by Vince Lombardi, the quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence regardless of their chosen endeavor. Josh Feltman (517) 605-5225 J311@hotmail.com Riders Chapter 23 in Kentwood
Department Commander Robert Downer & Riders Department President Josh Feltman Welcome Two New Post Chapters 0f The Riders. Riders Chapter 22 In Bay City Middle right: Commander Downer and Distinguised Guests Welcome A New Post To The Amvets Department of Michigan. Right: Lcpl. Troy D. Nealey Post 1583 In Eaton Rapids Received Its Charter From State Commander Downer During A Cerimony At Their Meeting Location On 23 May 2010. Congressman Mark H. Schauer, 7Th District Of Michigan Was Present At The Cerimony and Presented the Post With An American Flag That Had Been Flown Over The Capital.
The post was named in memory of Lance Corporal Troy D. Nealey who was killed during combat while serving his country. Also present as an honored guest was Troy Nealey’s mother, Annette Nealey. Michigan AMVETS News
-5-
Vol. 65, No. 2
B
Arranging Burial in a VA National Cemetery
urial in a national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces and veterans who have met minimum active service duty requirements and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Their spouse, widow or widower, minor children, and, under certain conditions, unmarried adult children, may also be eligible for burial. Eligible spouses and children may be buried, even if they predecease the veteran. Members of the reserve components of the armed forces who die while on active duty or while performing training duty, or were eligible for retired pay, may also be eligible for burial. • Gravesites in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries cannot be reserved in advance. However, families are encouraged to prepare in advance by discussing cemetery options and setting aside copies of any discharge documents. • VA will provide—at no cost to the veteran’s family—a gravesite, headstone or marker, Presidential Memorial Certificate, U.S. flag, perpetual care of the gravesite and will open and close the grave. Fees for services provided by funeral directors and other related costs must be paid for by the veteran's family. • VA's Veterans Benefits Administration pays a burial and plot allowance for those veterans eligible by law. For information, please contact the nearest VA regional office at 1-800-827-1000. • To establish eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery, the family should provide: the veteran's discharge document; report of casualty; or the veteran's full name; military rank; branch of service; dates of entry and discharge; serial, social security, and/or VA claim numbers; date and place of birth; and date of death. • If the discharge document is not available, a copy may be obtained from the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records Office, 9700 Page Boulevard, St. Louis, Mo. 631325100. This should be done prior to the time of need. • At the time of need, a funeral director or the next of kin should contact the national cemetery where burial is desired. • The same procedures should be followed to determine the eligibility of a veteran's spouse or dependent. In most cases, one gravesite is pro-
ments have been made in advance with the cemetery director. • National cemeteries do not usually conduct burials on weekends or federal holidays. However, weekend callers may schedule burials for the upcoming week. • Floral arrangements may accompany the casket or urn and will be placed on the grave after burial.
vided for the burial of all eligible family members, marked by a single headstone or marker. When both spouses are veterans, two gravesites and two headstones or markers may be provided, if requested. • The Department of Defense (DOD) is responsible for providing military funeral honors. The DOD program “Honoring Those Who Served” calls for funeral directors to request military funeral honors on behalf of the veteran’s family.
Veterans’ organizations may assist in the provision of military funeral honors.
Source: Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Communications & Outreach Support Division
• Formal funeral services are not held at national cemeteries, but a final committal service may be performed at the cemetery. For safety reasons, these services are held in committal shelters located away from the gravesite. Burial will take place following the committal service. Immediate family members may be allowed to view the actual burial only if arrange-
Washington, DC 20420 (202) 461-6240 FAX (202) 273-6698 www.cem.va.gov public.inquiry@va.gov
OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) U.S. CASUALTY STATUS * FATALITIES AS OF: April 30, 2010, 10 a.m. EDT 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
30
116
429
4,246
3,365
881
17,732
13,513
13
9
4
4,398
3,483
915
17,848
13,942
OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) U.S. CASUALTY STATUS FATALITIES AS OF: April 30, 2010, 10 a.m. EDT OeF U.S. Military Casualties
total Deaths
KIA
Non-Hostile
In and Around Afghanistan***
964
753
211
Other Locations**** OeF U.S. DoD Civilian Casualties Worldwide Total
78
8
70
2
1
1
1,044
762
282
WIA RtD ** WIA Not RtD ** 2,472
3,204 1
2,472
3,205
* 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.
Michigan AMVETS News
-6-
Vol. 65, No. 2
In Memoriam Deceased Members as of January 1, 2010
Post
Name
13
Joseph Burzynski
6 93
Jacob Kashouty
2
14
Adolph Fydryk
1 110
Everett Allen
6
22
Larry Irish
2 110
John McCann
6
23
Stanley Biernat
5 114
Don Fedrigon
6
23
Donald Hoeve
5 114
Gordon Hays
6
23
Dennis Simpson
5 121
Raymond Piscopink
2
29
Peter Devor
2 121
Robert Remsine
2
29
Charles Dodson
2 123
Wallace Gasman
7
29
Elton Jobse
2 123
C. J. Perryman
7
29
Joseph LaBabera
2 126
Donald Davis
5
29
Robert Lockwood
2 171
Albert Borieo
1
29
James Meldrum
2 171
David Hickel
1
29
Ted Steiner
2 171
Bernard Maczuga
1
52
Joseph Allard
2 1988
Charles Brown
6
52
Richard McClintock
2 1988
Alvin Holmes
6
52
Ivan Shaw
2 1988
Donald Kamrowski
6
57
Medar Backers
1 1988
Bruce Park
6
57
William Dishman
1 1988
Anthony (Ned) Watters
6
57
Dale Johnson
1 1994
Daniel Ficelli
5
57
Calvin Morrison
1 1994
Laura Gilman
5
57
Julien Vanbiesbrouck
1 2273
Jim Rainwater
3
57
Alan Waller
1 2273
Wilbert Williamson
3
72
Thomas Dalton
2 MAL
James Anderson
0
72
Harold Kendrick
2 93
John Clark
2
72
Lyle Melkerson
2 14
Edward Masar
1
72
Thomas Palmer
2
Michigan AMVETS News
District Post
-7-
Name
District
Vol. 65, No. 2
JOHN DINGELL VAMC VAVS ACTIVITY EASTER PARTY
T
he veterans at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, in the Day Activity Group enjoyed the Easter Punch and Cookies and Easter Egg Contest, held in the Multi-Purpose Room. The Veterans enjoyed coloring and decorating eggs, receiving a Certificate ofAppreciation for the most creative egg. All enjoyed the special treats of cupcakes, cookies, chips and punch. The veterans received personalized Easter cards and Easter baskets, filled with treats, donated by the VA lady volunteer. The students from O.W. Holmes School, made Easter cards and letter for the veterans. The veterans shared their memories of Easter stories. Easter egg hunt, coloring eggs, dressing up, attending church, visiting family, grandma favorite desserts and coloring egg by boiling onions, potatoes and beets.
NATIONAL SALUTE TO HOSPITALIZED VETERANS
T
he veterans at the John D, Dingell VA Medical Center were treated to a Spaghetti Luncheon and Bingo; in Honor of National Salute To Hospitalized Veterans. We served 80 veterans a delicious meal of spaghetti, garlic bread; tossed salad,
By Rose Solak
upside-down pineapple cake and pop. Veterans also received canteen books, comfort kits, heart shape valentine tray favors, valentine cards, letters, and gifts. Auxiliary members assisted in serving the luncheon and Madam President Gloria Canfield called bingo. We also toured the VA Medical Center and were impressed with the services that the VA provides for the veterans and admired the veterans living in the Community Living Center, formerly known as the Home Nursing Care Unit. National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans is a time to honor, pay tribute and express appreciation to America’s veterans. It’s an opportunity to increase community awareness and encourage citizens to visit and become involved. It’s an opportunity to say thank you to the men and women, of the US Armed Forces, who have helped to preserve the freedom and the values Americans cherish. The students in the 1st and 2nd grade, their teacher Miss Foster, her guests and the school secretary, from O.W. Holmes Elementary School, toured the hospital, distributing their handmade creative Valentine cards, letters and candy, giving thanks to the veterans for their service to our country and for their freedom. Mr Bill Browning, Chief of Voluntary Service, accompany us on the tour. What a sight to see the many smiling faces and handshakes; among the veterans and the students, expressing thanks for sacrifices their
lives for our freedom. God bless our veterans and God bless America.
ST PATRICK DAY LUNCHEON
C
elebrating St Patrick Day Luncheon, the veterans at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, were treated to a scrumptious Corned Beef and Cabbage Luncheon and Bingo, served in the MultiPurpose Room, All enjoyed the corned beef cabbage, potatoes, carrots, banana cake, pop and the extra special delicious barbecue spare ribs. Auxiliary members donated bags of candy, assisting in making Shamrock tray favors and the students at O.W. Holmes School, made St Patty Day cards and letters that were distributed throughout the hospital. As I walk through the halls of the hospital, veterans are give us compliments like, "what a delicious meal" and "it’s the best meal that was served." The veterans also enjoyed playing bingo, receiving canteen books, Thanks to the four auxiliary members and two AMVETS, who attended and help served the luncheon.
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
-8-
Vol. 65, No. 2
Friends Auto Expediting Inc. Brown Jack Continental Linen Services Dmf Bait Co. Freeborough Automotive Inc. Full Quiver & More Jerry’s Heating & A/C LLC Party Palace Re/Max Encore II Ron's TV Repair
Department of Veterans Affairs Burial Flags Why Does VA Provide a Burial Flag? A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran who served honorably in the U. S. Armed Forces. It is furnished to honor the memory of a veteran's military service to his or her country. VA will furnish a burial flag for memorialization for each other than dishonorable discharged veteran who served during wartime veteran who died on active duty after May 27, 1941 veteran who served after January 31, 1955 • peacetime veteran who was discharged or released before June 27, 1950 • certain persons who served in the organized military forces of the Commonwealth of the Philippines while in service of the U.S Armed forces and who died on or after April 25, 1951 • certain former members of the Selected Reserves
Who Is Eligible to Receive the Burial Flag? Generally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service. When there is no next-of-kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend making request for it. For those VA national cemeteries with an Avenue of Flags, families of veterans buried in these national cemeteries may donate the burial flags of their loved ones to be flown on patriotic holidays.
How Can You Apply? You may apply for the flag by completing VA Form 21-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes. You may get a flag at any VA regional office or U.S. Post Office. Generally, the funeral director will help you obtain the flag.
Can a Burial Flag Be Replaced? The law allows us to issue one flag for a veteran's funeral. We cannot replace it if it is lost, destroyed, or stolen. However, some veterans' organizations or other community groups may be able to help you get another flag.
How Should the Burial Flag Be Displayed? The proper way to display the flag depends upon whether the casket is open or closed. VA Form 212008 does provide the correct method for displaying and folding the flag. The burial flag is not suitable for outside display because of its size and fabric. It is made of cotton and can easily be damaged by weather.
Medical Id Smart Cards Are you prepared for a routine or emergency situation? For More Information, Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000 or Visit Our Web Site at http://www.cem.va.gov. Compensation and Pension Service – October 2008
For: Travelers, Seniors, Care givers, Guardians, Adults, Children, Students and a gift for some one special. The Smart Med Card contains your emergency contacts, doctors, medical information, medications, allergies, medical conditions, X-rays, legal documents, organ donor wishes, DNR, and more.... all on one Smart USB Card. Recommended by leading, Doctors, Nurses, EMS and Hospitals.
EMERGENCY
With our medical information devices, you and your healthcare providers have ready access to critical information about you. Many patients arrive at the emergency room or a physician's office not knowing this information or possibly aren't in any condition to provide it. Ignorance can be fatal. No special software needed! No annual fees! Internet access required.
INFORMATION
MEDICAL
www.TheSmartMedCard.com
Credit card size USB card
Save 50% Off your order
Veterans and family members. Use Promo Code: 13-Amvets when placing your order at: www.TheSmartMedCard.com Michigan AMVETS News
It could save your life! Order Today on line at: www.TheSmartMedCard.com Fundraiser and Distributor opportunities Contact us at: info@thesmartmedcard.com Tel: 586-286-2674
-9-
Patent: #77764669
Vol. 65, No. 2
Department of Veterans Affairs Pension What Is VA Pension? Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans with limited income, and who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older.
Who Is Eligible? You may be eligible if: • you were discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions, AND • you served 90 days or more of active duty with at least 1 day during a period of war time*, AND • your countable family income is below a yearly limit set by law, AND • you are permanently and totally disabled, OR • you are age 65 or older. *Note: Anyone who enlists after September 7, 1980, generally must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty. Service from August 2, 1990 to present is considered to be a period of war (Gulf War) in addition to other periods of war such as World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
FAMILY INCOME LIMITS (EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2008) If you are a... Veteran with no dependents Veteran with a spouse or a child (Veterans with additional children: add $2,020 to the limit for Housebound veteran with no dependents Housebound veteran with one dependent Veteran who needs aid and attendance and has no dependents Veteran who needs aid and attendance and has one dependent
Your yearly income must be less than... $11,830 $15,493 EACH
child) $14,457 $18,120 $19,736 $23,396
Note: Some income is not counted toward the yearly limit (for example, welfare benefits, some wages earned by dependent children, and Supplemental Security Income.)
How Much Does VA Pay? VA pays you the difference between your countable family income and the yearly income limit that describes your situation (see chart above). This difference is generally paid in 12 equal monthly payments rounded down to the nearest dollar. Call the toll-free number below for details. Note: Certain expenses (i.e., medical expenses, education expenses, or expenses related to the last illness or burial of a dependent) paid by you are taken into consideration when arriving at your countable family income.
How Can You Apply? You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veteran's Application for Compensation and/or Pension. If available, attach copies of dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates) and current medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports). You can also apply online through our web site at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp.
Related Benefits Vocational Rehabilitation Program Medical Care
For More Information, Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000 or Visit Our Web Site at www.va.gov. Compensation and Pension Service – December 2008
Michigan AMVETS News
- 10 -
Vol. 65, No. 2
The Michigan AMVETS News DO's and DON'TS DO have the articles in before deadline! Deadlines are: 7th of October for the Winter Issue 7th of January for the Spring Issue 7th of April for the Summer Issue 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. Black and white are the best, but color will do if contrasted well. 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 send credits with your articles. Also send credits for articles from other publications and permission to reprint if necessary. DO write post numbers on the back of each picture so they can be returned to you. DO refer to an individual as an AMVET. The organization is AMVETS.
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 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 EMBED YOUR PHOTOS IN A WORD DOCUMENT 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.
THIS IS YOUR PAPER IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THE CONTENT THEN YOU SHOULD SUBMIT ARTICLES FOR IT.
More Words Less Pictures
I
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 15, 2010
CITY
POST
DISTRICT MEMBERS
1.
1988
BALDWIN
VI
1,167
2.
120
MESICK
VI
449
3.
29
MT. CLEMENS
II
419
4.
23
KENTWOOD
V
370
5.
171
WESTLAND
I
305
6.
121
ST. CLAIR SHORES
II
273
7.
22
BAY CITY
II
263
8.
2273
DURAND
III
251
9.
57
HARPER WOODS
I
243
10.
1957
ADRIAN
I
234
- 11 -
Vol. 65, No. 2
Post News
Post 27 AMVETS Post 27 Shipping Kards to Troops
By Gerald Moore, 3rd Vice Commander Post 27
O
n April 8th members and friends of AMVETS Post 27 gathered at the home of Vice Commander Gerald Moore. They pulled 50,000 decks of playing cards from the garage and loaded them into a trailer for shipm.ent to the Army National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, California. There, operation gratitude places a deck of cards into each care package going to the war zone. By the 4th of July 50,000 soldiers will receive a package. Another 67,000 decks will go in time for the Christmas Holidays. As of this writing, over 425,000 decks have been shipped. The program is in its 5th year. Local casinos donate used cards off their blackjack tables. Post 27 members distribute them to 40 local retirement communities whose residents volunteer their time, year round, to sort the cards into complete decks. Finished decks are stored until the next shipping date. In the past 6 months 400 loyal seniors put in over 9,000 hours to complete their task. Members of Post 27 are dedicated in their support of this program. They work fundraisers 16 to 20 days each year to fund the expenses. They assist in picking up and delivering cards to the senior communities, and loading the trucks on scheduled ship dates. They make deliveries of cards to every VA hospital in Michigan, the shelter for homeless veterans and the Veterans Home in Grand Rapids. Post 27 will donate cards to anyone sending care packages to the war zone. Call Gerald Moore at 1-248-765-0719.
Post 57 AMVETS POST #57 FAMILY NEWS BY MAUREEN JACKSON
A
MVETS Post #57 has become a true AMVET Family as we have along with our AMVETS, Sons and Auxiliary now chartered our own Riders and Juniors organizations. Both groups have begun with their feet on the ground running! We have been working together already as a family on several events at our post. We look forward to this harmonious relationship to continue for many years to come.
Third and Fourth Generations Now Serve Post #57
Having sworn in the Juniors this past month, we now have the pleasure of announcing two very special families that belong to our post. The first is the “Hartway Family”. Russ and Connie Hartway along with Connie’s sisters and Russ’s brotherDon joined our post in the early days and their children grew up at AMVET family functions. Russ passed away a few years ago but Connie is still very active attending all our meetings and helping out at many of our functions. Her daughters Patty, Janet, Joyce and Diane are all very active with the Auxiliary. Patty served as our Auxiliary President for two years, and Janet is currently serving her second year as President. Joyce has been our First Vice Membership Chairman for the past eight years. Janet’s two Daughters are active auxiliary members and now her grandsons have become charter members of the Juniors. Brandon Hoffman is the Juniors Secretary and Dylan Hoffman is the Juniors Srgt.-at-Arms. We know how proud Connie is and we know Russ is beaming up in Heaven watching down on all of them.
Post 115 Back Row: Janet Hirth, Brandon Hoffman, Joyce Fox, Diane Binkowski, Front Row: Dylan Hoffman Patty Scully and Connie Hartway.
The second Family is the Rusak Family. Yvette has been a member of Post #57 Auxiliary since 1987. She has held every office at the local and was District President twice. She now serves as Department Second Vice. Her Daughter Cynthia Lutt is an active Auxiliary member and now her two daughters Ashley Lutt, who is First Vice and Lauren Lutt, who is Chaplain are now Charter members of the Juniors. The AMVET Post #57 Family are very proud of the tradition being carried on here! First Vice Ashley, Mom Cynthia, Grandmother Yvette and Chaplain Lauren
Michigan AMVETS News
- 12 -
Vol. 65, No. 2
Post 57,
Post 122
cont.
AMVETS Post 122 Honors Eagle Scouts
J
ames Shearer, Joseph Compton and Bridger Cherry were awarded their Eagle Scout rank at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor held by Boy Scout Troop 370 on Dec 30, 2009 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Marquette. They were also awarded certificates from Phillip Petry AMVETS Post 122, The Richard Joplin American Legion Post 44 and the Marquette County Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380. Presenting the awards was Marvin R Gibson (Eagle 59), AMVET Post 122 Boy Scout Chairman.
Left to Right Marvin R. Gibson (Eagle 59), James Shearer, Joseph Compton, and Bridger Cherry
Post 72 By James May
N
ew Havens Duncan-Sullivan AMVETS Post 72 held their 2010-2011 election of officers on May 6, 2010. The new officers are: Commander: John Dave Sopfe 1st Vice Commander: Iver “Joe” Hansen 2nd Vice Commander: Robert Brethauer Adjutant: Dale Lindo Finance officer: James Ponder Judge Advocate: James May Provost Marshal: Curtis Lyons Service officer: Al Brzusek Jr. Chaplain: Roy King 3-Year Trustee: Terry Meyer 2-Year Trustee: Lester Dobberowskk 1-Year Trustee: Gary Gagleard
Michigan AMVETS News
- 13 -
Vol. 65, No. 2
AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN - POSTS post# city address district#
post# city address district#
1957
ADRIAN
122 N. MAIN
1
204
HOLLAND
DAV POST
5
2497
Alpena
2900 Connon Street
6
362
HOWELL
HOWELL A/L POST
3
93
ARMADA
75185 NORTH AVE.
2
777
IRON MOUNTAIN
VETS’ CENTER
7
1988
BALDWIN
JAMES RD. & 24TH ST.
6
122
ISHPEMING
LAKE UNKY, CO. RD. CD.
7
24
BATTLE CREEK
A/L POST 54
4
74
KALAMAZOO
EAGLES LODGE #526
4
22
BAY CITY
520 N. PINE
2
1234
KENT CITY
A/L — BALL CREEK AVE.
5
46
BEAVER ISLAND
NO POST HOME
6
23
KENTWOOD
98 52ND ST. S.E.
5
436
BEECHWOOD
NO POST HOME
7
1072
KINGSTON
VFW — KINGSTON RD.
2
1941
BIG RAPIDS
420 S. FOURTH AVE.
5
1899
KINROSS
NO POST HOME
7
110
CADILLAC
127 W. CASS ST.
6
69
Livonia
19801 Farmington Rd
1
1190
COVINGTON
VFW POST #8945
7
82
LUDINGTON
NO POST HOME
6
4
DEARBORN
NO POST HOME
1
120
MESICK
M-37 SOUTH
6
53
Dearborn Hgts
NO POST HOME
1
29
MT. CLEMENS
1 AMVET DRIVE
2
9
Eastpointe
NO POST HOME
1
3652
MIDLAND
VFW POST 3651
2
45
DETROIT
3401 GILBERT
1
2006
Milford Post
Milford A/L
3
55
DETROIT
NO POST HOME
1
1942
Monroe
VFW Post
1
69
DETROIT
NO POST HOME
1
52
NEW BALTIMORE
51285 COUNTY LINE RD.
2
85
DETROIT
NO POST HOME
1
72
NEW HAVEN
57581 AMVET DR.
2
910
DETROIT
21431 FENKELL AVE.
1
1978
NILES
2627 S. 11TH ST.
4
2273
DURAND
8495 M-71
3
108
OXFORD
130 E. Drahner
3
588
EDMORE
VFW POST
5
4064
PERRY
VFW POST 4063
3
114
ELK RAPIDS
410 BRIDGE ST.
6
101
PONTIAC
VFW POST
3
123
ESCANABA
1315 N. LINCOLN RD.
7
115
PORT HOPE
8011 RUBICON RD.
2
11
Evart
4681 85th Ave
6
79
RABER-GOETZVILLE NO POST HOME
7
1020
FARWELL
10651 N. Vandecar Rd.
6
2965
REED CITY
VFW POST 2964
6
1993
FENVILLE
VFW 2373 S. 53RD ST.
4
316
SAGINAW
3309 RUCKLE ST.
2
8962
GERMFASK
VFW POST
7
1994
SPRING LAKE
NO POST HOME
5
30
Grand Rapids
NO POST HOME
5
121
ST. CLAIR SHORES
22427 E. NINE MILE RD.
2
126
GRAND RAPIDS
2929 MARSHALL, S.E.
5
3720
SWARTZ CREEK
VFW — 3131 S. ELMS RD.
3
14
HAMTRAMCK
NO POST HOME
1
27
WARREN
VFW 9021 32100 Ryan Rd
2
57
HARPER WOODS
19730 HARPER
1
171
WESTLAND
1217 MERRIMAN
1
13
HIGGINS LAKE
8009 N. AU SABLE RD.
6
7
WYOMING
NO POST HOME
5
8
HIGHLAND PARK
55 VICTOR AVE.
1
269
YPSILANTI
2839 E. Michigan Ave.
1
Michigan AMVETS News
- 14 -
Vol. 65, No. 2
VA aims to open mental health clinic in Saginaw Township, plans show By Barrie Barber | The Saginaw News
VA FUNDRAISER FOR FUN
September 25, 2010 POOL TOURNAMENT Starting at 10:00 a.m. play until 5:00 p.m. $10 per person NORTHERN MI vs SOUTHERN MI Traveling Winners Trophy ALSO: Silent Auction, 50/50 Raffles, other items to be raffled Grayling Moose Lodge to have food and beverages for sale ALL PROCEEDS DONATED TOWARDS MICHIGAN VA HOSPITALIZED VETERANS CONCERNS AND NEEDS Lodging available at the AMVETS Lodge $30-$33 per night Call Mike Hettinger (989) 348-4055 Frank Rusak (586) 219-5059 Or Higgins Lake Lodge (989) 821-6574 for information SPONSORED BY THE VA FUNDRAISING FOR FUN INC.
May 03, 2010, 11:40AM SAGINAW TWP. — A mental health clinic for veterans could soon begin taking shape in Saginaw County. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has picked a nearly four-acre locale in Saginaw Township, southeast of Fashion Square Mall, the township confirmed. The 18,000-square-foot center would have 50 staff members and could serve up to 180 clients a day, according to the township. The proposed location is on Barnard, between Schust and McCarty. A construction date hasn’t been released, but Township Planner Bridget Smith said the federal agency has indicated it hopes to start soon. Carrie Seward, spokeswoman at the Aleda E. Lutz Veterans Affairs Center, said she could not comment on the clinic until after the Township Planning Commission votes on the project at a 7 p.m. Wednesday session. The VA announced in September it would open a mental health treatment center in the Saginaw area and outpatient treatment clinics in Bad Axe, Cadillac, Cheboygan and Grayling by the end of the year. The federal agency has outpatient clinics in Alpena, Clare, Gaylord, Oscoda and Traverse City. The VA also is spending $9 million to upgrade its 60-year-old hospital at 1500 Weiss in Saginaw. The agency is expanding staff and services across the nation to treat growing numbers of returning veterans from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In September, the VA reported it provided mental health services to 361 soldiers from the two wars alone within the last year. That number was expected to grow to 400. The number of veterans from past conflicts who receive the same treatment wasn’t immediately available. “We’re expanding mental health service so rapidly we just need that extra space to be able to do that,” Seward said in September. Last fall, the agency counted about 36,000 veterans enrolled in the VA health care system in a 35-county region that spanned mid-Michigan and the northern Lower Peninsula.
Higgins Lake Clean-up By James May Sr.
T
he Higgins Lake Lodge spring clean-up this year was very productive:with the help from posts 14, 23, 30, 57, 72, 120 and1941 for a total of 7 posts and 21 workers. Some of the items accomplished this spring were: the never ending chore of raking and blowing leaves and cleaning out eaves, installing new batteries in smoke detectors, replaced burned out and missing light bulbs changed furnace filters in all cottages and lodge, repaired broken fence rails, repaired storm doors and screens, moved door stops in cottages, painted walls in cottages, painted handicap ramp on lodge, set out B.B.Q. pits and picnic tables in front of all cottages and lodge, repaired two tables in kitchen, put new floor tiles and wall paneling in porch bathroom, repaired holes in dry walls, and much more (but much left undone due to the short time frame) we will tackle those items at the fall clean-up, which is Oct. 15&16 and 17, 2010.
Top left: Well, just don’t stand there get a brush! Top right: Repairing Fence Rails. Right: Just taking a rest.
Michigan AMVETS News
- 15 -
Vol. 65, No. 2
I
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
Roy Love Memorial Room
Tax Included
Per Night – Tax Included
Per Week............................... $850
One bed.................................. $50 Two beds................................. $60 Three beds............................... $70
(Sat. 4 PM – Sat. 10 AM) *$100 security deposit
Weekends................ $180 Plus Tax
Cabin
Friday-Sunday per night
Per Night – Tax Included
One bed.................................. $50 Two beds................................. $60
*$100 security deposit
Lodge
Meals in Lodge
Per Night – Tax Included
AMVETS................................ $30 Non-Members......................... $33 Michigan AMVETS News
Breakfast or Lunch...... $5 Plus Tax Dinner........................ $8 Plus Tax
- 16 -
Vol. 65, No. 2
Auxiliary NEWS Auxiliary President Kathy Keizer, PRESIDENT Kathy Keizer with Kurt from Penrickton and Auxiliary Members
Department President Kathy and Granddaughter Ashley Keizer, Department Junior AMVETS President
Kathy Keizer with Penrickton Mascot Kathy Keizer and National 3rd Vice at Paws with a Cause. Mike Sapp gave group - a wonderful tour of Paws
Kathy Keizer with District II President Peggy Liss on Kathy’s official visit
Michigan AMVETS News
- 17 -
Kathy Keizer at Gildas club on her official visit to District V. L to R: Wendy Lynema, President Auxiliary 126, Kathy Keizer, Department President And Marilyn Boring, District V President
Vol. 65, No. 2
I
Keeping Up With Kathy
have to say my year as your President definitely “Kept Moving Forward”! I can’t believe that as you read this you will have a new Department President. I extend congratulations to all of the commanders and presidents for their service and dedication to the AMVET family this past year. I am honored to have served with you. also wish the best for our new leaders for the next year. To finish up my year, I made visits to District I and District V. I also toured Aleda E. Lutz, Battle Creek and John Dingell VA hospitals. I want to thank everyone across the state for the hospitality, support and friendship you gave me this past year. Locals, I hope you will always continue to move forward in your service work to our veterans and communities. There is nothing more rewarding than the smile you get from a veteran for making a root beer float for them, passing out fruit or calling the number needed for a “Bingo” at one of the hospitals or homes. What a wonderful feeling when you see a “PAWS” dog out in public and you know that you have helped to earn money for a veteran to receive the service dog they need. Can you imagine the smiles when one of our service personnel opens a package from us while so far away from home? And what a great feeling to hand a young person a check from your scholarship program that will help in so many ways to further their education. While trying to “Keep Moving Forward” there were a few bumps in the road butwe worked together and got through them. If we follow the “Code of Ethics”, it makes the road a lot smoother for everyone. Again, I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for showing me so manykindnesses and lots of fun. Next to becoming a grandmother it has been a ride to emember. Thanks for the memories!
I
t is with great pleasure that we publish the following letter received from the VA Medical Center in Detroit. Many thanks to Rose Solak and June Bell for their continued dedication to our veterans, and to all of the volunteers that contribute their time to these effeorts.
VAVS Regognition
Life is a gift. Unwrap your present! Kathy Keizer, Immediate Past President
Friends
Ross Mortgage Corporation Shawna Goodloe Silver Lake Resort-Camp Ultra-Tech Printing Co. Urgent Care GOLD Barton Malow Rigging Co. SILVER American Industrial Stifel Nicolaus & Co. Inc. T H Manufacturing Company West Michigan Recycling Michigan AMVETS News
- 18 -
Vol. 65, No. 2
SONS OF AMVETS NEWS Greetings from the Sons of AMVETS Department of Michigan,
I
wish to thank all of you who attended my Testimonial Dinner on April 10th it was a very special evening and we had a real good time. As this year comes to a close I wish to thank all of my Officers for their hard work ad dedication. We have had a good year our renewals are up and the project reporting has increased. With Dedicated Sons of AMVETS Members that we have in the Department of Michigan I believe we can receive several awards at this years National Convention. As our membership continues to grow it is important that we continue to teach any of our new members what they need to learn about the AMVETS Family, who we are, what we stand for, and how they can help. We also need to remind those of us who have become complacent that service to our Veterans and our communities should be necessary as well as gratifying to our heart and soul.
Douglas S. Beedon Commander Sons of AMVETS Department of Michigan
We all volunteer our time, helping a neighbor, working a dinner at your Post, visiting a friend in the hospital etc. I would like to encourage each Squadron to file Project Reports. This only takes a few minutes each month and they make a huge impact on the AMVETS Family. If each Squadron will send in Project Reports every month the Sons of AMVETS Department of Michigan could be second to none in the nation. Please remember that I or my officers are here to assist you or you Post whenever it may be needed if you have any questions, comments or concerns feel free to call. ď‚ś
1715 N. Greenfield Cir. NE #101 Grand Rapids MI 49505 dsbeedon@comcast.net 616-719-2294 Home 616-304-5479 Cell
Yours in Service to our veterans, Douglas S. Beedon Commander Sons of AMVETS Department of Michigan 1715 N. Greenfield Cir. NE #101 Grand Rapids MI 49505 dsbeedon@comcast.net
Michigan AMVETS News
- 19 -
Vol. 65, No. 2
THE MICHIGAN AMVETS NEWS
5489 Main St. P.O. Box 254 Dryden, MI 48248
AMVETSMICHIGAN.ORG
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PERMIT #792
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