Winter, 2008-09 by JM Publishing

S Winter, ‘08/‘09

Commander’s Message

o the men and women of the Department Of North Carolina, AMVETS, we have just concluded our Fall Quarterly 2008, D.E.C. (Department Executive Council) meeting and the Eastern District hosted our annual state golf tournament at Williamston. The weather was not bad and we were not rained upon, the membership that elected to attend our event, were surrounded in mutual comradeship. All present appeared to enjoy the good food at the Pig Pickin’ prepared by the membership of AMVETS, Post 227, of Williamston. During the committee meetings and regular business session a lot of issues were transacted and mutually agreed upon for the good of the order. However; I do not think that we should pat ourselves on the back and congratulate each other upon a job well done. Personally I feel that we failed to seize and hold our primary objective, and that was the “Golf Tournament” itself. There is a lot of work that goes into a venture of this magnitude, as most of you know. Quite a few of our members stepped up to the plate and gave a 110% effort. This allowed for a minimal margin of success after all expenses incurred were paid from the profits of the tournament. A profit margin of $1,500.00 is not enough to support our Americanism and ROTC programs which depend upon this funding. Have we forgotten as a group what the purpose of the tournament is all about? The look upon a young students face is priceless when they stand in front of their peers and have a ROTC Medal pinned to the blouse of their uniform. As we look and listen to the winner of the Americanism Contest read

their essay at our State Banquet think about their excitement and emotion. Their parents pride is evident as well as our pride in knowing that we are assisting this young student beginning their life journey. Hopefully the opportunity afforded them by our organization will in part help to instill a new sense of appreciation of all veterans. It costs the Department annually between $2,200.00 and $2,400.00 to allow these two programs to work. I realize that distance, cost of fuel, and the economic times that are currently upon us have not helped this endeavor one bit. However, I do feel that with more support from this body we could have reached our goal and allowed it to be a more profitable endeavor. Two important events are coming up; Election Day and Veterans Day. The veteran’s from all across our great nation have secured and protected the right for all our nations’ citizens to participate in a free national, state and local election. Let’s not forget the importance of both these dates and the sacrifices made by our veterans. The holidays will rapidly be upon us, both Thanksgiving and Christmas start the end of another calendar year in our lives. If you travel or remain at home, please remember safety and the true meaning of these two special days. Most of all, remember our service men and women currently in harms way and their families. As Commander of this Department, I would like to wish all of you the very best for the upcoming holidays, and I am already looking forward to seeing you in January, at Clemmons for our Winter D.E.C.  May God bless each and every one of you and your family. John R. MacDonald Department Commander

From the President

hope everyone is enjoying the cool fall weather. The beginning of a new year for our Auxiliary. I hope everyone is working on projects and membership. First of all, I would like to thank Williamston and the Eastern District for a great D.D.C. meeting. The food was great and I think everyone will agree we had great fun and fellowship. I believe we will have a good year working with Commander MacDonald, the sons and the Riders. Everyone working together makes our organization come together and helps us do more for our veterans and their families. I attended the reverse drawing at Roanoke Rapids, Post 101, in July, one August 23rd in Asheboro , Post 905, also had a reverse draw-

ing. Thanks to you for such a warm welcome and great food and fellowship. I attended the rededication at the Albemarle Post on July 26th. I will be attending the reverse drawing at Post 13 the 18th of October and Rockwell Post on the 25th of October. Everyone knows Veteran’s Day will be November 11th. Remember to attend a parade or any function on Veteran’s Day. I will be riding in the Parade in Lexington. I am sorry to report a few deaths and sickness with in our Auxiliary. Myrtle Beasley past away recently. She was a State Charter member from Auxiliary 460, Salisbury. Billie Jo Craig lost her mother. She is from Asheboro Post 905. Chris Smith has been in the Rowan Hospital for a week or

so. She will be having surgery at Duke the 28th of October. Our past Department Commander, Ed O’Neal is having surgery the 13th of October. Please keep these people in your thoughts and prayers. Again, I would like to give my Officers and the entire Auxiliary a big thank you for their hard work. In closing, I hope to see everyone at our D.E.C. meeting in Clemmons. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and a wonderful Christmas. May God keep you healthy and safe.  Eva Craver Department of North Carolina State President

NC AMVETS NEWS—Winter, ‘08/‘09

NEC Report

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

Commander’s Report.................................................................................... 1 NEC Report................................................................................................... 2 Programs Reporting..................................................................................... 3 Special VA Healthcare Eligibility................................................................. 6

8 Post Reports.............................................................................................. 10 AMVETS Officers and Post Directory.................................................... 12 VA News.................................................................................................... 14 Photos!...........................................................................................................

Is this Sylvia “hawking her wares”? Is Kay Morgan taking lessons?

Ah ha, at last a victim. I mean, customer... Why is Kay hanging her head? Is there more going on?

DEADLINES FOR NEWSPAPER ARTICLES January 15 to print March 25

MVETS held our 64th National Convention in Orlando, FL at the Rosen Center on August 4-10, 2008. On Tuesday, August 5th, our opening ceremony was held and opened by Commander J. P. Brown. Commander Brown gave a touching speech about his trip to Iraq and the troops he had talked to. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Allison Barber gave the Keynote Speech. He thanked AMVETS and all support groups for making a tangible difference in our troop’s lives. Dr. Sam Hsu, a representative from the Republic of China Veterans Association also delivered a heartfelt speech to AMVETS, before presenting an award to Commander Brown. Matthew Williams, Sons of AMVETS member, from Arizona brought his AMVETS race car to the hotel for members to see. Matthew is pursuing a career in NASCAR Truck Series next year with the AMVET logo on it. Awards presented to North Carolina: Americanism: 2nd Grade – Ryan Wells from Jacksonville, NC 8th Grade – Ethan Carr from Holden Beach, NC Employment: NC won all three categories North Carolina won the 1st Place Pin Award The 1st Place Color Guard was Post 10 from Maryland On Saturday August 9th elections of officers were held. The following were elected: Commander John “Chad” Hapner from Michigan 1st Vice Commander Duane Miskulin from Wisconsin 3rd Vice Commander Jerry Hotop from Missouri Finance Officer Fertie Brand from Florida Provost Marhsal Gene Meyer from Ohio Judge Advocate Dan Snyder from Ohio

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—Winter, ‘08/‘09

NEC Report, cont. Trustee for Service Foundation Joe Vandengoorbergh from Ohio Finance Committee: PNC John Sisler and PNC John S. Lorec Commander, Fellow Officers, and Fellow AMVETS – it was an honor and privilege to be the NEC from NC. A total of 549 delegates from across the country were there. PNC John Lorec, Commander MacDonald, myself, Alt. NEC Mike Rozmaryn and 23 other NC delegates attended the meetings and festivities. NC NEC Jimmy ElyAMVETS held our 64th National Convention in Orlando, FL at the Rosen Center on August 4-10, 2008. On Tuesday, August 5th, our opening ceremony was held and opened by Commander J. P. Brown. Commander Brown gave a touching speech about his trip to Iraq and the troops he had talked to. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Allison Barber gave the Keynote Speech. He thanked AMVETS and all support groups for making a tangible difference in our troop’s lives. Dr. Sam Hsu, a representative from the Republic of China Veterans Association also delivered a heartfelt speech to AMVETS, before presenting an award to Commander Brown. Matthew Williams, Sons of AMVETS member, from Arizona brought his AMVETS race car to the hotel for members to see. Matthew is pursuing a career in NASCAR Truck Series next year with the AMVET logo on it. Awards presented to North Carolina: Americanism: 2nd Grade – Ryan Wells from Jacksonville, NC 8th Grade – Ethan Carr from Holden Beach, NC Employment: NC won all three categories North Carolina won the 1st Place Pin Award The 1st Place Color Guard was Post 10 from Maryland On Saturday August 9th elections of officers were held. The following were elected: Commander John “Chad” Hapner from Michigan 1st Vice Commander Duane Miskulin from Wisconsin 3rd Vice Commander Jerry Hotop from Missouri Finance Officer Fertie Brand from Florida Provost Marhsal Gene Meyer from Ohio Judge Advocate Dan Snyder from Ohio Trustee for Service Foundation Joe Vandengoorbergh from Ohio Finance Committee: PNC John Sisler and PNC John S. Lorec Commander, Fellow Officers, and Fellow AMVETS – it was an honor and privilege to be the NEC from NC. A total of 549 delegates from across the country were there. PNC John Lorec, Commander MacDonald, myself, Alt. NEC Mike Rozmaryn and 23 other NC delegates attended the meetings and festivities.  NC NEC Jimmy Ely

1st Vice President

e need to remember that our members are the heart of our auxiliaries, therefore we “Gotta Have Heart”. The 1st Vice President’s award goes to the auxiliary with the largest increase of new members by 12/31/08, however, remember that our existing members are just as important and should be encouraged to renew their membership. Effective 01 November 2008, Life Membership will increase to $200.00 per member for the Department of North Carolina after National increased their dues at the National Convention in August. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the Winter DEC in Clemmons. God bless all of you!  Your Sister in Service, Pat Pulliam, Dept. Aux. 1st Vice President

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PROGRAMSREPORTING

1. Your Programs Reporting “Report Card”. The Departments of; Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Texas, California and Oregon all showed some positive movement. Delaware and Wisconsin are still pushing to be the next Department to reach 100% at 80% and 68% respectively. 2. New Addition to the Programs Pages of the AMVETS Website: A DIRECTOR’S NOTES “button/hot link” has been added to the PROGRAMS drop down menu. This page was created to provide me with a place to communicate timely Program information. A. of immediate importance for all Posts and Departments B. and/or provide details and contact information for regional or specific state veterans programs that your posts may want to participate in. Please check this page frequently for notes on new programs, updates on existing programs and reminders of Program deadlines. Some of these notes and updates may be the same as some of you are receiving in these periodic PROGRAM BLASTS. However, this distribution list contains only about 600 e-mail accounts. If you or someone you know would like to be added to the Program Blasts, please just send an email to (blove@amvets.org) This addition to the Web site will provide those members who do not want to receive periodic Blasts and/or are not aware of the option, to check frequently for current info. I will be promoting this addition to the website in different venues but please help me spread the word. The direct link: http://www.amvets.org/programs/programs_directors_notes.html 3. Filner Applauds Enactment of Veterans’ Spending Bill: If you have not been keeping up on the 2009 VA Budget, have a look! Can be viewed at the following link: h t t p: // ve t e r a n s . h o u s e .g ov/ n e w s / PR A r t i c l e . aspx?NewsID=312 Thanks as always for all you do on behalf of our veterans and the active military.  Beryl W. Love AMVETS (American Veterans) National Programs Director

NC AMVETS NEWS—Winter, ‘08/‘09

From the Adjutant/PRO:

t last count there are 31 Posts in the North Carolina Department of AMVETS. My question to all of you is this; why are Post 13,101 and Post 845 the only Posts to turn in articles for this paper? Every Post in this Department whether it is the Post, the Auxiliary or the Sons has done something for Veterans and their Community. Even if you don’t have pictures of your events you can write an article sharing what you have done. We have 3 Districts in the Department. We have only 1 District article it is from the Eastern District Commander. What have the Western District and Piedmont District been doing? NC AMVETS State Paper is an avenue for us to SHARE what we do. It gives other Posts and Districts ideas for events that they may be able undertake that would benefit their communities. We are Not I repeat Not 31 individual Posts. We are a Department who should be working together and sharing ideas for the betterment of our Veterans and our Communities. Turning in your Community Service Reports is Mandatory from National. Writing articles for the paper serves a dual purpose. Sharing information and getting your Community Service turned in. If you include your hours, miles and money spent I will forward the information to our Community Service Chairperson for reporting to National. 

Finally! We all know our close-knit veterans community has been longing for an easy way to connect with one another, to exchange information and expand our local and regional programs. Well, here it is. Let me introduce each of you to the latest AMVETS partner in veterans’ service. It’s MyVetwork (www.MyVetWork.com), the new online community created by one of our own, John R. Campbell, a Marine veteran of Vietnam and an AMVETS member. Designed specifically with veterans and their families in mind, MyVetwork is free. It’s the first-ever community of military personnel and those who care about them that we can help shape as it grows. We can have a voice in building this community that celebrates and serves veterans not just on Veterans Day, but the other 364 days of the year too. MyVetwork facilitates our exchanging information with others who share our experience, connections that can run the gamut—from lighthearted and entertaining, to deep and meaningful exchange--bringing our veterans’ community together in ways simply not possible before. And we can use MyVetwork to find—and contribute—new information about the veterans’ community, including the important and meaningful work of veterans’ service organizations like AMVETS. Using cutting edge social networking technology, MyVetwork allows us to create our own online groups, relevant to our specific interests and individual skill sets. It can be used for both social and professional networking, a service not available within the veterans’ community until now. And for those interested in mentoring younger veterans, MyVetwork facilitates that, too. MyVetwork is open to all military—active duty, retired, and veterans—our families, and others who care about us. It caters to veterans of all generations, whether you’ve stormed the beaches of Iwo Jima, patrolled the jungles of Vietnam, or kicked in doors in Fallujah. The MyVetwork team has asked us to help populate the community—the more of us who sign on, the more valuable our exchange will be. John Campbell and his team are issuing this invitation to coincide with Veterans Day, November 11. I encourage each of you to log onto <http://www.myvetwork.com now, browse the site, create your own profile (takes 3 mins), and check out the

Patty Petty

atty Petty, wife of race car driver Kyle Petty, will be receiving the Silver Helmet Humanitarian Award, at the spring NEC in Mar 14 2009 at the Sheraton BWI hotel for her work with special needs children at the VICTORY JUNCTION GANG CAMP in Randleman, NC. They are in the process of building another camp possibly in Kansas. These camps are similar to the Camps that Paul Newman started. There is no cost to the children’s families, they are maintained by donations. Several NASCAR drivers help sponsor this camp to help the children. These children have different afflictions. Each week at the camp the children have the same special need. It maybe terminal ill, downs syndrome, spinal bifida, etc, and medial personnel in that special need field are on site. They have all different kinds of activities these children can participate in. Fishing, swimming, and horse back riding etc. Each child is given a black and white check bear, a knitted or crochet lap afghan, and their twin size bed quilt to take home with them. The NC Department of AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary has been making bears and lap afghans and bed quilts as a Auxiliary Department project. Normally attendees at the Silver Helmet Banquet are the NEC’s, we would like to see this year a larger turnout in support from the Department of NC for the Petty’s great work in our state.  For further information about the camp visit www. victoryjunction.org.

AMVETS group we’ve created. Once you’ve come to understand why AMVETS members should take advantage of this remarkable tool, I encourage you to share it with AMVETS throughout your departments and create a subgroup for your own department or other special interest group. Let’s accept MyVetwork’s invitation and make sure that AMVETS takes advantage of this opportunity to revolutionize the way we serve our veterans and stay connected to one another. AMVETS is excited to be working with MyVetwork, and we hope you will join us. Tell your friends and family.  www.myvetwork.com Jay Agg, National Communications Director AMVETS National Headquarters 4647 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706 301.683.4035 877.726.8387 Toll-free 301.459.7924 Fax

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NC AMVETS NEWS—Winter, ‘08/‘09

AMVETS Rider Charter to Post 845 Commander John MacDonald presents AMVETS Rider Charter to Post 845’s AMVETS Rider Commander Cark Morgan.

heck out our AMVETS website www.amvetsnc.org for the new Riders page or go to the National website www.amvets.org for more information on how to start a chapter at your post. 

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NC AMVETS NEWS—Winter, ‘08/‘09

UCLA Opens Veterans Center In R

UCLA’s Daily Bruin (10/15, Brown) reports, “UCLA has recently Men.” The office “is in response to the largest expansion to the GI Bill by the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to the GI Bill’s Web veterans have a place to go to for help with receiving their benefits an

MTV To Broadcast Concert For Ir

The AP (10/14) reported, “MTV’s Choose or Lose campaign and of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. ‘A Night for Vets: An MTV Conce “show’s name alludes to a petition MTV and several veterans’ organ (BRAVE).” The AP added that on “Oct. 25, CNN will air a special o on stories of young veterans.” 

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Response To Bill

NC AMVETS NEWS—Winter, ‘08/‘09

THANK YOU

Corporate

k n a h T u Yo

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k n a h T u Yo

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created a Veterans Resource Office at the Center for Women and l – another name for education assistance programs administered b site – since World War II. The office was created so that student nd finding scholarships, housing and jobs.”

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raq, Afghanistan Veterans

CNN have partnered to broadcast a concert supporting veterans ert for the BRAVE’ will air Oct. 24” at 8 p.m. ET on MTV. The nizations created called the Bill of Rights for American Veterans of ‘Anderson Cooper 360’ titled ‘Back From Battle’ that focuses

Southern Site Webco Enginering -- Page --

NC AMVET NEWS

Veteran’s Day Ceremony

Veteran’s Day Ceremony held at and by the VFW Post 10400 Boiling Spring Lakes, NC In attendance was AMVETS Post 906 CO Laura L. Britton (Dept. FO) who also sang the National Anthem for the event. Also PDC William (Bill) Clark, Post 906 Adj. Rena Fisk and Post Rep Karen Timko. Guest speaker SFC Hale of the 596th Trans Unit at Sunny Point Military Ocean Terminal.

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NC AMVET NEWS

National Guard Activation Ceremony Rockingham, NC

In attenance several AMVETS Post 316 members including PDC Ed Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal. The Post Adj., Post Commander, 1st Vice, as well as others. Dept. Officers in attendance: Deputy Provost Marshall Larry Klass , Dept. FO Laura L. Britton. Post 13 Lexington had members in attendance, Woody Bowman, Alice Stanley National Service Officer, Russell Woodall. The event was held at the Rockingham Community College. There were childrens activities including a clown for face painting for the children. BB&T, American Legion, AMVETS Post 316 (furnishing free bottled water, popcorn and cotton candy as well as information about AMVETS, Benefits, Family Support information, Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; handouts, etc. )

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NC AMVETS NEWS—Winter, ‘08/‘09

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NC AMVETS NEWS—Winter, ‘08/‘09

post 13 - Lexington Left: National Convention Orlando Post 13 at Florida Night. Right: A reception was held September 25, 2008 for Ron and Joyce Bevans where they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary – with daughters and friends of AMVETS Post 13.

post 101 - Halifax County

hurs Sept 11, 2008 AMVETS Post 101 assisted by local Veteran’s organizations sponsored the 7th annual 9/11 Patriots Day Service for Halifax County.

Due to the weather the service was moved indoors to the TJ Davis Recreation Center in Roanoke Rapids. At this years event we laid a wreath in honor of all first responders, Fire, Rescue, Police and Military. Our speaker was Lt. Col George Sterling, USA Special Forces and current BN Commander Recruiting Command, Raleigh. First Responders from Roanoke Rapids Fire Department, local volunteer fire stations and Halifax County sherrif department read the names of all the firefighters who were killed in NY on 9/11/01. Gary Harris, Commander DAV Chapter 15 tolled the bell as names were read. Ashley Harris of AMVETS Post 320 provided special music for the occasion. Roanoke Rapids Fire Department and Police Department provided the color guard. At the close of the service we all exited the building for a final moment of silence as we released red, white and blue balloons. We were also proud to assist AMVETS Department Commander John MacDonald in hosting the Department Commanders from our sister VSO’s. Following the 9/11 Service LtCol Sterling provided a special briefing for key city and county personnel as well as for the visiting Department Commanders, local PDC’s and Post Commanders regarding the current state of the War on Terror. The briefing was held at the Tar Heel Cafe and lunch for provided for all by the Army Recruiting Command.  Jean Reaves

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Editorial Criteria

Following are guidelines to aid you in preparing your articles for publication: 1. Articles MUST be typewritten. DO NOT TYPE IN ALL CAPS. 2. NEW! Submissions may be e-mailed to cib2marine@yahoo.com 3. Photos must have captions to be used with an accompanying sheet of paper which lists name(s) of people in the picture, as well as the date, event and post involved. Do not write on the back or the front of photos. Do not tape or staple photos to your article. 4. The editor reserves the right to edit any submission for clarity, brevity, etc.

NC AMVETS NEWS—Winter, ‘08/‘09

post 845 - rockwell

e have been busy at the Post. In August, we did our 10th Annual Blood Drive after returning from an informative and fun National Convention in Orlando

FL. In September our Post Sons of AMVETS hosted their Annual Fish Fry. As always they did an outstanding job. Request from Iraq for books. In Beryl’s Program Blast was a request for books. We put out the word to our members and books came pouring in…. We sent 7 boxes of both hard back and paper books. CVS Pharmacy and their customers donated 324 “First Aide” on –the- go to the troops through our Post. Auxiliary member Pat VanHoy works for CVS and was the liaison between the Post and CVS for this project. National Programs Director Beryl Love sent out a request he had received from the Louisiana WWII Veterans nursing home for underwear for their patients and homeless veterans the need was created by a hurricane. Post 2nd Vice Gail Gorman works for Jockey International who generously donated 3,124 pieces of pants and shirts for both men and women. We sent five dozen of each size (eight large boxes) via Fedex who gave us a discount on the shipping. What was left over has been divided between the four VAMC in North Carolina. Female Veterans Joann Myers, Rita Chastain and Nancy Shiverdecker worked on a project for the hospitalized female veterans. With a generous donation from Post member Andy Garner and the Post. The girls made up personal care baskets with items specific to a female. The baskets also included AMVETS phone cards and bracelets, provided by Rita. Recently heavy rains and wind caused damage at The Meadows retirement center located next door to our post. Some of the damage was the loss of the U.S. flag, line and eye hooks included. Several of our members are in residence at the Meadows. AMVETS and those veterans have kept the flag flying. This time help was needed to get to the top of the 60-foot flag pole. Request for assistance was made by our Sons of AMVETS Sonny Miller to our neighbors on the other side of the Post, Kevin Holshouser at the Rockwell Rural FD, Kevin said we needed the City Fire Department and their Big Ladder Truck. Kevin contacted Tim Linker and help arrived the morning. In short order, the mission was accomplished. Everyone had a great time helping each other. In closing, any post looking for projects to work on for Community Service contact Beryl Love at National and get on his e-mail list. 

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NC AMVETS NEWS—Winter, ‘08/‘09

20 08 OFFICER S OF A M V ETS

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CONTACT INFOR MATION • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

ELECTED OFFICERS 2008‑2009 COMMANDER John R. MacDonald ‑ Post 227 20770 Hwy 64 East Williamston, NC 27892 H ‑ (252) 792‑3849 C ‑ (252) 217‑8048 jrmpost227@yahoo.com 1st VICE COMMANDER Carl Morgan, Jr. ‑ Post 845 144 Hawksbridge Rd. Mt. Airy, NC 27030 (336) 786‑4461 W ‑ (704) 422‑2528 cbmorgan17@triad.rr.com

APPOINTED OFFICERS 2008‑2009

JUDGE ADVOCATE James Craven ‑ Post 777 4026 Beech Acres Lane Winston Salem, NC 27106 (336) 924‑9848 cravenjames@triad.rr.com

ADJUTANT & PRO Nancy Shiverdecker ‑ Post 845 13470 Old Beatty Ford Road Rockwell, NC 28138 (704) 267‑6410 cib2marine@yahoo.com

NEC PDC Jim Ely ‑ Post 760 P. O. Box 833 Welcome, NC 27374 (336) 731‑4828

INSPECTOR GENERAL Bruce Arton ‑ Post 42 302 Cherryville Road Shelby, NC 28150 (704) 297‑2267 barton001@carolina.rr.com

ALTERNATE NEC PDC Mike Rozmaryn ‑ Post 845 1540 Lower Palmer Road Salisbury, NC 28146 (704) 279‑2092 cherny@windstream.net

2nd VICE COMMANDER Oceanus Lowry ‑ Post 317 235 Pinelake Park Rd. Pembroke, NC 28372 H & FAX ‑ (910) 521‑9317 C ‑ (910) 734‑0047 olowry@nc.rr.com

DEPUTY PROVOST MARSHAL Monroe Poplin ‑ Post 845 1765 Liberty Road Gold Hill, NC 28071 (704) 279‑7385

PROVOST MARSHAL Lee Bowden, Jr. ‑ Post 905 2305 Old Cedar Falls Rd. Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 339‑4136 amvetspost905@yahoo.com

3rd VICE COMMANDER Lacy L. Shepherd ‑ Post 316 253 Cartledge Creek Rd. Rockingham, NC 28379 (910) 895‑3056 j.d.shepherd@hotmail.com

DEPUTY PROVOST MARSHAL Michael Smith ‑Post 13 1135 Farm Creek Road Salisbury, NC 28146 cdsmith@salisbury.net

EASTERN DISTRICT COMMANDER Roger Fenwick‑ Post 101 320 Americamps Drive Bracey, VA 23919 (434) 636‑2199 rfen@buggs.net

FINANCE OFFICER Laura L. Britton (Louey) ‑ Post 906 P. 0. Box 10179 Southport, NC 28461 H ‑ (910) 253‑4914 W ‑ (910) 457‑7097 C ‑ (910) 294‑1976 laura.britton07@yahoo.com WESTERN DISTRICT COMMANDER & CHAPLAIN Keith Dean ‑ Post 441 31 Zenith Drive Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 586‑6170

PIEDMONT DISTRICT COMMANDER Larry Klass ‑ Post 13 170 Lacy Hepler Road Thomasville, NC 27360 (336) 474‑7012 dklass@triad.rr.com

DEPUTY PROVOST MARSHAL Bill Whitaker ‑ Post 1111 2326 Stallings Drive Kinston, NC 28504 W ‑ (866) 389‑5840 H ‑ (252) 525‑3426 bwhitaker@suddenlink.net PROVOST MARSHAL EMERITUS Benny Drew ‑ Post 845 P. O. Box 64 Gold Hill, NC 28071 (704) 279‑3 812

HISTORIAN NATIONAL GUARD LIAISON AMVET RIDERS COMMANDER Carl Morgan, Jr. ‑ Post 845 144 Hawksbridge Rd. Mt. Airy, NC 27030 (336) 786‑4461 W ‑ (704) 422‑2528 cbmorgan17@triad.rr.com AUXILIARY LIAISON OFFICER Anne Capucille ‑ Post 635 5809 Deven Circle Raleigh, NC 27604 (919) 872‑1277 SONS OF AMVETS LIAISON Jim Maness ‑ Post 905 831 Highridge Court Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625‑2438 tootsmaness@yahoo.com SERVICE OFFICER NSO Phil Reilly ‑ Post 970 P.O. Box 25160 Fayetteville, NC 28314 (910) 396‑6826 philip.g.reilly@us.army.mil LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR PDC Jean Reaves ‑ Post 101 P. O. Box 3123 Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 (252) 535‑1917 reaves375@charter.net

DEPUTY JUDGE ADVOCATE PDC Mike Reaves ‑Post 101 P.O. Box 1323 Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 (252) 535‑1917 reaves375@charter.net

NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICERS 2008‑2009 NSO Garry King (336) 714‑0822 garry.king@va.gov

NSO Russell L. Woodall, Jr. (336) 714‑0787 russell.woodall@va.gov

NSO Phil Reilly AMVETS ‑ P. O. Box 25160 Fayetteville, NC 28314 (910) 396‑6826 philip.g.reilly@us.army.mil

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NSO Stephen R. Smith AMVETS ‑ P. O. Box 4066 New River Air Station Jacksonville, NC 28540 (910) 449‑6416 smithsr.nso@gmail.com

VARO ‑ Suite 414 251 North Main Street Winston Salem, NC 27155 FAX (336) 714‑0858

NC AMVETS NEWS—Winter, ‘08/‘09

20 08 PO ST DIR ECTORY

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CONTACT INFOR MATION • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • POST CONTACT POST COMMANDER MEETING PLACE DATE & DUES 13‑Lexington Same Hwy 29‑70 South Woodrow Bowman S. Marco Blvd. P. O. Box 1246 P. O. Box 234 Lexington, NC 272953 (336) 956‑7773 (336) 243‑2380 2nd Wed. 7:00 p.m. woodybowmann@lexcominc.net Dues ‑ $20 18‑Spring Lake Charles L. Miller Jerry Looker 2604 E. Brinkley Dr. 14258 Hwy 210 S. 284 Sandclay Rd. Spring Lake, NC 28390 (910) 497‑2218 Spring Lake, NC 28390 (910) 497‑2829 3rd Wed. 7:00 p.m. W‑(910) 497‑2218 TRICUA326@aol.com Dues ‑ $25 H‑(910) 850‑3442 jerlooker@aol.com 42‑Shelby Attn: Joe Goins Bruce Arton (704) 482‑7471 P O Box 1462 302 Cherryville Rd. 4th Tues. 7:00 p.m. Shelby, NC 28151 Shelby, NC 28150 Dues ‑ $25 (704) 482‑7471 (704) 482‑4800 43‑Roxboro Elbert Clayton Elks Lodge #2005 Otha J. Day 800 Country Club Rd. 408 Leasburg Rd 137 Roxdale Place Roxboro, NC 27574 2”d Wed. 7:00 p.m. Roxboro, NC 27574 (336) 599‑4169 Dues ‑ $20 (336) 599‑5123 101‑Halifax County AMVETS Post 101 Roger Fenwick 1710 W. Tenth St. P O Box 1760 320 Americamps Dr. (252) 535‑0336 Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 Bracey, VA 23919 1st Thurs. reaves375@charter.net (434) 636‑2199 Dues ‑ $25 103‑Winton Oscar Jones 109 Community AMVETS Post 103 PO Box 729 College Rd. PO Box 729 Aulander, NC 27805 Ahoskie Aulander, NC 27805 3rd Mon. 6:30 p.m. jones066@yahoo.com Dues ‑ $30 201‑Franklin County Forrest Johnson Art Alexander 100 Cheyenne Dr. 1006 Lake Royale 94 Lake Royale 3rd Thurs. 7:00 p.m. Louisburg, NC 27549 Louisburg, NC 27549 Dues ‑ $25 (252) 478‑5539 (252) 478‑8444 forrest.johnson@embarq. com 225‑Jacksonville Melvin L. Myers 406 S. Marine Blvd. AMVETS Post 225 201 Valencia Court Suite D 406 S. Marine Blvd., Ste D. Jacksonville, NC 28546 3rd Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Jacksonville, NC 28540 H‑(910) 478‑3009 Dues ‑ $25 amvets225vc@yahoo.com W‑(910) 347‑4819 omarmyers95n@yahoo.com 227‑Williamston Wayne Bray Charles (Dickie) White Railroad St. 200 Green St. 5281 Everetts Road PO Box 887 Williamston, NC 27892 Williamston, NC 27892 2”d & 4th Tues. W‑(252) 792‑7816 (252) 217‑2001 6:30 p.m. H‑(252) 792‑8488 Dues ‑ $25 FAX (252) 792‑2479 wayne.bray@ncmail.net 240‑Denton Robert G. Fuller Robert G. Fuller 1351 Old Hwy 109 P. O. Box 536 314 Vanhoy Drive (336) 859‑2357 Demon, NC 27239 Denton, NC 27239 1St Tues. 7:00 p.m. (336) 250‑0083 Dues ‑ $20 rgfsvccom@triad.rr.com 316‑Rockingham Henry Chavis Same E. Rockingham Fire 729 Battley Dairy Road Dept. 487 Airport Rd. Rockingham, NC 28379 Last Tues. 7:00 p.m. (910) 582‑3173 Dues ‑ $25 317‑Pembroke Robert D. Williamson Same PO Box 66 705 8th Street 4th Thurs. 7:00 p.m. Pembroke, NC 28372 olowryl@nc.rr.com (910)522‑1011 Dues ‑ $30

POST CONTACT POST COMMANDER MEETING PLACE DATE & DUES 320‑Roanoke Rapids Kenneth Brandy 801 Charlotte St. P 0. Box 838 3959 Highway 158 (252) 535‑2244 Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 2nd Mon. 7:00 p.m. (252) 535‑2244 (252) 537‑2206 Dues ‑ $20 333‑Swannanoa Same 201 Craigmont Rd. Bruce Bartlett (828) 669‑2741 Black Mountain 59 Carolina Heights lmowen60kyahoo.com Last Tues. Black Mountain, NC 28711 Dues ‑ $25 441‑Jackson County Keith Dean Community Center C. B. (Tommy) Thompson 31 Zenith Drive Hospital Rd. P. O. Box 829 Sylva, NC 28779 Sylva Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 586‑6170 3rd Tues. 7:00 p.m. (828) 586‑6229 Dues $25 460‑Salisbury AMVETS Post 460 Gene Miller 285 Lakeside Drive 180 Park Villa Rd. 285 Lakeside Dr. Salisbury, NC 28146 Salisbury, NC 28146 2nd Sun. (704) 633‑5018 (704) 637‑6848 Dues ‑ $25 500‑Statesville Same 720 Meacham Rd. Larry Propst 3845 Grange Road (704) 878‑6025 720 Meacham Rd. Maiden, NC 28650 2”d Wed. 7:00 p.m. Statesville, NC 28677 (828) 428‑8686 Dues ‑ $25 565‑Salisbury Harold Andrews 1400 N. Main St. AMVETS Post 565 514 Garland Dr. China Grove P. O. Box 953 Salisbury, NC 28146 4th Tues. 6:00 p.m. Salisbury, NC 28145 (704) 279‑7427 Dues ‑ $25 635‑Raleigh Same 2820 Rowland Rd. Harold L. Bonin W‑(919) 791‑9810 3rd Wed. 7:30 p.m. P O Box 58763 hlbonin@yahoo.com Dues ‑ $25 Raleigh, NC 27658 665‑Asheville Same 116 Sweeten Creek Gene Thomas (828) 651‑9572 (828) 274‑2307 300 Long Shores Rd. Apt. 6‑1 3rd Tues. Arden, NC 28704 omegaeht@aol.com Dues ‑ $20 760‑Welcome Jimmy Ely Old Hwy 52 P 0 Box 1042 P 0 Box 833 (336) 731‑6849 Welcome, NC 27374 Welcome, NC 27374 1st Mon. 7:00 p.m. (336) 731‑6849 (336) 731‑4828 Dues ‑ $22 777‑Winston Salem Same 838 E. Sprague St. Delbert Johnson (336) 287‑2226 (336) 785‑9951 838 E. Sprague St. diohn999@triad.rr.com Last Tues. 7:00 p.m. Winston Salem, NC 27107 Dues ‑ $25 820‑Mooresville Gene Moore Gene Moore 2714 Charlotte Hwy. 2714 Charlotte Hwy 190 Golden Valley Dr. 3rd Wed. 7:30 p.m. Mooresville, NC 28117 Mooresville, NC 28117 Dues ‑ $20 (704) 677‑4449 845‑Rockwell Grover “Buddy” Waller 427 Link Street Gene Ritchie 9325 Fisher Rd. Rockwell P.O. Box 986 Rockwell, NC 28138 (704) 279‑6812 Rockwell, NC 28138 H ‑ (704) 279‑3929 Tues. 7:00 p.m. (704) 279‑4892 W ‑ (704 400‑4434 Dues ‑ $25 mritchie5@gmail.com 895‑Iredell County Same 154 Cumberland Rd. Dale Wilson Statesville 762 Oswald Amity Road (704) 881‑0292 Troutman, NC 28166 1st Tues. 7:00 p.m. (704) 528‑4828 Dues ‑ $20 905‑Asheboro Lee Bowden, Jr. 142 W. Academy St. Lee D. Bowden, Jr. 2305 Old Cedar Falls Rd. (336) 625‑9828 142 W. Academy St. Asheboro, NC 27203 4th Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Asheboro, NC 27203 Dues ‑ $25 (336) 339‑4136 amvetspost905@yaho.com

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POST CONTACT POST COMMANDER MEETING PLACE DATE & DUES 906‑Boiling Spring Lakes Laura Britton Same 3161 George II Hwy P. O. Box 10179 VFW Post 10400 Southport, NC 28461 Boiling Spring Lakes W ‑ (910) 457‑7097 (910) 843‑2226 H ‑ (910) 294‑1976 1st Mon. 7:00 p.m. FAX ‑ (910) 457‑5083 Dues ‑ $25 laura.britton07@yahoo.com 910‑Albemarle Wayland Burris 29856 Bobcat Rd. Kathy Pion 24352 St. Martin Rd. #20 (704) 983‑5921 P. O. Box 2261 Albemarle, NC 28001 1st Tues. 7:30 p.m. Albemarle, NC 28001 Dues ‑ $25 (704) 983‑3651 grandkpion@ctc.net 920‑Gastonia Arthur R. Curphey 4025 W. Franklin Gary Humphries 217 Ruby Lane Blvd. P 0 Box 174 Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 868‑4674 Gastonia, NC 28053 H‑(704) 868‑2061 3rd Mon. 7:30 p.m. W‑(704) 868‑4674 W‑(704) 853‑5328 Dues ‑ $25 H‑(704) 860‑2470 ncurphey65@yahoo.com FAX (704) 868‑2887 AMVFLAG@BELLSOUTH.NET 970‑Fayetteville Juan Ruiz‑Campos NC State Veterans Philip G. Reilly P. O. Box 9303 Home, 214 Cochran P O Box 25160 Fayetteville, NC 28311 Ave. Fayetteville, NC 28314 W ‑ (910) 436‑1304 3cd Tues. 7:00 p.m. W‑(910) 396‑6826 H ‑ (910) 482‑8674 Dues ‑ $25 philip.g.reilly@army.mil jruizca959@aol.com 1111‑Kinston Bill Whitaker Same PO Box 1251 2326 Stallings Drive Kinston, NC 28503 Kinston, NC 28504 1st Tues.7:00 p.m. W ‑ (866) 389‑5840 Dues ‑ $25 H ‑ (252) 525‑3426 www.amvets‑kinstonnc.org bwhitaker@suddenlink.net Members At Large Elsie Koonts, Secretary AMVETS Dept. of NC PO Box 1360 Welcome, NC 27374‑1360 Phone & FAX (336) 731‑4359 ekoonts@lexcominc.net Dues ‑ $20 EASTERN DISTRICT ‑ Roger Fenwick, Commander 320 Americamps Drive Bracey, VA 23919 (434) 917‑3175 rfenna@buggs.net Post 18 Spring Lake Post 317 Pembroke Post 43 Roxboro Post 320 Roanoke Rapids Post 101 Halifax County Post 635 Raleigh Post 103 Winton Post 906 Boiling Spring Lakes Post 201 Franklin County Post 970 Fayetteville Post 225 Jacksonville Post 1111 Kinston Post 227 Williamston PIEDMONT DISTRICT ‑ Larry Klass, Commander 170 Lacy Hepler Road Thomasville, NC 27360 (336) 474‑7012 dklass@triad.rr.com Post 13 Lexington Post 760 Welcome Post 240 Denton Post 777 Winston Salem Post 316 Rockingham Post 845 Rockwell Post 460 Salisbury Post 905 Asheboro Post 565 Salisbury Post 910 Albemarle WESTERN DISTRICT ‑ Keith Dean, Commander 31 Zenith Drive Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 586‑6170 Post 42 Shelby Post 665 Asheville Post 333 Swannanoa Valley Post 820 Mooresville Post 441 Jackson County Post 895 Iredell County Post 500 Statesville Post 920 Gastonia

NC AMVETS NEWS—Winter, ‘08/‘09

Enhanced VA Mortgage Options Now Available for Veterans Of Potential Benefit to Those in Financial Distress WASHINGTON -- Veterans with conventional home loans now have new options for refinancing to a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed home loan. These new options are available as a result of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, which the President signed into law on October 10, 2008. “These changes will allow VA to assist a substantial number of veterans with subprime mortgages refinance into a safer, more affordable, VA guaranteed loan,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Veterans in financial distress due to high rate subprime mortgages are potentially the greatest beneficiaries.” VA has never guaranteed subprime loans. However, as a result of the new law VA can now help many more veterans who currently have

subprime loans. The new law makes changes to VA’s home loan refinancing program. Veterans who wish to refinance their subprime or conventional mortgage may now do so for up to 100 percent of the value of the property. These types of loans were previously limited to 90 percent of the value. Additionally, Congress raised VA’s maximum loan amount for these types of refinancing loans. Previously, these refinancing loans were capped at $144,000. With the new legislation, such loans may be made up to $729,750 depending on where the property is located. Increasing the loan-to-value ratio and raising the maximum loan amount will allow more qualified veterans to refinance through VA, allowing for savings on interest costs or even potentially avoiding foreclosure.

Originally set to expire at the end of this month, VA’s authority to guaranty Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) and Hybrid ARMs was also extended under this new law through September 30, 2012. Unlike conventional ARMs and hybrid ARMs, VA limits interest rate increases on these loans from year to year, as well as over the life of the loans. Since 1944, when home loan guaranties were offered with the original GI Bill, VA has guaranteed more than 18 million home loans worth over $911 billion. This year, about 180,000 veterans, active duty servicemembers, and survivors received loans valued at about $36 billion. For more information, or to obtain help from a VA Loan Specialist, veterans may call VA at 1-877-827-3702 or visit www.homeloans. va.gov. 

New Law Authorizes Veterans’ Salutes during National Anthem WASHINGTON -- Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the militarystyle hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month. “The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation’s armed forces,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.” The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year’s provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform. Traditionally, members of the nation’s veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization’s official head-gear. The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14. The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008. 

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For the latest news releases and other information, visit VA on the Internet at: www.va.gov/opa To receive e-mail copies of news releases, subscribe to VA’s list server at: www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/ opalist_listserv.cfm

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