Winter 2011
Periodicals
Texas VFW News — 1st Place Winner 2010 National Publications Contest
www.texasvfw.org
Voice of Democracy Winner, page 6 1ST Place Taylor Levy from Rider High School, Wichita Falls, Texas wins $6,000 VFW Motorcycle Group John Fair Memorial Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 10455, Burkburnett, and its Ladies Auxiliary in District 15.
Post 7767 Retire Colors, page 12 The members of Texas VFW Post 7767 in Breckenridge, Texas, retired the colors of its old Post Home in order to move to their newly constructed building.
In the News
CONTENTS
The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars
4 Commander’s Column 5 Texas VFW Donations 7 2011 Scholarship Winners 8 Citizenship Teacher Award Winners 9 Patriot’s Pen Winner 10 Lufkin VFW Rebuilds 11 Katy VFW Hosts Class 13 Post 4443 Builds New Post 15 Texas VFW Foundation 16 Sporting About 17 Post 7110 18 Texas VFW Membership Form 19 Vietnam War Soldiers Identified 20 Texas VFW Gear 21 Texas VFW Accessories 22 Just for Fun! 23 91st Annual Convention Back Cover Memorial Bricks for Fallen Soldiers Serving Veterans Since 1899
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ABOUT THE COVER
Winter 2011
An Iraqi tank sits empty in the Al Burqan oil fields of Kuwait during the ground war of “Operation Desert Storm.” Texas VFW recognizes the 20th anniversary of “The Mother of All Battles” and those men and women who liberated Kuwait. Photo by Dan West, 1991.
Periodicals Texas VFW News — 1st Place
Winner
2010 National Publications Contest
2/23/11 11:52 AM TexasVFW Winter 2011 Issue.indd
Contributions: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials, or photographs are welcomed but cannot be returned unless sender provides SASE. Texas VFW News will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and drawings. Submission of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish all or in part. Please send your comments, suggestions, ideas and Post activities to: Texas VFW P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761 or by email to dan@texasvfw.org Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and are not to be construed as those of the publisher nor as official views of the Texas VFW, the National VFW or any of its agencies, unless otherwise made manifest by writers or spokespersons acting on behalf of the foregoing. Advertising of products and services herein does not imply endorsement or approval of the Texas VFW. Advertising is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services are accurately described. Ads that contain fraudulent, deceptive or misleading statements or illustrations, or in the opinion of the Texas VFW News may be offensive, are not knowingly accepted. If you encounter noncompliance, please tell us. For Information Regarding: Unit reunions, general orders, taps, seeking, District Meetings and other topics please visit www.texasvfw.org.
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STATE Commander’s Column Welcome Comrades and Sisters to the last half of the year. The holidays and Mid-Winter are now behind us leaving five months to accomplish the goals we set out with last July. Isn’t it amazing how fast a year can disappear? I can guarantee that these last few months will move just as fast. Our Mid-Winter just ended a few days ago and we accomplished so much that it would take up this whole article to describe it. I would like to recognize our National representative Bob Wallace . It was an honor and privilege to have him with us over the weekend. To our VOD winner, Wayne Depute Taylor Levy, congratulations and good luck at National. Congratulations to our Patriot’s Pen essay winner, Matthew State Commander Heritage, and also our Teacher of the year, Bryan Degner, sponsored by Post 688, who also won National honors. I would like to thank everyone who attended my Homecoming at the start of Mid-Winter. We had a wonderful meal and a great time and I believe that it set up the rest of the conference. It’s always good to start with a laugh to make everything that follows a lot more fun. As I speak about membership, we have to remember that awards should not be the reason that we recruit. Our Department and the VFW’s main purpose is taking care and protecting our Military Men and Women, Veterans and their families. The only way that we can do this is with a strong organization that stands up for the rights that have been promised in the past to our Veterans. Now, the only way we can achieve this is through strength in numbers. Membership is about showing that we care and veterans count. If we don’t show the politicians we care by using our strong membership, we can’t expect them to care and they won’t. We can do this by working as one. There are many ways to recruit, but the best way is just get out there and invite them to join us. Most of the eligible Veterans have never been asked. A lot of our Military units have been deployed in the last couple of months, so we need to find our local National Guard and Reserve units to see how we can support our soldiers and their families. Many units have developed FRG’s (Family Readiness Groups) which provide an avenue of mutual support, assistance, and communication for the units, soldiers, and their families. FRG’s fill many roles, such as building soldier and family cohesion and morale; preparing soldiers and families for deployment and for reunion; reducing soldier and family stress; and providing a means for sharing information. For family members and VFW Posts that adopt a unit, FRG’s give a sense of belonging to the unit and the military community. This develops friendships and a way to share moral during unit deployment. For the soldiers, a piece of mind is given. Soldiers can be assured their families will have reliable and friendly support while they are gone. This will help the soldier to focus and perform better and safer. I encourage every Post to adopt a unit. You will experience a joy and gratification of helping those families of our deployed soldiers. My sincere thanks to all of our Post that are working with a Military unit and my hope that many more of you will join with them to help. Comrades and Sisters, thank you for all the work that you perform everyday. Without the work you do, the Soldiers, Veterans and their families would be in dire need. I just had the privilege of instituting a new Post. Congratulations to Post 12104 and may you always be successful. To all the Districts and Posts I’ve visited the past three months, thank you for your courtesies and looking after me during my visits. Like everyone I have met this year, you, Comrades and Sisters, have been very gracious and fun to be around. Also, I think we all need to thank our Department staff for the hard work that they put into MidWinter while still maintaining the day to day work load. There’s no better staff in the VFW. Please take time to remember our soldiers in harms way throughout the world. God bless them all of you and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
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The Official Publication of the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Texas VFW News (USPS 008-177). Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and additional mailing offices. Subscription price of $20.00 per calendar year for non-members. Free to all members in good standing. Published Quarterly by the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 8503 North IH-35, Austin, Texas 78753 Volume LXV, Number 3, © February 2011. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Circulation Dept., VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. Members Change of Address: Forward address changes to: Data Entry, VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. Be sure to furnish your old address, also your Post number, when requesting change to new address. To ensure accuracy, please clip and enclose your present address as printed on a recent copy of the Texas VFW News magazine. Advertisers: Electronic Media Kit available at www.texasvfw.org, or request a printed Media Kit at dan@texasvfw.org.
Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Editor www.medianation.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graphic Design DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS........................................ (512) 834-8535
2010-2011 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS Commander Wayne Depute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6378 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468 Austin, TX 78761 Sr Vice John Spahr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8787 . . . . . 116 Trail Of The Flowers, Georgetown, TX 78633 Jr Vice Larry Velasquez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2397 . . . . . . . . . . 4829 Golden Eye, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 Adj/Qm Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3377 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468 Austin, TX 78761 Judge Advocate Ken Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9182 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468 Austin, TX 78761 Surgeon Doc Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3359 . . . . . . . . . . . 2517 Golden Oaks Dr., Garland, TX 75044 Chaplain Bob Dickerson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2451 . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 341136, San Antonio, TX 78234 Chief Of Staff John Lozanski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5076 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1215 Cedar Ridge Rd, Heath, TX 75032 Inspector Ed Maycen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3413 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Pecanwood S, Kyle, TX 78640 Immediate Past CommanderMike Barber . . . . . 3892 . . . . . . . . . 1169 Shine Lane, Harker Heights, TX 76548 Council Member Al Cantu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2397 . . . . . . . . . . . 4009 Tripoli Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78411 Asst Adj Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3413 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468 Austin, TX 78761 Asst Qm Carlos Sustaita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8787 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761 Deputy Inspector Lee Derby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11521 Fm 1484, Conroe, TX 77303 Deputy Inspector Rudy Ostovich . . . . . . . . . . . . 4747 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 745, Burkburnett, TX 76354 Deputy Inspector Red Towers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10427 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 620 Skyview Ter., Leander, TX 78641 Deputy Inspector Joe Hayes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Hwy 36 S, Caddo Mills, TX 75135 Deputy Inspector Keith King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3278 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2406 Belmeade, Brownwood, TX 76801 Deputy Inspector Tish Mccullough . . . . . . . . . . . 4676 . . . . . . . . 5639 Wood Climb St., San Antonio, TX 78233 Officer Of The Day Lonnie Garza . . . . . . . . . . . . 3413 . . . . . . . . . . 1769 Jacobs Ct, New Braunfels, TX 78130
DEPARTMENT VETERANS COUNSELORS Waco – Sandra Covin . . . . . . . . . . . . 15045 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701 Clay St., Waco, TX 76799 Houston – Julio Harras . . . . . . . . . . . 3413 . . . . . . . . . . . 6900 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030
2010-2011 DISTRICT COMMANDERS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 28 29 30
Marty Nell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4380 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2712 Laurel Ln, Plano, Tx 75074 Robert Lafleur . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2775 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3528 Whippoorwill, Orange, Tx 77630 Preston Mccormick . . . . . . . . . 5076 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18440 Megan’s Way, Farmersville, Tx 75442 Julia Rosenbaum . . . . . . . . . . 10462 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14007 Wadebridge Way, Houston, Tx 77015 Bill Owen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8456 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2215 Fm 1339, Kingsbury, Tx 78638 Roy Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2375 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 663, Kingsville, Tx 78364 Chuck Ratliff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6797 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 516 W 11Th St., Post, Tx 79356 Ralph Rodriguez, Jr . . . . . . . . . 6873 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 113, Clyde, Tx 79510 Danny Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1657 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 953, Pampa, Tx 79066 Joe Vargas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10436 Tomwood, El Paso, Tx 79925 Steve Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Cr 1540, Mt Pleasant, Tx 75455 Daniel M. Hinojosa . . . . . . . . . . 8134 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 Cr 678 E., Natalia, Tx 78059 Bill Waltz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8577 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315 Chestnut Dr., Copperas Cove, Tx 76522 Bill Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4747 . . . . . . 4600 Jacksboro Hwy #1003, Wichita Falls, Tx 76302 Glenn James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8551 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Primrose, Freeport, Tx 77541 Rick Olivares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4692 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2121 Pantera Dr., Bryan, Tx 77807 Arnold Garza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 5956, Mcallen, Tx 78502 Max Montgomery . . . . . . . . . . . 2033 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 751 Cr 2775, Colmesneil, Tx 75938 Bruce Alford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9174 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6130 Ridge Oak, San Antonio, Tx 78250 Pete Kinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9299 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 Sw Gordon #417, Burleson, Tx 76028 Joe Wysatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6382 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 788, Hallettsville, Tx 77964 Mel Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6284 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5305 Clinton, Odessa, Tx 79762 Larry Konarik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8587 . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Clear Springs Rd., Georgetown, Tx 78628 Harry Munn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 202, Hewitt, Tx 76643 Horace Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6635 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254 Vzcr 1905, Edgewood, Tx 75117
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Texas VFW Post 7873 Lake Texoma Commander Joseph McDaniel & Post Quartermaster Lavern Terbl present a $7,200 check to State Commander Wayne Depute while National VFW Robert Wallace of the Washington Office looks on. The Funds are from an event called “LABOR OF LOVE,” the second annual fund raiser for soldiers in need and in memory of Irene McKee a former valued member of VFW 7873 Ladies Auxiliary. This was a major Grayson County wide fund raising event concluding in a 2 day carnival, food contests, auction and dance by the band Bullwinkles. Jeff James, the Men’s Auxiliary President, was the driving force behind the event and its success. n
From left to right: Joe McDaniel, Post Commander; Lavern Terbl, Post Quartermaster; Wayne DePute, State Commander; Robert Wallace, Washington D.C. National Texas VFW Director. Giving Back to the Community Dashboard From July 1, 2010 to January 31, 2011
SOCIAL IMPACT
Texas VFW Giving Back to the Community Dashboard July 1, 2010January 31, 2011
Number of volunteer hours donated by Texas VFW Members to their local community.
FINANCIAL IMPACT 227,374 Value of those volunteer hours according to the U.S. Government.
$4,740,748
Number of Community Service Projects conducted 14,503 by Texas VFW members in Texas.
Amount Donated to local communities $2,432,925 by Texas VFW Posts.
Number of Youth participating in VFW College Scholarship Programs.
Amount given in youth scholarships by $337,178 Texas VFW Members.
9,771
Number of Veterans and their families who received Emergency Assistance Grants.
974
Amount given in Texas VFW Foundation Grants to Veterans
$433,534.00
Posts making Uplink Donations
17
Amount of Operation Uplink Donations
$5,903.00
Posts making MAP Donations
388
Amount of MAP Donations
$83,567.00
IMPORTANT CONTACTS FOR EVERY VETERAN TO KNOW Texas VFW State Service Officers/Veteran Benefits Advisors — For any question about your Veteran Benefits, Entitlements and Disability Claims. Waco VA Regional Facility — Sandra Covin (254) 299-9959 or sandra.covin@va.gov
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Houston VA Regional Facility — Julio Harros, Jr. (713) 383-2750 or julio.harros@va.gov National VFW Membership Benefit Info — Call (816) 756-3390 Additional Accidental Death Benefits for Texas VFW Members call American Income Life — (936) 661-9933 and ask for Lacy Byrd.
For change of address or to report the death of a VFW Member — Call (816) 7563390 or forward address changes or report of death to National VFW, 406 W. 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Be sure to furnish your old address.
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The Winning Essay from the Voice of Democracy Contest Robert Kennedy once said, “Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the totality of all those acts will be written the history of this great generation.” Many people view my generation as nothing but a group of teenagers wearing saggy pants and texting while driving. However, there is more to us than the superficial teenagers you see on TV. Your question tonight is, “Does my generation have a role in America’s future?” I am here to tell you that it will. America’s past, present, and future are a series of generations. Each generation builds upon the advances of the prior generation. For instance, if it weren’t for Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation, would we have had the passage of the civil rights act? If it weren’t for each generations discoveries in medicine, would we see the artificial limbs used on our returning veterans at Walter Reed? Other generations are defined by victories on the battlefield, success in human rights, and technological advances. The Greatest Generation defeated Nazi Germany and Imperialist Japan ridding our planet of two of the greatest threats to freedom we had ever seen. In the 60s, Dr. Denton Cooley implanted the first totally artificial heart. The United States won the race to the moon in 1969. If it hadn’t been for the generation that brought us Alexander Bell, would we be talking to people around the world using cell phones? Although some would argue that the cell phone is the problem with my generation. Generations are also defined by what they do to keep America strong and viable. The generation which survived the great depression, showed America’s ability to overcome tremendous economic strife. It was this generation’s perseverance, sacrifice, and work ethic that kept America’s economic engine rolling. Looking back at our history, every generation has had its own set of unique obstacles and challenges to overcome. However, there is a common thread that ties each generation together; the ability to overcome such hardships by making use of the values that uniquely American. It would be easy to speak to you about what is unique about my generation, but I believe it is what we have in common with previous generations that will impact America’s future. First, The American work ethic; nobody works harder than Americans. Second, American ingenuity: For instance, modern warfare has changed dramatically with the advent of unmanned drones.
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Third, Unity of the American Spirit: During WWII not only were sacrifices made overseas, but Americans came together and sacrificed at home to support the war effort. More recently, the unity of the American spirit was apparent during the harsh aftermath of 9/11. Although my generation is armed with these innate attributes, we are faced with new and unique obstacles such as: terrorism, a collapsing world economy, and an exploding world population putting a strain on our natural resources. Students at the University of New Hampshire participated in the completion of a landfill to methane gas project that will supply 85% of the campus’s power. My generation will play a role in finding new sources of energy. Students at universities across our country are searching for a cure for cancer with breakthroughs every day. My generation will play a role in finding a cure for cancer. At Texas A & M, students are making food more nutritious and plentiful which will help end world hunger. My generation will play a role in ending hunger. Recently, 2,700 teenagers in this area volunteered to aid nonprofit organizations with much needed projects on Teens Make a Difference day. My generation is the next generation of volunteers. To paraphrase Robert Kennedy, what are some of the small events that will write the history of my generation? Could we be the generation that cures cancer, the generation that negotiates peace in the Middle East, or the generation that puts a stop to world hunger? Only time will tell. Your original question was “Will my generation play a role in America’s future?” My generation has already begun to play a role in America’s future. Many of the people I went to kindergarten with voted for the first time in the most recent midterm elections. Sincerely,
Taylor Levy
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2nd Place — CAMRYN SISK from Tenaha High School, Tenaha, Texas. Wins the $5,000 Montgomery Co VFW Post 4709 Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 8904, Center, and its Ladies Auxiliary in District 19.
3rd Place — BLUE HYBNER from St. Paul High School, Shiner, Texas. Wins the $4,000 W. T. “Pete” Evans Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 6209, Shiner, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 24.
4th Place — GRANT DORSEY from James Bowie High School, Austin, Texas. Wins the $3,250 Camp Bowie Post 708 and Auxiliary Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 856, Austin, District 28.
5th Place — KRISTEEN REYNOLDS from Memorial High School, Port Arthur, Texas. Wins the $3,000 Past State Commander M. John Knapp Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 797, Port Arthur, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 2.
6th Place — KATHERINE PARKER from Breckenridge High School, Breckenridge, Texas. Wins the $2,750 I.P. Sarge Bell Memorial Post 3377 Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 7767, Breckenridge, District 8.
2011
Texas VFW Scholarship Winners
7th Place — ERIC FERNANDEZ from Socorro High School, El Paso, Texas. Wins the $2,500 Robert O. “Bob” Pugh Memorial Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 2451, El Paso, District 10.
8th Place — CALEB BYRD from Bellville High School, Bellville, Texas. Wins the $2,250 Francis Sullivan Memorial Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 6522, Bellville, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 17.
9th Place — EMILY FLIELLER from Poth High School, Poth, Texas. Wins the $2,000 RVOS Insurance Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 8555, Poth, District 20.
10th — Place ERICA LLOYD from Marion High School, Marion, Texas. Wins the $1,750 Veterans Memorial Incorporated Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 9213, McQueeney, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 5.
TOM HILL from Lindale High School, Lindale, Texas. Wins the $1,500 Department of Texas Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 9828, Lindale, District 12.
LORENZO GUERRERO from C. Jones High School, Beeville, Texas. Wins the $1,500 VFW Post 5073, Frankston, Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 9170, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 6.
JOSHUA PINGENOT from West Columbia Charter School, West Columbia, Texas. Wins the $1,250 Post 2544 C.L. Bridge Memorial Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 8551, Sweeny, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 16.
KELLIE MARR from Medina Valley High School, Castroville, Texas. Wins the $1,250 Richard A. and Peggy K. Marshall Memorial Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 8134, La Coste, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 13.
BRAD DOUGLAS from Athens Christian Preparatory Academy, Athens, Texas. Wins the $1,000 Dennis L. Cunningham Post 8550, El Paso, Texas Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 7103, Athens, District 30.
LORI TERGERSON from Lorena High School, Lorena, Texas. Wins the $1,000 District 8 Memorial Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 6008, Hewitt, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 29.
CHARLES SHANNON from Sachse High School, Sachse, Texas. Wins the $1,000 Hewitt VFW Post 6008 Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 5076, Garland, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 3.
RANDI SELF from Grandview High School, Grandview, Texas. Wins the $1,000 Martin D. Denson Post 6873, Abilene, Memorial Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 10429, Benbrook, District 21.
BRADY WEBER from Big Spring High School, Big Spring, Texas. Wins the $1,000 West Brazos VFW Post 8551 Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 2013, Big Spring, District 25.
CLINTON GABEL from Panhandle High School, Panhandle, Texas. Wins the $1,000 VFW Post 9213, McQueeney, Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 6972, Panhandle, District 9.
KYLIE BRADLEY from Lometa High School, Lometa, Texas. Wins the $1,000 United Heritage Charity Foundation Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 3393, Kempner, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 14.
CHRIS AKIN from Klein High School, Spring, Texas. Wins the $1,000 VFW District 28 Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 2427, Tomball, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 4.
MACY BLAIR from Post High School, Post, Texas. Wins the $1,000 District 16 Auxiliary Memorial Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 6797, Post, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 7.
MARICELA CORONADO from Honey Grove High School, Honey Grove, Texas. Wins the $1,000 Rudy and Earlene Ostovich Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 7875, Honey Grove, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 1.
ELISABETH DEWAILLY from Los Fresnos High School, Los Fresnos, Texas. Wins the $1,000 Mudd Insurance Agency in Honor of Past Department Commander Earnie Mudd Scholarship. Sponsored by Post 2035, Brownsville, and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 18.
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citizenship teachers of the year The state winner and National VFW Winner in grade category 6-8 is Mr. Bryan Degner, a U.S. History teacher at Boerne Middle School in Boerne, Texas. Sponsored by VFW Post 688 and its Ladies Auxiliary in Boerne, Texas. To make history come alive in his classroom, he dresses in various costumes to depict historical figures including; George Washington, Patrick Henry, and other patriots capturing the spirit and attention of his students. He invites local veterans into his classroom to give the students first hand accounts of American history. Each year, his 100 plus students dress as American Colonists and British Soldiers and reenact the Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party and the Battle for Lexington at the Boerne town plaza for the entire city. He is spearheading a classroom project where students seek out and interview World War II veterans to preserve their history and create a informative display in association with the Public Library.
National VFW 1st Plac e Winner
The winner in grade category K-5 is Ms. Rita Sulik a 3rd Grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Hermes Elementary School in La Grange, Texas. Sponsored by VFW Post 5254 and its Ladies Auxiliary in La Grange, Texas. At the beginning of each school year she starts her students off with a in depth study of the Pledge of Allegiance and proper respect for the flag of the United States. Her students have partnered with the Post 5254 to help visit and distribute flowers and thank you cards to veterans in local nursing homes. Throughout the year she recognizes several important historical days such as Constitution Day, Presidents Day, Patriots Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day. When teaching her students she makes sure to cover the rights and responsibilities of good citizenship in the community, state and nation and that her students understand the importance of patriotism and the functions of state and national governments. Her class has adopted Bravo Company of the 223rd Engineer Battalion in Iraq and became pen pals with the soldiers of the unit. Her students also write letters to wounded warriors, send birthday and Christmas cards to deployed service members and collect stuffed animals for their families back here at home.
The winner in grade category 9-12 is Major Ronald Hawn a JROTC Instructor at Dulles High School in Sugarland, Texas. Sponsored by VFW Post 4010 and its Ladies Auxiliary in Missouri City, Texas. Retiring from the U.S. Air Force in 1979, he has been an JROTC instructor for over ten years. During that time more than 1,500 students have participated in the JROTC program providing more than 2,500 hours of community service annually. His cadets participate in military funerals in the Houston area, visited with and provided meals to our veterans at the Houston VA Medical Center and stood guard at the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall. Through his efforts, the cadets raise over $45,000 each year to fund a trip to Washington D.C. where the cadets visit the White House, Congress, Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon and other historical sites.
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Does Patriotism Still Matter?
Winner National VFW 3rd Place Matthew Heritage, a 7th grader from Jourdanton Jr. High in Jourdanton, Texas, wins 1st Place in the Texas VFW Patriot’s Pen Contest and the Post 4372 & Ladies Auxiliary $3,000.00 Savings Bond. Sponsored by Post 4853 & Ladies Auxiliary in District 20.
Abraham Lincoln once said “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him,” In Webster’s diction ary, the definition of patriotism is love for or devotion to one’s country. Lincoln was describing patriotism. To me patriotism does matter. Frequently, I see people being disrespectful during the Pledge. I have seen people who have the audacity to laugh during The Nation al Anthem. Whenever I see that, I feel the pain inside swelling up making me sick. I even cry sometimes knowi ng that there are extraordinary people out there freely putting their lives on the line for me and every one around . I know that I can’t give something to every service man and women past and present, but I know that when I see a soldier I can at least give them a salute and a smile. Why? Because patriotism matters, they matter. This lesson I learned the hard way. My uncle Joey was the typical family man, but at the same time he was also one of the few, one of the proud. At the age of thirty-one, he deployed for the second time to Afghanistan. When my uncle left, I was proud; yet at the same time, I was very sad. I remember going to Six Flags and seeing the laser show, and I saw how every one cheered when they introduced the Marine s. I thought “Wow! They are cheering for my uncle Joey!” I knew then that inside every one of those people there was at least a sliver of patriotism. On August 9, 2010 my uncle died in Afghanistan. While on my way to his funeral, I saw so many people giving their thanks to a fallen hero by holding up signs and giving a salute. When I saw this act of patriotism, it made me question my own patriotism. I’m ashamed that it took my uncle’s death to show me that even the smallest things like putting your hand on your heart or staying quite during the National Anthem really do matter. Now that I’ve seen patriotism first hand, I believe patriot ism does still matter. Without patriotism the men and women who serve and have served fought for nothin g. This is not the case. Patriotism matters-they matter!
Matthew Heritage
2010-2011 PATRIOT’S PEN WINNERS
2nd PLACE – Kristoffer Risinger, Grade: 6 in Shelbyville Middle School, Shelbyville, Texas. Wins the Post 2544 and Ladies Auxiliary $1,500 savings bond. Sponsored by Post 8904, Center, and its Ladies Auxiliary in District: 19. 3rd PLACE – Drake P. Bennett, Grade: 6 in Sacred Heart Catholic School, Crosby, Texas. Wins the Post 4372 and Ladies Auxiliary $1,000 savings bond. Sponsored by Post 9761, Crosby, and its Ladies Auxiliary in District: 4. 4th PLACE – Elizabeth D. Cooper, Grade: 8 in Abbott ISD, Abbott, Texas. Wins the Post 2438 and Ladies Auxiliary $1,000 savings bond. Sponsored by Post 4819, West, and its Ladies Auxiliary in Sponsoring 29. 5th PLACE – Morgan N. LeMoine, Grade: 8 in Little Cypress Junior High School, Orange, Texas. Wins the Post 4372 and Ladies Auxiliary $500 savings bond. Sponsored by Post 2775, Orange, and its Ladies Auxiliary in District: 2. 6th PLACE – Jessie C. Peterson, Grade: 8 in Industrial Junior High, Vanderbilt, Texas. Wins the Post 4372 and Ladies Auxiliary $500 savings bond. Sponsored by Post 8556, Lolita, and its Ladies Auxiliary in District: 24. 7th PLACE – Miguel Mirelez, Grade: 8 in Bay City Junior High. Wins the Post 2544 and Ladies Auxiliary $500 savings bond. Sponsored by Post 2438, Bay City, and its Ladies Auxiliary in District: 16. 8th PLACE – Javier A. Romo, Grade: 8 in MacArthur School, El Paso, Texas. Wins the Post 2544 and Ladies Auxiliary $500 savings bond. Sponsored by Post 9173, Smeltertown, and its Ladies Auxiliary in District: 10. 9th PLACE – Ariane K. Hammond, Grade: 7 in Huffines Middle School, Lewisville, Texas. Wins the VFW District 28 $250 savings bond. Sponsored by Post 2205, Denton, and its Ladies Auxiliary in District: 1. 10th PLACE – Caroline C. Mixon, Grade: 8 in Central Texas Christian School, Temple, Texas. Wins the VFW Post 5073, Frankston $200 savings bond. Sponsored by Post 1820, Temple, and its Ladies Auxiliary in District: 14. 11TH PLACE – Holly G. Dolezalik, Grade: 8 in Ennis Junior High School, Ennis, Texas. Wins the VFW Post 5073, Frankston $200 savings bond. Sponsored by Post 7106, Ennis, and its Ladies Auxiliary in District: 30. 12TH PLACE – Kelly E. Shaw, Grade: 6 in West Ridge Middle School, Austin, Texas. Wins the VFW Post 5073, Frankston $200 savings bond. Sponsored by Post 4443, Austin in District: 28. 13TH PLACE – Skylar N. Frazier, Grade: 7 in The Oakridge School, Arlington, Texas. Wins the VFW Post 5073, Frankston $200 savings bond. Sponsored by Post 8561, Arlington, and its Ladies Auxiliary in District: 21. 14TH PLACE – Sol Adam Lehman, Grade: 8 in W. F. George Middle School, Iowa Park, Texas. Wins the VFW Post 5073, Frankston $200 savings bond. Sponsored by Post 2147, Wichita Falls, and its Ladies Auxiliary in District: 15. w w w . t e x a s v f w . o r g
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lufkin VFW post dedicates new facility less than a year after tornado By Chasity Monschein/The Lufkin Daily News The Lufkin Daily News, November 21, 2010, reprinted with permission.
The Lufkin Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1836 on Saturday showed off a new facility that became necessary after the Dec. 23, 2009, tornado left only bricks, lumber and broken glass on the grounds. Speeches were given, refreshments were provided, and the Lufkin High School band played music during the VFW’s open house ceremony on Ford Chapel Road. “Two days before Christmas a tornado destroyed a magnificent structure,” Mayor Jack Gorden said.
“To build this building, the people of Lufkin cannot thank the veterans enough. We owe them because of their sacrifices. What they have done for us is beyond words.” Gorden said the city of Lufkin is proud of the VFW and everything for which it stands. “This is a place for the men and women who put their lives on the line to join together to help each other and the community,” Gorden said. “Tradition, duty, virtue, honor — these are all things our veterans possess. They deserve a building that reflects that.” Ret. Gen. Orren “Cotton” Widdon said that after the hurricane, some thought it would be impossible for the VFW to rebuild its home, but the organization did it. “They persevered, and today we have a building we can all be proud of,” Widdon said. “You have to fight for everything, and that is something veterans know. They fought for our freedoms. God bless our veterans, little community and America.” Keynote speaker Texas VFW State Adjutant/ Quartermaster Roy J. Grona said that when the Tornado came, it might have destroyed the building, but it did not destroy the will to rebuild. “VFW members immediately joined together to decide how they would rebuild,” Grona said. “Because of the will of the members here, this post will continue to grow and prosper. Bless this post, our country and troops.” Grona said for 77 years the Post 1836 has been a big part of the community. “There have been years of service through hosting teen nights, volunteering in hospitals, raising money for scholarships, and the list goes on,” Grona said. “Most Americans do not realize the economic good of the post. Since July 2009, this post has done 900 volunteer hours and more than 13,000 hours of free labor.” The 361 posts in Texas have earned $12 million, which goes to help the local economies, Grona said. “This is a service-oriented organization,” he said. “VFW members tremendously improve the economy.” Quartermaster Jack Green said the main function of the organization is community service, and now the local VFW can focus on that goal since the building is complete. “It took nine-and-a-half months for us to open,” Green said. “At the event, there was a strong feeling of patriotism and community. We love this community and want to continue to help it as much as we can.” Chasity Monschein’s e-mail address is cmonschein@ lufkindailynews.com.
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Jim Rankin, Retired Marine Master Sergeant and amateur paleontologist, shares his enthusiasm about hunting dinosaur bones.
Katy VFW Hosting Dinosaur Class for Area Kids Amy Lee, VFW Public Information Officer, Katy, Texas Photos by Rodney Smith, VFW Post Photographer
On December 11, 2010, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 9182 member and amateur paleontologist Jim Rankin, a retired U.S. Marine Master Sergeant, who is a resident of Katy, graciously hosted a dinosaur class for the youngsters of the community. In an hour and half, he outlined the various types of dinosaurs that once ruled the world. He spoke of their size and living patterns. The kids even got to touch four dinosaur bones. Capped off by ice cream and cookies, everyone who attended had a good time, and will remember Jim’s enthusiasm and the experiences he shared about “hunting dinosaur bones” for a long time. Jim is truly one of the treasures of the Katy VFW.
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OLD FACILITY
NEW BUILDING
The members of Texas VFW Post 7767 in Breckenridge, Texas, retired the colors of its old Post Home in order to move to their newly constructed building just East of the old building on the same lot. The old building was the home for the Post for 64 years, and for more than 100 years it served as a home, a rooming house, and a doctor’s office before becoming the VFW. The new Post home started out to be 4,000 sq ft. but was soon increased to 5,600 sq ft. The new Post consists of a covered patio, game
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room, canteen, kitchen, walk-in cooler, pantry, four restrooms, and a spacious 2,000 sq. ft. meeting/special functions hall. The building is all metal construction with framing on the inside done with metal 2x4s. It contains a state-of-the-art heating and cooling system which has already resulted in a savings of about 40% on electricity.
If you are in the area come by and visit as they are now open.
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by Toni Tucci Published in the Oak Hill Gazette, November 10, 2010.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4443 (Highland Hills, Oak Hill), is developing a “Veterans Cove” in Southwest Travis County that it hopes will attract new members and save the post from closure. More than that, members say they hope to perhaps re-invent the concept of a VFW post, make it more family friendly, and pass it on to a new generation of veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afganistan. In a spectacular turnaround, the post sold its property at State Highway 71 West and RM 620 in Bee Cave for $1.5 million, bought 9 acres of land and a number of buildings on Thomas Springs Road in Oak Hill for $1.1 million, and began spending the remaining $400,000 on improvements to the new post. “We should complete development in a week or two,” said Hank Irwin, the new Post Commander. An open house probably will be held sometime after the first of the year. It’s a far cry from last December, when the post barely had enough members attending meetings to fill all the officer positions. These positions are mandated by the VFW, and without them the post’s assets could be confiscated and the post could be closed. Among the advantages the post had was a valuable piece of property in Bee Cave. Jean Susaraba, a local realtor and a charter member of Post 4443, said the post decided to buy the 9 acres on Thomas Springs Road. To raise the money, it decided to sell the Bee Cave property, and it found a willing buyer in the Galleria mall.
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The new “Veterans Cove” will include the VFW hall, formerly Miller’s Hillside Bar, which has been closed for about two years. “This won’t be some smoke-filled bar,” said Irwin. “We’re trying to change the image by adding a lot of family activities.” Other facilities on the grounds will include four houses that will be open for public rental to generate income, six sites for recreational vehicles, a swimming pool and a playground. The hall itself is large, has a stone fireplace, a new wood floor, a small stage on one end, and a bar and kitchen at the other end. There is a huge back deck with picnic tables, overlooking a fire-pit below, with sweeping views of the hills to the west. A custom-made American flag iron gate swings open at the entrance to Veteran’s Cove. At the entrance to the building, three towering flagpoles sit atop a stone patio-like structure that Irwin explains will be called “Memorial Park” — a special, covered area to commemorate fallen soldiers. “There’s a lot of enthusiasm about the things we’re doing,” said Irwin. He said the post has been working with the San Marcos Texas State University Veterans Alliance, which helps veterans who are coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan. The goal is to attract younger veterans. Irwin said that at a recent lunch hosted by the post, members of the San Marcos group expressed excitement over the new Oak Hill VFW, and said that 200 members of their group are veterans who live in the Oak Hill area. “We still have to pick up new members,” Irwin said. “Normally we only have 12 to 15 members at meetings, but we had 20 people this month.” Irwin, 65, served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War.
He retired as a major and later flew 17 years with Southwest Airlines. The Oak Hill post isn’t alone with the problem of declining membership. According to a report in USA Today, more than 450 posts have closed nationwide. Post 4443 doesn’t intend to add to that statistic. “Perhaps this could be a model for other posts,” said Susaraba. “We’ve attracted a few new members already, but we still got a ways to go,” said Gary Howe, a trustee and previous post commander. Veterans interested in joining should come to the meetings the first Tuesday of the month at 7614 Thomas Springs Road. More information can be obtained on the post’s web site, vfw4443.org.
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HE'S ON WATCH. SO ARE WE.
We always watch out for our own. And right now, our fellow veterans need us. Membership dues alone cover only 15% of the cost of VFW programs. With two wars and an aging veterans’ population, demand is unprecedented. Please donate to your Department mailings. They’re counting on us. Photo: DoD
Texas VFW Foundation
Helps Veterans in Need “As a veteran many people thank me for my service. I would like to extend those thanks to you who are responsible for the help I received from the Texas VFW Foundation. This grant ca me at a time when I could not work, due to open heart surgery. I a m starting to work again and thank you for what you are doing and for whom you are doing it for.”
Roberto Villegas U.S. Air Force Veteran
“I a m writing to say thank you so much for the help with my vehicle repairs. When you all stepped in and granted me the assistance for my vehicle it just confirmed to me how good God is.”
Jesse T. Clayton U. S. Marine Veteran
“I would like to thank you and everyone connected with the Texas VFW Foundation. I do not have the words to tell you the appreciation I have for you and your organization and the help they are giving to veterans throughout the state.”
• The Texas VFW Foundation Veterans Assistance Program is available to any Texas veteran with an honorable discharge regardless of where or what time they served. • Funds for this program come from individual donations from veterans and veteran supporters like yourself, charitable foundations and from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans Assistance derived from the proceeds of the “Veterans Cash” Texas Lottery Scratch-Off game. • The Veterans Assistance Program is not an entitlement program and not all veterans who apply will receive a financial grant and those awarded a grant will not directly receive any funds. w w w . t e x a s v f w . o r g
Lloyd Cunningham U.S. Marine Veteran
“I wanted to take and moment to acknowledge the great blessing your progra m has been at this time in my life. I have recently had difficulty paying my bills on time due to my wife being admitted to a nursing home. Please accept my deepest appreciation for assisting in alleviating much of my financial stress.”
Jose M. Gonzales U.S. Army Veteran
• The applicant will have to work with a Service Officer from a Federal, State or Veterans Service Organization or with their local military command if still in the military before application can be processed. • Applications can be found at the Featured Links section on the Texas VFW Web Site www.texasvfw.org or by emailing the Foundation at foundation@texasvfw. org or by calling 1-800-997-7096.
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“SPORTING ABOUT” with THE Texas VFW TEXAS VFW SOFTBALL TEAM The Texas VFW and DRASH Corporations will be sponsoring a Class “C” Men’s Softball Team in 2011. The team will be based out of San Antonio, Texas and will play one or two tournaments a month throughout the state (mostly in San Antonio, Austin, Houston and the Dallas/Fort Worth area). Tryouts will be open to all active duty military, all military veterans as well as military dependents residing in Texas. Interested players with competitive softball experience should contact Al Lozano (210) 454-7984 or Email loz33@hotmail. com. Further details about the team may be viewed at www.serioussoftball.com/teams/texasmilitary/ news.asp. Follow the team online at www. texasvfw.org as well as on the Texas VFW facebook page.
Professional Armed Forces Rodeo Association (PAFRA) held its annual world finals rodeo November 19-21 in Glen Rose, Texas. For results of the rodeo please visit them online at www.pafra2000.com.
Texas VFW is the Official Sponsor of the Professional Armed Forces Rodeo Association.
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District 5 Commander Bill Owen, Post 7110 member Joe Hackett, Post 8456 Chaplain Richard Cusson, Post 7110 members Joe Commisso, Post Commander Raymond Juarez, George Cerrera, and QM Marvin Fey. Members Joe Hackett, Richard Commisso, George Carrera, and Raymond Juarez are also members of the VFWMG Unit 20. On DECEMBER 4, 2010 Honor Guard members of VFW Post 7110 along with the District 5 Commander and Post 8456 Chaplain conducted a memorial service at the We Were Soldiers re-enactment of the November 1965 battle of la Drang Vietnam. The reenactment of the battle was a nationally sponsored event and conducted at the Tactical Paintball facility in Harwood, Texas. The re-enactment was a 26 hr scenario with day and night time play. The re-enactment was played mainly on an area of the field that closely replicated the field that our forces faced in Vietnam.
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Yes, I am a war veteran and want to continue my Legacy of Service to America. Please fill out the VFW Membership Application below and mail in, or sign up online at www.texasvfw.org > About > Membership and follow link.
Lobbying for Veterans & Military Providing Disaster Relief Name: _________________________________________________Email: _ ________________________________________ Community Volunteerism First Middle Last (Suffix – Sr., Jr., etc.) Funding College Scholarships Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone Cards for Troops Supporting Youth Groups City:______________________________ State:____________ Zip:______________ Phone:____________________________ Emergency Financial Assistance Date of Birth: _____________________________ (MM/DD/YYYY) Supporting Memorials Assisting Veterans with Earned Entitlements
Military Service: p Army
Current Status: I served in:
p Air Force
p Coast Guard
p Navy
p Marines
p Active Duty p Veteran p National Guard/Reserve p Pre-World War II p Korean War 1950-54 p Desert Shield/Storm p Afghanistan 2001 p World War II p Korea 1955 p Bosnia/Kosovo 1995 p Iraq 2003 p WW II Occupation p Vietnam 1958-75 p Global War on Terrorism – Expeditionary 2001 p 1945-55 (Europe, Korea, Japan) p Expeditionary Operations 1958-2003 (Thailand, Grenada, Libya, Panama, Haiti, Somalia, etc.) p 1945-90 (Berlin)
Qualified recipient of: p Imminent Danger/Hostile Fire Pay
p *SSBN Nuclear Deterrent Patrol*
*Period Covered: ______________________________________ (Required for applicants with no other reported qualifying service). I would like to join the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars as a: p Annual Member ($35)
p Life Member*
p Life 12 Mo. Install* ($35 Initial payment)
Life Membership Fee Schedule Attained age on 12/31
Through age 30 31 – 40 41 – 50 51 – 60 61 – 70 71 – 80 81 and over
One Time Payment
Life 12 Month Payment Plan
$425.00 $410.00 $375.00 $335.00 $290.00 $225.00 $170.00
$40.39 $39.02 $35.84 $32.20 $28.11 $22.20 $17.20
Installment Payment Plan Terms and Conditions: The VFW Life Membership installment plan allows any VFW member/applicant to purchase a Life Membership by making either 11 or 23 monthly installments after an initial payment of $35.00. The member/applicant will be issued a “Provisional Life” membership card and can elect, upon receipt of first monthly invoice, to pay via check, credit card or ACH Debit. The monthly fee (Shown in the payment schedule above) includes a $1.75 monthly service fee. The applicable Life Membership fee is to be determined from the schedule using the applicants age on December 31 of the installment plan year in which the application is submitted, regardless of actual date of birth. A permanent Life Membership card will be issued upon completion of this agreement. No refund of any portion of current year annual dues will be made. A “Payoff amount” will be printed on each monthly invoice, allowing the member the option to pay in full at anytime during the installment plan, thereby avoiding additional service fees. If the member pays off early, no additional monies will be collected.
I attest by forwarding this application that I am a citizen of the United States, that I qualify for the VFW and that my Campaign Service was honorable, and that I have never been discharged under other than honorable conditions or I am still serving honorably in the armed forces of the United States of America. I further give authority to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to verify my entitlement to membership in the VFW and that if no proof can be found or provided that I am subject to discharge from the VFW without refund. Signature:___________________________________________________________________Date: ______________________________________________ Include membership payment by check or money order (DO NOT SEND CASH) or pay by credit card.
p Mastercard p Visa p Discover p American Express
Credit Card Number:_ ________________________________________________________
Exp. Date: ____ ____/____ ____ $_____________________ Mail to: Texas VFW • P.O. Box 14468 • Austin, Texas 78761
For questions call: (512) 834-8535
AIRMEN MISSING FROM VIETNAM WAR IDENTIFIED The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of two U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned to their families for burial with full military honors. Air Force Col. James E. Dennany, 34, of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Maj. Robert L. Tucci, 27, of Detroit, will be buried as a group Jan. 14, in the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery. On Nov. 12, 1969, they were flying the number three aircraft of three F-4Ds escorting an AC-130 gunship on a night strike mission over Laos. After the gunship attacked six trucks, setting two of them on fire, the AC-130 crew’s night vision equipment was impacted by the glow from the fires. They requested that Tucci attack the remaining trucks. During the attack, gunship crew members observed antiaircraft artillery gunfire directed at Tucci’s plane followed by a large explosion. No radio transmissions were heard from the F-4D following the attack and no parachutes were seen in the area. An immediate electronic search revealed nothing and no formal search was initiated due to heavy antiaircraft fire in the area. Beginning in the mid-1990s analysts at DPMO and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) developed case leads they collected from wartime reporting and archival research. In 1994, a joint U.S.-Lao People’s Democratic Republic (L.P.D.R.) team led by JPAC analyzed leads, interviewed villagers, and surveyed five reported crash sites near the record loss location with negative results. In 1999, during another joint survey, officials in Ban Soppeng, Laos, turned over remains later determined to be human, two .38 caliber pistols and other crew-related equipment that villagers had recovered from a nearby crash site. Between 1999 and 2009, other joint U.S.L.P.D.R. teams pursued leads, interviewed villagers, and conducted three excavations. They recovered aircraft wreckage, human remains, crew-related equipment and personal effects. JPAC scientists used forensic tools and circumstantial evidence in the identification of the remains. With the accounting of these airmen, 1,702 service members still remain missing from the conflict. For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http:// www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
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Get Your Official “Texas VFW” Gear Auxiliary Logos Now Available
Texas VFW Ball Cap — $16.00 Show your Texas Pride with a our new “Texas VFW” Ball Cap, complete with Texas VFW, Texas flag and your choice of emblem embroidered on the front. Available in White, Red and Blue: one size fits most. Imported.
Navy Polo Shirt with Pocket Texas VFW and your choice of emblem on right chest. 53% Cotton, 47% Microfiber, dri-balance performance material. Imported. VFW Logo Men’s pocket shirt – Stock #7942 VFW Logo Ladies’ no pocket shirt – Stock #7944 Men’s Aux Emblem – Stock #7948 Ladies Aux. Emblem No Pocket Shirt – Stock #7946 S-XL – $33.00 2XL – $34.50 3XL – $36.00 4XL – $38.00
VFW Emblem W7359 – White R7359 – Red B7359 – Blue VFW Ladies Aux. Emblem W7966 – White R7966 – Red B7966 – Blue VFW Men’s Aux. Emblem W7967 – White R7967 – Red B7967 – Blue
Caps & Shirts now available with Ladies and Mens Auxiliary Emblems!
Texas VFW Polo Shirt What better way to show off your Texas attitude than with a “Texas VFW” shirt. Made of 100% cotton knit with “Texas VFW” and your choice of emblem embroidered on left chest. Customized buttons with the five point Texas Star with Texas spelled out reminiscent of the first Texas flag known as the “Bonnie Blue” flag. Patriotic collar and sleeve cuffs with the Texas Flag image on left sleeve. Imported. VFW Emblem – Stock #7360 VFW Emblem Ladies Style – Stock #7361 Men’s Aux Emblem – Stock #7949 Ladies Aux Emblem & Style Shirt – Stock #7947 Price $35.00 for S-XL; 2XL Add $2.50; 3XL Add $4.50; 4XL Add $5.50. For custom embroidery options you can may up to 2 lines of text on the right chest for an additional $5.00.
The overseas cap was the first introduced in World War I and is America’s first military uniform item denoting war time service.
Light weight style overseas cap with the Cross of Malta Emblem, letters VFW above the Post number and state name. Additional lettering is available at .88 per letter or numeral. No reduction in price if state name is abbreviated. *STATE AND POST NUMBER TO BE ON CAP. *SIZE 8 AND LARGER ADD $5.00. *FORT KNOX STYLE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. *CAP MAY BE LETTERED WITH THE WORDS “VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS” for an additional $18.69; LIFE MEMBER embroidered for an additional $8.90; or a Life Member patch for an additional $2.55. Green, lightweight, shade51. Allow 8 weeks for manufacture except during April, May, June, & July. During these months allow 10 weeks.
1849 Texas VFW Men’s Bulova Quartz Medallion Watch Quality Bulova watch with date feature and two-tone silver and gold clasp band. Medallion VFW emblem on face with Texas VFW. Note: If there is a need to exchange or return jewelry items, please contact the Supply Department for return authorization before doing so. Watches have, in the past few years, become very stylish and the factories change the appearance of them often. Therefore, the watch you receive may differ in appearance from our illustrations, but will be as good or better in quality.
TEXAS VFW Velour Throw
Beautiful, soft and luxurious microfibre throw, with TEXAS VFW embroidered in corner. Machine washable for easy care. 100% polyester. 50” x 60”
1992 — $28.99
Limited Quantities! ORDER TODAY!
Light-weight, versatile jacket with TEXAS VFW and Cross of Malta laser etched on the left chest. Microfiber fleece, full-zip front, hidden zip side pockets, draw-cord bottom. Imported.
7356 – Navy Blue 7357 – Charcoal Gray $35.00 S-XL $37.00 2XL $39.00 3XL
A ccesso r ies
Price: $249.00
V F W
Price: $32.95
T exas
M6251 Light Weight Members Cap, Gold Piping M6251Uniform Caps & Accessories
r o F t s Ju A salesman goes up to a house and knocks on the front door. November 27, 2010 Associated Press g toys Marine reservist collectin AUGUSTA, Ga. — A U.S. pected when he helped stop a sus for children was stabbed ia. shoplifter in eastern Georg ta vin Smith told The Augus Best Buy sales manager Or eras seen on surveillance cam Chronicle that man was der his jacket at the Friday putting a laptop un Augusta store.
It’s opened by a little ten year-old boy who has a lighted cig ar in one hand, a glass of whiskey in the other and a Penthouse magazin e tucked under his arm. Salesman: “Hello son. Is your mom or dad home?” Little boy: “What the hell do you think? ”
down n became irate, knocked When confronted, the ma r. ife and ran toward the doo an employee, pulled a kn e vic ser the for s es collecting toy Outside were four Marin program. branch’s “Toys For Tots” bbed pped the man, but he sta Smith said the Marines sto did cut e Th Duggan, in the back. one of them, Cpl. Phillip not appear to be severe. d until was not released, was hel The suspect, whose name said it ond County Sheriff’s office police arrived. The Richm is investigating. h two ed to the local hospital wit The suspect was transport le ltip mu s, rib , possible broken broken arms, a broken leg ken lacerations including a bro contusions and assorted trying he sustained when he fell nose and jaw . . . injuries Marine. to run after stabbing the
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Winter 2011
Judge: Please iden tify yourself for th e record. Defendant: Colo nel Ebenezer Jack son. Judge: What does the “Colonel” stand for? Defendant: Well , it’s kinda like th e “Honorable” in fro nt of your name. Not a damn thing.
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Winter 2011
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Texas VFW Member Richard (Dick) Prewitt sets a memorial brick at the Last Patrol Ranch in Benavides, Texas for his former Platoon Officer 1st Lt Fredrick Henry, Medal of Honor winner killed in Korea on the night of September 1, 1950.