Fall 2014
Texas VFW Post 10351, Hemphill, celebrates VFW Birthday
inside Texas VFW Birthday Celebrations POW/MIA Services Recognition of Women in Service
TEXAS VFW NEWS — 1st PLACE WINNER 2014 National Publications Contest
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CONTENTS
The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars
www.texasvfw.org
Texas Veterans Remember POW/MIAs pages 10-11 Veterans, auxiliary members, extended friends and family join together to remember and honor POW/MIAs.
In the News 4 Commander’s Column
6 Veterans Legislative News
8 Texas VFW Foundation: Helping Veterans in Need
10 POW/MIA Ceremonies from Around Texas
Texas VFW Celebrates 115 Years pages 18-19 See highlights from Texas VFW Birthday Celebrations from around the state.
Serving Veterans Since 1899
What Does The Texas VFW Offer You? Camaraderie with fellow Veterans • Community Networking & Involvement • Remembrance Programs • Full time support of today’s service members • Programs for families and youth • Full Time Watchdog on Capitol Hill & at the Texas Legislature • Free representation in VA claims • An award-winning magazine 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.
13 Post Remembers Korean Conflict
15 Recognition of Women in Service
16 Post Helps Troops on Texas Border 18 Texas VFW is 115 Years Old
21 Texas VFW Membership Application
22 WWII Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday
24 Post Holds Flag Ceremony for POW/MIAs
Join us on facebook for up-to-date information, photos of VFW events and breaking news relevant to Veterans.
Flippable Online Version of this magazine is available at www.texasvfw.org.
ABOUT THE COVER Texas VFW Post 10351, Hemphill, celebrates the Texas VFW’s 115th Birthday.
Fall 2014
Texas VFW Post 103 51 Hemphill celebrates Texas VFW Birthday
insi de
Texas VFW Birthday Celebrations POW/MIA Services Recognition of Wome n in Service
Texas VFW NeWs — 1st Place WiNN er 2014 National Public ations Contest
Texas VFW Fall 2014
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STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN AS WE APPROACH THE HOLIDAY SEASON, Tina and I want to wish each of you the most joyous and blessed of holidays
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.
this year. We, in the VFW, are truly blessed
Published Quarterly by the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 8503 North IH-35, Austin, Texas 78753
to be part of such a great organization and
Volume LXVIV, Number 2, © October 2014. All rights reserved.
are proud to call each of you our friends.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Circulation Dept., VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111.
Please be safe during the season in your travels. It has been a very busy year for travel.
As I cross this great state and visit with
our members and our Posts I can tell you that truly “No One Does
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.
More for Veterans.” I can also tell you that in many cases, those do a better job reporting our Americanism projects, Youth projects,
Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Editor Terri Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graphic Design
Community Service, and Veteran Participation Reports. These
DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS........................................ (512) 834-8535
things that you do for veterans are never reported. I know that we can
reports are what we are all about and let the public know that we are fulfilling our mission. They also highlight what you, as a Post, are doing in your communities. This helps your Post in many ways but the most important way is that it helps you with your membership. It is a fact that those Posts that are most active in their communities have great recruiting programs. We are four months into this VFW year and we a running far behind in our objectives for the year. I ask that every VFW Leader, at every VFW level please emphasize the need to be recruiting and retaining every day. We can make our objectives, but to do so we all need to be recruiters.
I believe that one of the most important meetings conducted in
the VFW is the District meeting. Many times this is the only chance for our Posts to receive the most up to date information and more importantly, to meet their Department Officers. As such, as a Post Commander, it is your responsibility to ensure that yourself, or your representative attend all properly called District meetings. I have made this a priority this year because I believe this makes the VFW better at all levels. Besides that, where else can you get a great meal, enjoy the camaraderie of our members and maybe win a raffle item!
I would like to add a special thanks to the members of our two
great auxiliaries. Both the Ladies and the Men’s Auxiliaries do great things for our Posts. Without their help, many projects would go unfunded or we would not have enough volunteers to do them. Please take the time to thank them for their service to our organization.
I want to thank each of you for the hospitality you have shown
Tina and I in our travels. We are always welcomed and no matter where we go, the welcome is always outstanding. Again, please be careful during the holiday season. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your State Commander. 4
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2014-2015 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS COMMANDER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Hayes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761 SR VICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753 JR VICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peyton Lumpkin . . . . . . . . . . 2207 Blue Water Bay Dr., Katy, TX 77494 JUDGE ADVOCATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1927 Mariner Point Ln., Katy, TX 77494 SURGEON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Doc Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2517 Golden Oaks Dr., Garland, TX 75044 CHAPLAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Norman Macey . . . . . . . 16907 Caldwell Pointe Ct., Humble, TX 77346 CHIEF OF STAFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lavern Terbl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Plantation Ave., Pottsboro, TX 75076 INSPECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2406 Bellmeade, Brownwood, Texas 76801 IMMEDIATE PAST CMDR . . . . . . . . . . Sylvia Sanchez . . . . . . . . 1906 Ashprington Dr., San Antonio, TX 78251 COUNCIL MEMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry Velasquez . . . . . . . . . . 4829 Golden Eye, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 ADJ/QM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753 ASST ADJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753 ASST QM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carlos Sustaita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78753 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . . Inge Conley . . . . . . . . . . . 17411 Ebeys Landing Ln., Humble, TX 77346 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . . Rodney Raulston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3901 McConnell, El Paso, TX 79904 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . . Glenn James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Primrose, Freeport, TX 77541 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . . Glenn Heady . . . . . . . . . . . 6620 Summertime Ln., Watauga, TX 76148 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . . Robert LaFleur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3528 Whippoorwill, Orange, TX 77630 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . . John Lozanski . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1215 Cedar Ridge Rd., Heath, TX 75032 OFFICER OF THE DAY . . . . . . . . . . . . Lonnie Garza . . . . . . . . . . . 1769 Jacobs Ct., New Braunfels, TX 78130
DEPARTMENT VETERANS COUNSELORS SERVICE OFFICER/WACO . . . . . .6008—Lloyd Coffman . . . . . . . . . . 701 Clay St., Waco, TX 76799 SERVICE OFFICER/HOUSTON . . .3413—Julio Harros . . . 6900 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030
2014-2015 DISTRICT COMMANDERS DISTRICT COMMANDER ADDRESS 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2205—Fred Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 695, Aubrey, TX 76227 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2775—James Seales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Gary, Bridge City, TX 77611 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5076—Mark Stein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1826 Meridian Way, Garland, TX 75040 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2427—Carl Arnold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10106 Mandolin Ct., Houston, TX 77070 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7110—Marvin Brietzke . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 311033, New Braunfels, TX 78131 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8931—Al Nunez, Jr. . . . . . . . . . 7221 S Staples St #115, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3278—James Masters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7800 Fm 2125, Brownwood, TX 76801 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4818—Ronnie Lance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Oak St., Hereford, TX 79045 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9173—Jo Ann Knight . . . . . . . . 415 S Mesa Hills Dr. Apt 1204, El Paso, TX 79912 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1183—John Ashcraft, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385 Cairy Ln., Longview, TX 75604 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1480—Tim Casey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1328 Ranchero Rd., Kerrville, TX 78028 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4008—Roger DeWeese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404 Lake Road, Belton, TX 76513 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8558—Randy Duckworth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 E Oak St., Nocona, TX 76306 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3903—Brian Satsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9830 Hein Rd., Richmond, TX 77469 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4709—David Helton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15010 Coaltown Rd.,Willis, TX 77378 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2410—Loren Pogue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 809, Donna, TX 78537 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1836—Alfred Navarro, Sr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903 S First St., Lufkin, TX 75901 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12041—Larry Sanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 457, Lytle, TX 78052 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10454—Jon Lunkwicz . . . . . . . . . . 12245 Eunice St., Farmers Branch, TX 75234 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3972—Harold Hartman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9511 FM 236, Cuero, TX 77954 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6284—Mel Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5305 Clinton, Odessa, TX 79762 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6115—Charles Swain . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Bandera Woods Blvd., Elgin, TX 78621 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6008—Roy “Bobby” Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Horton Dr, Waco, TX 76705 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3366—Tom Cloy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 302, Purdon, TX 76679
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L e g i s l a t i v e
Veterans Legislative News VFW-SVA LEGISLATIVE FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN
REMEMBER WHO VOTES AGAINST VETERANS On election day, the VFW wants you to remember eight members of Congress who voted against legislation that would help the Department of Veterans Affairs overcome its nationwide crisis in care and confidence, as well as 13 others who were not present for the vote. H.R. 3230, the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, passed overwhelmingly in the House by a vote of 420-5, and in the Senate by 91-3, but the hypocrisy of the eight “no” votes, according to VFW National Commander John Stroud, is that between 2003 and 2010, five of the congressmen and senators voted to approve more than a half trillion dollars in supplemental war funding with little regard to corresponding offsets or spending oversight, but in July they would vote against $16 billion to improve the care and services the VA provides to wounded, ill and injured veterans. “The VFW has a long memory when it comes to remembering those who vote for war but not the warrior, and though we will never tell our members and supporters who to vote for, we will always tell them who in Congress does— or does not—support veterans, service members and their families.” Read more at http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/ Articles/2014-Articles/VFW-Election-DayAdvice/.
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Texas VFW Fall 2014
The VFW and Student Veterans of America (SVA) recently announced a fellowship program to bring up to 10 student veterans to storm the halls of Congress alongside VFW’s advocates this March. Those interested must complete an application no later than December 31, 2014, to include an essay highlighting one of the VFW’s Legislative Priority Goals and what it means to the veterans’ community today. Applicants must also be VFW members in good standing who are currently enrolled at an accredited college or university with an active SVA chapter. For full details and to apply, visit: http://www.vfw.org/Newsand-Events/Articles/2014-Articles/VFW,SVA-Fellowship-Program-to-Bring-StudentVeterans-to-Capitol-Hill/.
CONCERT FOR VALOR UPDATE HBO and Starbucks are co-sponsoring a Concert for Valor on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Veterans Day. The concert begins at 7 p.m. with entertainment from every musical genre. This is a free, open-air concert with no tickets, seating or reservations. The National Park Service is expected to open up the area around 10 a.m. for early birds to spread out their blankets as close to the stage as possible. Concert promoters expect to far exceed the half million who usually attend Independence Day fireworks. More details will be posted on the Concert for Valor website as they become available. See http:// www.theconcertforvalor.com/.
OVERSEAS HOLIDAY MAIL DEADLINES APPROACHING
MARINE CORPS CHANGE OF COMMAND Today at Marine Barracks, Washington, outgoing Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James Amos, handed the Marine Corps over to Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr. Amos is retiring after 44 years of service to our nation. Gen. Dunford, an Infantryman, becomes the 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps. To learn more about the change of command, visit: http://www. marines.mil/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/3258/ Article/518707/passing-of-corps-dunfordbecomes-36th-commandant.aspx.
The U.S. Postal Service has released its recommended deadlines for routine and express mail to overseas military and diplomatic corps serviced by APO, FPO or DPO addresses. To ensure delivery before Dec. 25, the Post Office is recommending standard mail and packages be sent by Nov. 8. Read more at http://about.usps.com/news/nationalreleases/2014/pr14_053.htm.
KOREAN WAR SOLDIER RECOVERED The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains of Army Sgt. Cameron M. Flack, 18, of Union Mills, N.C., who was declared missing-in-action in North Korea on Dec. 12, 1950. He was assigned to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was accounted for on Oct. 8 and will be buried with full military honors in his hometown on a date yet to be announced.
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Helping Veterans in Need From the
Texas VFW Foundation Please remember to include the Texas VFW Foundation in your list of charitable contributions before year end! We have served 337 veteran households with $457,219 in financial assistance this last year because of generous donations and grants.
With your year-end donation we can continue to fight veteran homelessness! Bonnie, a US Army veteran, suffers from colon cancer and injuries caused by a motor vehicle accident while driving herself to the ER. She was unable to work at her temp job due to her hospitalization. The Texas VFW Foundation provided rental assistance to stave eviction. Bonnie writes, “It is with much gratitude that I am writing to thank you for helping me pay a portion of my rent to keep me from being evicted. It has been quite a struggle financially for the past three months and your assistance lightened my load. I finally got hired on as a permanent employee with the same agency I’d been working for over 5 years as a temp employee. The future is looking brighter, and I wanted to acknowledge your help and extend my gratitude and appreciation!”
The Texas VFW Foundation accepts memorials in honor of your loved ones. Those funds are reserved for the family of the deceased. If the family declines assistance, the funds are utilized in the Veterans Assistance Program. • The Texas VFW Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 Public Charity, Warrior Down Fund is available to any Texas veteran with an honorable discharge, widow or immediate family member thereof, regardless of where or what time they served. • Funds for this program come from individual donations from veterans and veteran supporters like yourself, and from charitable foundations. • The Warrior Down Fund 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. • 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; by emailing the Foundation at foundation@texasvfw.org; or by calling (512) 291-6850. Donations may be mailed to Texas VFW Foundation, P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761.
Your small donation makes a BIG difference.
I GAVE, WILL YOU? 8
Texas VFW Fall 2014
CLICK HERE
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POW/MIA REMEMBRANCES—SEPT. 19 Texas VFW Post 2369, McAllen —
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Past District Commander, Felix Rodriguez; Roberto Martinez; Quartermaster, John West; present a Certificate of Appreciation to Korean War POW Gregorio Gonzalez.
Texas VFW Post 9190, Haltom City —
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Post members and invited guests held a fish fry in observance of POW/ MIA Day.
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Texas VFW District 14 —
Texas VFW District Fourteen State officers participate in a POW/MIA Day ceremony.
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Texas VFW Post 12024, The Woodlands —
Post & Auxiliary participated in a POW/MIA Ceremony at local Regent Care nursing facility, distributed POW/MIA flags
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Texas VFW Fall 2014
Texas VFW Post 8551, Sweeny —
In attendance were State Commander Hayes and State Dep. Insp. Conley. Several members from Post 2438 were in attendance including Don Wells, Sr. Vice Cdr.; Ken Thames, Quartermaster; and Brad Wertz, Chaplain.
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Texas VFW Post 7211, Tyler — The Post held a POW/MIA
Texas VFW Post 4818, Hereford — Prayer ceremony
missing man ceremony. Those in attendance included District 12 Commander John Ashcroft, Regional Director for Senator John Cornyn, and Louellen Lowe. Afterwards members participated in a remembrance balloon release.
was held at the POW/MIA table.
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Texas VFW District 20 — Post Commanders
Robert Martinez (Post 8111) and Robert Otto (Post 9186) read portions of the ceremonies for POW/MIA at the San Antonio Veteran’s Plaza.
Texas VFW Post 7426, Farmersville — Post members displayed a missing man table and held ceremony for all POW/MIAs.
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POST OBSERVES KOREAN CONFLICT ANNIVERSARY Members of VFW Post 6439, Glynn Moore, gathered on July 27, 2014 to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the cease-fire that put an end to the Korean Conflict. On July 27, 1953 at 1600 hour north of the Hwachon Reservoir, Sergeant Bill J. Owens received the news of the cease-fire. “I was happy it was over,” says Owens. “We didn’t celebrate victory. We celebrated being able to go home. I’d hardly been out of Dodson and I found myself in Korea.”
By Bev Odom, The Red River Sun THE KOREAN WAR began as a civil war between North and South Korea in 1950. But the conflict soon became international when, under U.S. leadership, the United Nations joined to support South Korea. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) entered to aid North Korea. The war left Korea divided and brought the Cold War to Asia. “On July 27, 1953 at 10 a.m. in Panmunjom, Korea, Lieutenant General William K. Harrison sat down at a table marked by a small U.N . Flag and signed the copies of the cease-fire agreement for the U.N.,” described Post Commander Bill Owens. “General Nam sat at the North Korean flagged table and signed the cease-fire agreement for North Korea and China. By 10:12 it was all over. A few hours later General Mark Clark signed the documents. South Korean President Syngman Rhee would not sign the cease-fire agreement.” The cease fire would go into effect at 10 p.m. “The first Americans were killed north of Osan, Korea on July 5, 1950,” said Commander Owens. “ The last American killed was Sergeant Harold R. Cross Jr., K. Company 3rd Battalion 5th Regimental Combat Team, by a mortar blast just prior to the 22:00 hour cease-fire.” Lasting from June 25, 1950 until July 27, 1953, 36,913 Americans died in, over or offshore Korea during the war. During the conflict, 1.6 million Americans served in the war zone. Members of the local No. 6439 Post that served in Korea during the war were Marvin Blevins, Burl Brim, Richard Fourmentin, Bill Owens and Harold Scott. Members that served in Korea after the cease fire were Darryl Morris, John Devoss, Zeb Roberson, Robert Powell and Farris Nation. n
Members of Glynn Moore Post No.6439 observing the Korean Conflict cease-fire anniversary on July 27. (front) L-R: Zeb Roberson, Marvin Blevins, Richard Fourmentin, Johnny Barnett, Bill Hatch, John Devoss, Billy Langford. (back) L-R: Farris Nation, Robert Powell, Dennis Cudd, Jerry Haralson, Harold Scott, Commander Bill Owens, Tony Stephens, Hugh Kutch, Jimmy Langford and James Ammons. 12
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Photos courtesy of The Sun
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Dan West (512) 834-8535
Department of Texas VFW , Texas 78753-5722 8503 North IH-35 Austin Department of Texas VFW 78761-4468 P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas Roy J. Grona 78761-4468 P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas Roy J. Grona 78761-4468 P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas Dan West 78761-4468 P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas
TWO PAST STATE COMMANDERS, Herman Constable, 1976-77, of Texas VFW Post 4458; and John Knapp, 2002-03, of Texas VFW Post 5617 passed away in October. Cards and condolences may be sent to Texas VFW, P.O. Box 14668, Austin, Texas 78761 and will be forwarded to the families. Both Comrades served their country, the VFW and their respective communities with honor and distinction and their presences will be greatly missed.
Department of Texas Vetera
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P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas
78761-4468
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RECOGNITION OF WOMEN IN SERVICE
Texas VFW Post 8904, Center — Texas VFW Post 8904, Center — L- R: Quartermaster Larry
USAF Veteran and Auxiliary member Barbara Hughes places the Memorial Wreath in honor of all Women Veterans.
Hume, Post Commander Mike Langford, two unidentified civilians, Surgeon Dr. Robert Hughes, Aux. Member Barbara Hughes, Post Chaplain Gene Hutto; Post JA Charles Kreisel, Aux. Sr. Vice Sandy Risinger and Aux. member Becky Maidic.
Texas VFW Post 3895, La Joya —
Post members held a VPR gathering for Recognition of Women in Military on October 18, 2014.
Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne — Post members held a Recognition of Women in the Military and served homemade ice cream.
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POST AIDS TROOPS ALONG THE TEXAS BORDER Texas VFW Post 7473, Elsa —
The Post traveled to Austin, Texas to rally a load of care packages coming from Tennessee then delivered the care packages to troops deployed along the border. The mission took approximately 120 hours.
Secretary McDonald Announces VA to Continue Town Hall Events at VA Facilities Nationwide SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ROBERT A. MCDONALD has directed all Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare and benefits facilities to continue to hold quarterly townhall events to improve communication with, and hear directly from, Veterans nationwide. This follows the recent completion of townhalls at these facilities held between August and the end of September of this year. “Every one of our medical centers and regional benefits offices held town hall meetings around 16
Texas VFW Fall 2014
the country in August and September, but we have more listening to do to better serve Veterans and their families,” said Secretary McDonald. “As part of our Road to Veterans Day, VA is taking a hard look at everything we do in order to reorganize the Department around the needs of Veterans. Direct feedback from Veterans, employees and stakeholders is an important component of that Roadmap, and key to improving our services and operations,” Secretary McDonald added.
Details of events at each location will be forthcoming from local facilities. Additionally, VA is looking to continue to improve the town hall notification process, making sure we have the benefit of extensive local input. In addition to Veterans and their families, the quarterly meetings are open to Congressional stakeholders, Veterans Service Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations and other community partners. n
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VFW BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS—SEPT. 29 Texas VFW Post 2427, Tomball — VFW
members celebrated the importance of the VFW and their appreciation for being part of such a great veterans organization.
Texas VFW Post 3903, Rosenberg — Members along with
Ladies Auxiliary celebrated the 115th Birthday of the VFW.
Texas VFW Post 7108, Helotes — The Post held a ceremony
including a welcoming of members and guests, salute to the flag, and prayer by their Chaplin. A brief history of the creation of the VFW was addressed followed by ceremonial cake and beverages.
Texas VFW Post 7211, Tyler — (above)
VFW Birthday Roll Call and Tolling of the Bell Ceremony was conduted by Post Commander, Radar Williamson; Service Officer, Karl Little; and Quartermaster, Larry Garner.
Texas VFW Post 8923, Carrollton —
(right) Members from District III celebrated the VFW’s 115th Birthday at Post 8923.
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Texas VFW Post 8397, San Antonio — Post Commander, Cris Vieyra Jr. spoke about the history of the VFW on its 115th year of service. Pictured L-R: Post 76 Commander; Albert Mireles; Ladies Auxiliary Vice President, Linda Ann Trub; Post 8397 Commander, Cris Vieyra Jr.; and Post 8397 Sr. Vice Commander, Armando Sanchez.
Texas VFW Post 3895, La Joya —
Members participated in a VFW Birthday celebration and are shown here holding a commemorative banner.
Texas VFW Post 8904, Center — (left photo:) L-R, Aux Chaplain Mary Fausett, Aux Sr. Vice Sandy Risinger, Aux Treasurer Theresa Hume, Town and Country Real Estate employee, Quartermaster Larry Hume. (right photo:) Post Commander Mike Langford presents a postal employee with a birthday cupcake.
Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne — Members hosted a VFW Birthday party with homemade ice cream, cake and refreshments.
Front row: Judge Advocate Charlie Wetherbee, Christie Hanich, Rolande Funke, Adjutant Frank Hill, Jack Mulhollan, Ray White. Back row: Quartermaster Bob Worrall, Bill Sultenfuss, Service Officer Carl Frantzen, Jr. Vice Commander Tad Hanich, Post Commander Andrew Camplen, Trustee Dave Judson, Trustee Eric Vickery, Post Surgeon Matt Mcguire, Bill Mayo, Bud Holzman, John Texas VFW Fall 2014
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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.) Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Funding College Scholarships Phone Cards for Troops City:______________________________ State:____________ Zip:______________ Phone:____________________________ Supporting Youth Groups Emergency Financial Assistance Date of Birth: _____________________________ (MM/DD/YYYY) Supporting Memorials Assisting Veterans with Earned Entitlements Military Service: p Army p Air Force p Coast Guard p Navy p Marines
Current Status: I served in:
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 ($45)
p Life Member*
p Life 12 Mo. Install* ($45 Initial payment)
LIFE MEMBERSHIP FEE SCHEDULE AGE as of DECEMBER 31st
ONE-TIME PAYMENT
Initial Payment
11 payments of
Through Age 30 31 – 40 41 – 50 51 – 60 61 – 70 71 – 80 81 AND OVER
$425.00 $410.00 $375.00 $335.00 $290.00 $225.00 $170.00
$45.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00
$38.64 $37.27 $34.09 $30.45 $26.36 $20.45 $15.45
Automatic Payment Plan Terms and Conditions: You authorize the VFW to initiate electronic debit entries or affect a charge by any other commercially accepted practice to your account set forth above for the payment of dues reflected on this application. You understand such charges may be made within 2-3 business days of payment due date. For installment payments, charges will be made on or around the 1st or 15th day of the month. This authorization will remain in full force until VFW has received notification from you of its termination or upon completion of the installment payments. Annual dues are subject to change. By completing this authorization, you acknowledge that you will only receive notice when the payment would differ by more than $10.00 from the most recent payment. Call VFW Customer Service at 1-800-963-3180 or write to VFW at: VFW, P.O. Box 119028, Kansas City, MO 64171 to inquire about or cancel a payment, or to report problems such as bank closures, lost or stolen account numbers, closed accounts, or unauthorized transactions. Cancellation requests must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Time ten business days prior to the scheduled payment date. If you are unaware of the charge date for your account, please contact VFW. If a payment is returned by your financial institution (e.g., due to insufficient funds, incorrect account information, closed account, etc.) the VFW will contact you at the address we have on file for you, explaining why the payment could not be processed, and providing alternative payment options. The privilege of making payments under this agreement may be revoked by VFW if any item is not paid upon presentation. You may have additional rights and responsibilities under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act. Life Membership Installment Plan Terms and Conditions: The VFW Membership Installment Plan allows any VFW member/applicant to purchase a Life Membership by making an initial payment of $45.00 and (11) monthly payments. The member will be issued an Annual membership card at the time of enrollment. The member may elect to receive a monthly statement by mail or may set up a payment profile to make the monthly payment automatically using a credit/debit card or bank account. A payoff amount will be printed on each monthly invoice, allowing the member the option to pay in full. A permanent Life Membership card will be issued upon the completion of payments. The Life Membership fee is determined from the schedule using the applicant’s age on December 31 of the year in which the application is submitted. Delinquencies will be handled as follows: Up to 30 days – continue to bill; 31 to 120 days – delinquency can be corrected through make up payment(s) or plan end date pushed forward; More than 120 days – member is dropped from the Installment Plan, all monthly payments made to date, are applied to future years annual dues.
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
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POST HOSTS 100TH BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR WWII VETERAN Texas VFW Post 6209, Shiner —
Members hosted a birthday party at Shiner Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility for WWII veteran Jessie Canales, who turned 100 years young, on Sunday, August 17, 2014. Jessie has served the VFW for 60 years. He was presented a Citation of Achievement for his service and received a State Commander’s pin along with gifts and cards from friends and family. The event was attended by over 100 guests that were entertained by the talented duo of singer Vic Patek and music guru Gerard Janak. Pictured with Comrade Jessie Canales is Post Commander Harvey L. Dlouhy (left) and Post Quartermaster Donald Maillet (right).
POST MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN VA PATIENTS DAY OUT
Texas VFW District 3 —
Members prepared and served hundreds of patients from the Dallas V.A. Hospital.
Please note that Texas VFW Post 10376, Marble Falls, is an all-state honors winner. This was inadvertently omitted from our last issue. Thank you. 22
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Texas VFW Post 8904, Center Post members held a POW/MIA ceremony at Veterans Memorial. They read names of former county POW’s and those still MIA. A new POW/ MIA flag was installed at the court house while bagpipes and Taps were played.