Spring 2014
inside Operation Desert Storm & Kosovo Campaigns
Post 8904 Plays Taps at Kosovo remembrance ceremony 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
Operation Desert Storm page 8 See photos from statewide ceremonies honoring those who served in Operation Desert Storm and remembering those who have fallen.
Kosovo Campaigns page 13 Posts participated in Kosovo Campaigns remembering and honoring those who served and those who have fallen.
In the News 4 Commander’s Column
6 Community Involvement Spotlight
8 Operation Desert Storm Ceremonies
10 Texas VFW Foundation Donors
13 Kosovo Campaigns
14 Kosovo Campaigns
18 Community Involvement from Around Texas
19 POW/MIA Mission Reorganization
21 Texas VFW Member Application
24 Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne, remembers Desert Storm
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.
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ABOUT THE COVER Texas VFW Post 8904, Center and its Auxiliary held a remembrance ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Center, Texas. Post bugler plays TAPS as Post members lay a memorial wreath in commemoration of those who have served in Kosovo and for those who have passed away.
Spring 2014
insi de Operation Desert Storm & Kosovo Campaigns
Post 8904 Plays Taps at Kosovo remembrance ceremony TexaS VFW NeWS — 1st Place WiNN er 2014 National Public ations Contest
Texas VFW Spring 2014
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STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN
COMRADES
I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS YEAR IS ALMOST OVER. What an awesome year it has been traversing this “small” state of ours, seeing many old friends and making many new ones. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your State Commander. CONGRATULATIONS to all newly elected post and district officers. I wish you a very successful year. Thanks for the great hospitality. Words can never express my gratitude for all that you have done, and thanks to all of you for the best wishes you sent when Henry was hospitalized. His back is still bothering him, but otherwise is doing well. Comrades, we have had many challenges this year. Our greatest was the $10 increase. I would like to thank each of our continuous members who paid their dues, despite this increase. Please continue to pay your dues each year. YOU continue to be part of the Department of Texas. Consider getting your Life Membership on the Installment Plan. One year and you’re done. To our new members who have joined this year, we to welcome you with open arms. Comrades, ALWAYS remember, we belong to a very elite organization, one who many can only wish to be a part of. At printing, we still have not reached quota, but I am hoping that the dues keep coming in and we will, by the end of June make “Texas Shine once again.” Membership, membership, membership. Without members, we would not be able to help our veterans, do our community service activities or help our youth. Without members who are dedicated to the VFW goals, we will slowly die. We must continue to actively recruit new members, especially younger members as they will carry on the torch once we are gone. Don’t forget our lady veterans! I must say it has been great to see the number of lady veterans in attendance increase at district meetings and state conventions. When I first started attending there were three or four of us. Please take the time to LISTEN to our new members and make them feel welcomed. Eligibility in our great organization is very exclusive. Section 230103 states that to be eligible, one must have received an honorable discharge, served in a combat zone or received an expeditionary medal, or received imminent danger pay. Comrades, there have been several instances this year where members have been challenged because of questionable eligibility and many were found to be ineligible. Several of these have been officers. It is of utmost importance that when a veteran submits an application for membership, that a membership committee properly review the proof of eligibility. Make sure prior to the start of the new year that you have the proof of eligibility on all officers for the ensuing year on file and certainly before installation to the elected office. At each district meeting I attended, I made it a point to highlight the outstanding volunteer work our Ladies Auxiliaries, Men’s Auxiliaries, and VFW Motorcycle Groups have accomplished this year. Please do not stop reporting. All of these activities are reported to Congress twice a year. I am so proud of the awesome job each of you is doing. I am disappointed that many posts out there felt it was not important to do their Veteran Projects. Well comrades, this is a requirement and many of you are not holding up your end of the deal. When I campaigned, I stated that whether you are the largest post or the smallest post each of you is important to OUR Texas VFW. Without you the puzzle would not be complete. So NEVER feel that your post does not count because it does. All we ask is that you do what is expected of you. In closing, as I sadly write this last letter as State Commander, I want to thank all of you for the support given me for the last 5 years I have been on “the road.” Thanks for the many hours you have volunteered for our wonderful organization and especially THANK YOU for your friendship. May God bless each of you. Wishing Joe and Tina a very successful year next year as Joe becomes OUR State Commander and Tina our First Lady.
Because We Care!
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES! I will never forget them. 4
Texas VFW Spring 2014
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. Published Quarterly by the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 8503 North IH-35, Austin, Texas 78753 Volume LXVIII, Number 4, © June 2014. 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 Terri Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graphic Design DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS........................................ (512) 834-8535
2013-2014 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS COMMANDER, Sylvia C. Sanchez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761 SR VICE, Joe Hayes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 CR 1118, Caddo Mills, TX 75135 JR VICE, Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753 JUDGE ADVOCATE, Ken Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1927 Mariner Point Ln., Katy, TX 77494 SURGEON, Doc Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2517 Golden Oaks Dr., Garland, TX 75044 CHAPLAIN, Bob Dickerson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Chaney St., San Antonio, TX 78235 CHIEF OF STAFF, Inge Conley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17411 Ebeys Landing Ln., Humble, TX 77346 INSPECTOR, Peyton Lumpkin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2207 Blue Water Bay Dr., Katy, TX 77494 IMMEDIATE PAST CMDR, Larry Velasquez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4829 Golden Eye, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 COUNCIL MEMBER, Mike Barber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1169 Shine Lane, Harker Heights, TX 76548 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, Ralph Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PO Box 113, Clyde, TX 79510 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, Allen Freeman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1013 Soukup Lane, Killeen, TX 76542 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, Edward Torres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 663 Moursund Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78221 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, Wayne Cooley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3615 Birdhouse Dr., Round Rock, TX 78665 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR, David Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309 Whitetail Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666 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 Sandra Covin . . . . . 6008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701 Clay St., Waco, TX 76799 Service Officer/Houston Julio Harros . . . 3413 . . . . . . . 6900 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030
2013-2014 DISTRICT COMMANDERS DISTRICT COMMANDER ADDRESS 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2205 — Stanley Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1119 Thomas St., Denton, TX 76201 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2775 — Robert Lafleur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3528 Whippoorwill, Orange, TX 77630 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5076 — James Pratt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2018 Royal Crest Dr., Garland, TX 75043 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2427 — William “Bill” Shaffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PO Box 222, Tomball, TX 77377 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12058 — Rick Riel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 Engelke Rd., Niederwald, TX 78640 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8786 — Amando Garcia, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 W Richard Cruz, Freer, TX 78357 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3278 — Keith King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2406 Belmeade, Brownwood, TX 76801 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1657 — Danny Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 2684, Pampa, TX 79066 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .812 — Rod Raulston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3901 McConnell, El Paso, TX 79904 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3986 — Steve Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 CR 1540, Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .688 — David Judson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165 Sage Oaks Trl., Boerne, TX 78006 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4008 — Roger DeWeese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404 Lake Road, Belton, TX 76513 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2147 — Preston Leckie . . . . . . . . . . . . 100-B Lincoln St., Wichita Falls, TX 76306 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8551 — Glenn James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Primrose, Freeport, TX 77541 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4692 — Rick Olivares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2121 Pantera Dr., Bryan, TX 77807 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2410 — Ramiro Daniel, Sr . . . . . . . . . . . 919 Villa Del Prado Dr., Donna, TX 78537 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10351 — Henry “Paul” Lester . . . . . . . . Rt 1, Box 5965, San Augustine, TX 75972 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 — Cris Vieyra, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2018 Bruni Street, San Antonio, TX 78224 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6872 — David Bowers . . . . . . . . . . . . 12514 J Rendon Road, Burleson, TX 76028 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3972 — Harold Hartman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9511 FM 236, Cuero, TX 77954 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6284 — Melvin Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5305 Clinton, Odessa, TX 79762 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3377 — Frank Andrada, Sr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2525 Hwy 21 West, Dale, TX 78616 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4819 — Roy “Bobby” Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Horton Dr, Waco, TX 76705 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3894 — Richard Neff . . . . . . . . . . . 1319 Culberson Road, Waxahachie, TX 75165
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C o m m u n i t y
I n v o l v e m e n t
HELPING VETERANS AROUND TEXAS
Texas VFW Post 6899, Trinity —
Post members build USMC veteran David “Buddy” Williams and his faithful dog “Peanut” a wheel chair ramp. The men and ladies of Post 6899 have been instrumental in assisting those in need and have adopted the old SeaBee slogan “Can Do.” Front L-R: USMC veteran Buddy Williams and Peanut. Back L-R: Commander Johnny Arnold, Gene McLeod, Bryant Jenkins, Lyle Ford, and Don Chambers. (not pictured: Al Williams)
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Texas VFW Spring 2014
Texas VFW Post 9078, Round Rock — Post Commander attended a ribbon cutting for the opening of the Veterans Resource Center at the Art Institute of Austin. L-R: Bruce Rollman, Commander, VFW Post 9078; Joel Robles, Dean of Students; and Victor Polanco, Texas Veterans Commission.
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t r e s e D n o i t a r e p O Texas VFW Post 1514, Village Mills — Post members gathered to honor those who served in Operation Desert Storm.
Texas VFW Post 9174, San Antonio — District 20 held its remembrance ceremony at VFW Post 9174. Posts 76, 4853, 6012, 9174,
9186 and 12041 were all in attendance. Left photo L-R: Patricia Soto, Bouglas Brown, Felip Zuniga and Cris Vieyra Jr. Right photo L-R Patricia Soto, Pat Tucker, Armando Gonzales, Dale Cosper (6012), Robert Reiner, Douglas Brown (9174), Felip Zuniga (9186), Cris Vieyra Jr. (76), Jack Steel (12041), Patricia Hewitt (4853), James Bennett (12041), Mrs. Bennett and Alfred Rivera.
Texas VFW Post 8788, McAllen — Post members gathered in remembrance of Operation Desert Storm.
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Texas VFW Spring 2014
Storm
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Texas VFW Post 5706, Garland — Members gathered for an informational speech on Operation Desert Storm.
Texas VFW Post 2195, Allen — Post members gathered at Allen Veterans Memorial for a war discussion.
Texas VFW Post 856, Austin —
Members held an Operation Desert Storm ceremony at their post, honoring those who served and those who were lost.
Texas VFW Post 1533, San Antonio — A ceremony honoring those who served was held at the post.
Texas VFW Post 8904, Center —
Members held a remembrance program at Veterans Memorial in Center, TX. Memorial wreath placed in remembrance and Taps played for those who were lost.
Texas VFW Spring 2014
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T E X A S V F W F O U N DAT I O N T E X A S V F W F O U N DAT I O N
T E X A S V F W F O U N DAT I O N
T E X A S V F W F O U N DAT I O N
Helping Veterans in Need Thank You to Our Generous Texas VFW Foundation Donators! PLATINUM LEVEL ($5,000+) Texas VFW . . . . . . . . . . . $200,000 VFW Post 7110 . . . . . . . . . . . 6,000 Dell, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000 Western Coatings Co., Inc. . . 7,000
Gold Level ($1,000+)
Silver Level ($500+)
Auxiliary 6284 . . . . . . . $3,000 Petri Electric, Inc. . . . . . 3,000 Telepro . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,307 Ropes & Gray, LLP . . . . 2,300 Auxiliary 8552 . . . . . . . . 2,000 Terrie Lenert . . . . . . . . . 2,000 VFW Post 2773 . . . . . . . 1,125 VFW Post 837 . . . . . . . . 1,100 Mike Barber . . . . . . . . . 1,000 Dianna Halevy . . . . . . . . 1,000 Exelon Generation . . . . 1,000 Malcolm Reed . . . . . . . . 1,000 Jlayne Vines . . . . . . . . . . 1,000
Preferred Medical . . . . . . . . . . $880 Auxiliary 9168 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 Larry Koser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750 VFW Post 8456 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 Auxiliary 3903 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 550 TTARP Investments, Inc. . . . . . 550 Allen Samuels Dodge, Inc. . . . . 500 Auxiliary 1806 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 Auxiliary 6873 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 BS Hotel Partners, Inc. . . . . . . . 500 Jones Bros. Dirt & Paving Contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 Lakeside Trailer Repair, Inc. . . . 500 Kevin O’Halloran . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 Pratt Homes, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 500 Stratus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 Harry & Patricia Strunk . . . . . . . 500 Ron & April Wolf . . . . . . . . . . . . 500
I GAVE, WILL YOU? CLICK HERE
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, Veterans Assistance Program 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 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. • 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. 10
Texas VFW Spring 2014
MILITARY
United States Marine Corps – Vietnam 3rd MAF Combined Action Group Awards – Bronze Star w/”V” for Valor, Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Unit Citation, National Defense, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Campaign Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, RVN Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Medal w/Palm
POST 4816 PORTER TEXAS
Post Jr. Vice Commander, All-State Commander (2), Post Chaplain, Trustee (3), Chief of staff (2)
DISTRICT 17
Jr Vice Commander, Sr Vice Commander, District Commander, Trustee (2), Chief of Staff
DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS
State Inspector, Membership Chairman Awards – John Spahr Awarded Outstanding Immediate Past District Commander 2012-2013
NATIONAL
Aid-De-Camp (2), Assistant Inspector General, Deputy Chief of Staff, Veterans Resolutions Committee, Programs Committee
MINISTRY
Comrade Macy has served 26 years at Grace Church of Humble as Jr & Sr High Sunday School Teacher, Director of Outreach Barnabas Ministry, Captain & Head Usher, Director Life Development (Middle Age), Pastoral Care Ministry, Board of Trustees, The Chaplain Discussion Group (Facebook), Veterans & Families Connect Group, Trained Chaplain at Memorial Hermann NE Humble Texas, Church Elder and Licensed Minister Global Network of Christian Ministries. Join the
SERVolution TEAM
Support NORMAN MACEY for State Chaplain Over 20 VFW Leadership Positions Held
njmaceyiii@aol.com
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KOSOVO CAMPAIGN—MARCH 24 Texas VFW Post 1514, Village Mills —
Eleven Post members gathered to remember those who served in Kosovo.
Texas VFW Post 1533, San Antonio — Kosovo ceremony held at the Post. Texas VFW Post 3278, Brownwood — The Post along with the
Ladies and Men’s Auxiliaries observed the beginning of operations in Kosovo.
Texas VFW Post 5619, Friendswood — The Post celebrated the
Kosovo Campaign, 28 Feb 98-21 Jun 99. Comrade Ehlenger read the history and the events leading up to the campaign. Members enjoyed dinner and refreshments to celebrate the event.
Texas VFW Post 10454, Grapevine — L-R: Chaplin Dickey Carter, Surgeon Steve Cramer, Member Robert Dawson, Commander Jon Lunkwicz, Member Alan Beller, Member William Fredde, and Member Joe Barnes.
Texas VFW Spring 2014
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KOSOVO CAMPAIGN—MARCH 24
Texas VFW Post 4146, Victoria —
Members, friends, family and invited guests participated in a Kosovo remembrance ceremony at the Post.
Texas VFW Post 2195, Allen —
L-R: Charlie Robinson, PostMember; D.A. Lux, Post Event Coordinator; Bela Marton, Interim Post QM; Jack Rettig, Post Trustee; Rolland Cannon, Post Member; Peder Mockler, Post Junior Vice Commander; Peder Mockler’s son (Photograph by Phillip Norton, Post Commander)
Texas VFW Post 8904, Center — Members gathered to place wreaths and one member played Taps for those who have fallen. Here, the members are participating in the Pledge of Allegiance as a starter to the ceremony. 14
Texas VFW Spring 2014
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. Makes the perfect gift or for special recognition of a member who goes above and beyond!
While Quantities Last
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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT FROM AROUND TEXAS BEFORE
AFTER In 2009, the Texas VFW donated the old Post in Fort Davis, Texas to Fort Davis County and it underwent massive renovations. A dedication ceremony was held on May 26 (Memorial Day) 2014 and was attended by District 25 Commander, Mel Parker.
Texas VFW Post 5617, Fort Worth —
The Post celebrated its 75th year of service to the veterans and community in the White Settlement area.
70th Anniversary The Biggest Celebration Ever!
D-Day Departs June 1 & Aug. 6, 2014
Vi Ranney, Tour Manager, 605-665-3596
Be on Normandy for the big 70th anniversary of D-day. Heads of State from many countries, special music, honors for WWII Vets will fill emotional ceremonies. This 13-day WWII tour visits all important sites in France, Luxembourg, Belgium & Germany.
Texas VFW Post 9828, Lindale —
Post members set up a recruiting booth using Buddy Poppies to attract and educate eligible members and the general public about the VFW.
Vietnam
Departs March 25, 2014 Sights include Saigon, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong Delta, military bases, Hue, Quang Tri, Former DMZ, DaNang, Hoi An, Hanoi & much more. Professional guides---Great Hotels---Many Meals–Economically priced WWII veterans receive Discount–Perhaps get a group together from your VFW or American Legion Post. Everyone welcome on this tour.
For a brochure call toll free: 888-414-4177 18
Texas VFW Spring 2014
www.rupipertravel.com
P O W / M I A
VFW SUPPORTIVE OF POW/MIA MISSION REORGANIATION
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THE NATION’S LARGEST AND OLDEST MAJOR COMBAT ORGANIZATION is supportive of a Pentagon announcement to realign the organizations charged with locating and identifying tens of thousands of American troops who have yet to return home from their wars. “What’s most important about this initiative is that the Full Accounting Mission continues, and we appreciate Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s personal involvement to reshape a multi-organizational structure that shares unity of purpose into one that also shares unity of command,” said William A. Thien, a Vietnam veteran and national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
Meet Ms. Current.
Your Neighbor, Proud Military Supporter and NEC Retail Enthusiast!
Over the next 18 months, a Pentagon team will examine the requirements necessary to merge policy guidance, archival research and analysis, and worldwide field investigations and recovery operations into one organization. Those tasks are currently performed by the Defense POW/MIA Office, the Joint POW/ MIA Accounting Command, and portions of the Air Force Life Science Equipment Laboratory. Also being realigned is the scientific element of the mission, which moves JPAC’s Central Identification Laboratory under the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, which already encompasses the Armed Forces DNA Laboratory. Included in the new look will be a centralized budget, a consolidated case management system, and expanded public-private partnerships. “Any effort that helps to recover, identify and return more missing service personnel to their loved ones is a positive initiative,” said Thien, “and the VFW looks forward to continuing to work with the secretary and his team to make this happen.” n
June 12-15, 2014
Thank you to the texas vfw for its sponsorship of the rot biker rally, austin, tx
Texas VFW Spring 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 688 members gathered at Boerne Veterans Park in remembrance of the ending of Operation Desert Storm and to honor all those who served in Operation Desert Storm.
Texas VFW Post 688, Boerne Front row: Mark Camplen, Jeff Camplen, and Kevin Camplen Middle row: Sr. Vice Commander Ken Schatte, Jr. Vice Commander Andrew Camplen, John Pritchett, Roland Funke, Judge Advocate Charlie Wetherbee Back row: Trustee Eric Vickery, Ray Hancock, Jack Mulhollan, Bill Mayo
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