Summer 2014
Post 12058 Performs Color Guard Ceremony
inside France Honors Veteran News from Capitol Hill State Convention
TEXAS VFW NEWS — 1st PLACE WINNER 2014 National Publications Contest
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Military Tribute Ride page 7 Hundreds of Texas veterans participated in a Military Tribute Ride on June 8, 2014, ending at Ghost Town, JLorraine, Texas where Post 12058 Honor/Color Guards performed a flag ceremony.
94th Annual State Convention pages 16-17 Highlights from the 94th Annual State Convention. Over 1,000 veterans and auxiliary members participated in the convention held in Addison, Texas.
Serving Veterans Since 1899
In the News
4 Commander’s Column 6 Veterans Around Texas 7 Veterans Participate in Ride 8 Lawmakers Seek Emergency Funds for Veteran Health Care
9 Compromise Reached on Veterans Access and Accountability Act
CONTENTS
The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars
10 Texas VFW Foundation 13 France Honors WWII Veteran John Tschirhart 14 Memorial Day Celebrations 16 94th Annual State Convention Highlights 19 Welcome Joe Hayes, incoming President 20 Memorial Day Celebrations 22 Memorial Day Celebrations 23 Remembering D-Day 25 Texas VFW Membership Application 26 Remembering D-Day 28 District 25 Commemorates Memorial Day
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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Flippable Online Version of this magazine is available at www.texasvfw.org.
ABOUT THE COVER Post 12058 Kyle/ Buda Honor/Color Guards performed a ceremony at Ghost Town, JLorraine, Texas as part of a Military Tribute Ride hosted by the Republic of Texas Biker Rally. There were over 500 in attendance. See story page 7.
Summer 2014
Post 12058 Perform s Color Guard Ceremony
insi de France Honors Vetera n News from Capitol Hill State Convention
TexaS VFW NeWS — 1st Place WiNN er 2014 National Public ations Contest
Texas VFW Summer 2014
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STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN
THANK YOU I would like to start by saying “thank you” for electing me as your State Commander for the 2014-2015 year. It is indeed an honor for me to serve you, the members of this great organization. Tina and I look forward to visiting as many of our members, Posts and communities as possible during the next VFW year. It is my belief that the key to survival as a veteran’s organization are the programs that we conduct within the Texas VFW. Community Service, youth programs, veteran project participation and veteran services are what define us as an organization. I believe that if we conduct the programs as listed in the Post Standard Operating Procedures and the Department of Texas VFW By Laws, then our membership will grow. It is a proven fact that VFW Posts that are active in their communities and publicize what they do in those communities have shown a marked increase in membership. To that end, I will be taking a strong stance on Posts completing and publicizing the Veteran Project Reports and community service to include youth and Americanism projects. Do the programs and publicize them and then your Post membership will increase. Our young veterans are very much action oriented and when they become members they want to see that we are making an impact not only on their lives, but the lives of all of our citizens. They are returning to a politically divided country, one in which in one hand we thank them for their service but in the other hand, a country that is not quite willing to pay the price for the sacrifice that our veterans have made. We must be politically active at all levels of government, local, state and federal. We must show our active concern for veteran entitlements and publicize how the VFW works to ensure that our nation’s veterans are taken care of. How can we profess to be a Veterans Service Organization if each of us is not totally familiar with veteran entitlements? Educate yourselves. If we cannot explain to a veteran exactly what their rights and entitlements are, then we have lost the battle for them to become members. Know what your local resources are and how to access those services that our veterans need. Make the VFW a family organization. Include the spouses and the children. Make your Post a true “veteran’s center” in your town. Comrades, we can either adapt now or nothing that you or I do this year will affect the future. Let us all make a difference in that future of the VFW. As I travel across this state this year I want to see what you are doing in your communities. I want to see what you are doing to attract members. It is hard to focus on what is important in our organization if the majority of the time we are focused on internal disputes. So, if I come to visit you, let’s get out and publicize the VFW. We have about 46 weeks to accomplish our goals. I promise you that I will work each of those 46 weeks to improve our organization. I ask that you do the same. n 4
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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. Published Quarterly by the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 8503 North IH-35, Austin, Texas 78753 Volume LXVIV, Number 1, © August 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
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cris Vieyra, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2018 Bruni St., San Antonio, TX 78224 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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VETERANS AROUND TEXAS
Texas VFW Post 1657, Pampa — Post members were extremely
proud to take possession of a B53 nuclear bomb that was de-commissioned at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas. The plant donated the bomb to the Post for display. Once on the John Post grounds, the B53 was placed inside a fenced area just to the front and side of the Saffeels, left, built this Purple Martin condo in memory B25 bomber currently on loan from the marine corp. Only three of these bombs exist in of Past State Commander Wayne Dupute’s (right) the world today and they have all been de-commissioned. The bombs were built in the deceased wife Millie. early 1960s.
Texas VFW District 16 —
Texas VFW Post 7426, Farmersville — State Commander Joe Hayes speaks to students about the Vietnam War. 6
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HUNDREDS OF TEXAS VETERANS PARTICIPATE IN MILITARY TRIBUTE RIDE THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS BIKER RALLY honored the military community by holding a Military Tribute Ride Sunday, June 8, 2014. Staging took place at Twin Peaks, Round Rock, Texas and a 17-mile ride was then led by Austin and Round Rock Police Departments to Ghost Town, JLorraine, Texas. Once at Ghost Town riders, veterans, family, friends and special guests witnessed a flag ceremony and Taps led by Lou Oana from Texas VFW Kyle/Buda Post 12058 Honor/ Color Guards, followed by a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem performed by Jena Kidd. Special guest Corporal Robert C. Richards, WWII veteran, was presented a medal and flag by a representative from Congressman Michael McCaul’s office. Corporal Richards who was forced to drop out of high school in the 10th grade so that he could serve in World War II was also presented with an honorary high school diploma from the Principal of Manor Excel Academy, Dr. Eduardo Lozano. After the presentations, guests enjoyed BBQ prepared by The Burn Unit BBQ Cook Off Team (some said it was the best BBQ they’d ever had!) as well as music by the Kopy Kats. The event was made possible by an outpouring of community support and in-kind donations as well as help from VFW MG TX Unit 10, Round Rock, Texas and others who helped with promotions and rider participation. It was a great turnout with the event attracting double the projected attendees. Donations from the event were given to the Texas VFW Foundation and The Burn Unit BBQ Cook Off Team. n
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Lawmakers Seek $17B in Emergency Funding for Veterans Health Care By Travis J. Tritten Stars and Stripes Published: July 28, 2014 WASHINGTON—Lawmakers in the House and Senate unveiled an agreement Monday to reform the troubled Department of Veterans Affairs by pumping $17 billion in emergency funding into expanded access to outside care as well as more doctors, nurses and health care facilities. The deal was struck during weekend talks between Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., House Veterans Affairs Committee chairman, and his counterpart in the upper chamber, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., after their clash over spending last week threatened to scuttle a month-long effort by Congress to reach a compromise on VA reform. Veterans have clamored for a speedy overhaul of the department since April when widespread treatment delays and staff falsification of scheduling records first surfaced in the nationwide system of hospitals and clinics. But the Miller-Sanders proposal released Monday still faces major hurdles —it must be approved by a conference committee overseeing the VA reform and passed by floor votes in the House and Senate. The reform effort will languish through Congress’ August recess unless lawmakers can wrangle the needed support and votes by the end of this week. “This bill makes certain that we address the immediately crisis of veterans being forced onto long wait lines for VA care,” Sanders said during a press conference Monday on Capitol Hill. Of the $17 billion in emergency spending proposed by Miller and Sanders, $10 billion could be used to offer private health care access to veterans who have spent months waiting for treatment in the 1,700 nationwide hospitals and clinics run by the VA. The veterans would be able 8
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to request appointments at any facilities participating in Medicare. Veterans who live more than 40 miles from a VA medical facility would also be able to seek treatment from those private providers. An additional $5 billion would go to hiring more medical staff and signing 27 leases on new hospitals and clinics in 18 states and Puerto Rico, which Sanders has claimed will be key to relieving the system bottlenecks causing treatment delays. The most recent statistics published show more than 636,000 veterans have been waiting over a month to get care from the VA, which runs the largest integrated health care system in the United States. The system handles about 200,000 vets each day. Under the Miller-Sanders proposal, the VA secretary would get wider powers to fire senior executives involved in records manipulation and other wrongdoing, targeting what Miller and other lawmakers see as a bureaucratic culture of corruption. “When the secretary makes the decision to fire someone, they will immediately be fired,” Miller said during the press conference. The senior executives would then have a week to appeal and a review board would be required to make a decision within 21 days, he said. All federal executives are now hired and fired according to an appeals process that can take months to resolve. Investigations by the VA inspector general found that staff at 70 percent of hospitals around the country gamed the department’s computerized scheduling system to mask the long wait times. The falsified records made it appear employees were meeting a VA goal of seeing most veterans within two weeks of an appointment request, which was used as the basis for giving out bonuses and other monetary awards, according to the IG.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, left, and Rep. Jeff Miller, R-FL, chairmen of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees, talk to reporters at the Capitol, July 28, 2014. JOE GROMELSKI/STARS AND STRIPES
Miller said the deal could pass its first hurdle Monday afternoon with an approval vote by the conference committee, which is a special body of lawmakers appointed from the House and Senate to reconcile different VA bills passed in the chambers. It must then face Tea Party conservatives in the House who oppose big ticket spending, but Miller said he and colleagues hope to win passage. “We will be able to sell it through our conference,” he said. “We will probably not get a unanimous vote.” The legislation could face a tough challenge in the Senate. The chamber has been gridlocked by partisan rancor between Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the GOP minority leader, that has often blocked votes on important issues. Reid said last week he doubted a compromise could be struck and a VA bill passed, blaming the Republicans for opposing new spending on veterans. However, the Senate did overwhelmingly pass an earlier VA reform bill in June with a 93-3 vote. The bill, sponsored by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sanders was then sent to the conference committee to be reconciled with a Miller-sponsored bill passed in the House. n tritten.travis@stripes.com Twitter: @Travis_Tritten
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Compromise Reached on Veterans Access and Accountability Act—VFW expects quick approval
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WASHINGTON (July 28, 2014)—The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States thanks the leadership of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees for reaching a compromise agreement to begin fixing the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system, which for months has been inundated with confirmed allegations of unofficial patient waiting lists, whistleblower retaliation, and mistrust of everything the department says and does. “The compromise will be a huge win for veterans when it is approved,” said new VFW National Commander John W. Stroud, “because it will allow the VA to begin to fix what’s broken and hold employees appropriately accountable to the maximum extend of the law, which will start the process of restoring the faith of veterans in their VA.” The compromise package, introduced this afternoon by Senate VA Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and House VA Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), and supported by many others, must still be approved by the conference committee before going for a respective chamber vote, then on to the president for his signature. Included in the $15 billion package is an expansion of contracted care in nonVA facilities, a new hiring authority for additional doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, a renewal of 27 VA outpatient clinic leases, and more latitude for firing senior VA executive employees. “Leadership, management and accountability are the only requirements the VFW has ever demanded of the VA,” said Stroud, an Air Force retiree from Hawthorne, Nev. “The VFW expects all members of the House and Senate to vote for the compromise legislation before they recess for five weeks so that the VA can begin to heal and refocus on its primary mission of serving America’s wounded, ill and injured veterans.” n Texas VFW Summer 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 David Ramirez Petty Officer 2nd Class, USN Reserve; former LCPL, USMC
I GAVE, WILL YOU?
“We made several attempts for assistance from various programs only to be turned away. My wife recalled her grandfather (retired Merchant Marine and Air Force) once talking about the VFW and its firm support of veterans and we decided to do some research. After a lot of thought and prayer, we submitted an application for assistance, knowing the benefit it would provide our family if approved. Thank you so much to the Texas VFW Foundation and all who fund it. A life in service is about honor and humility and about the greater good. Your foundation has reminded me of this and I am thankful. This letter of gratitude can’t fully express how deeply appreciative we are for the assistance you have provided. Thank you, again, from the Ramirez family.”
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
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VFW on Capitol Hill—WORKING HARD FOR YOU VFW Elects New Leadership for 2014-2015: The VFW closed out its annual National Convention by electing into office new VFW Commander-in-Chief John W. Stroud of Hawthorne, Nev.; Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief John A. Biedrzycki Jr. of Robinson Township, Pa.; and Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Brian J. Duffy of Louisville, Ky. Stroud, an Air Force retiree who served from 1976-1997, addressed the current crisis in care and confidence in the Department of Veterans Affairs by saying it’s a health care system worth saving that right now must identify and fix what’s broken, hold people appropriately accountable to the fullest extent of the law, and restore the faith of veterans in their VA. He also challenged all VFW members to recruit or reinstate one new member this year, to tell their individual stories to others, and to get involved in VFW projects and programs that serve veterans, service members and their families. Read more at: http://www.vfw.org/ News-and-Events/Articles/2014-Articles/.
Reservations Open for Disabled Veteran Memorial Dedication: Reservations are now open for the Oct. 5 dedication of the VFW-supported American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, which is being constructed at the foot on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The dedication is free and open to the public with no assigned general seating; however, due to security requirements, a maximum of only four guests can be registered at one time, and each registrant must have a unique name that matches a photo ID. For more information and to register, visit www. avdlm.org
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VFW Testifies on VA Fixes and Restoring Trust: The VFW participated in a House VA Committee hearing entitled, “Restoring Trust: The View of the Acting Secretary and the Veterans Community.” In the first panel, the committee heard from Acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson, who spoke about the actions VA is taking to regain veterans’ confidence and to change the culture within the department. He said the single most important tool that he needs to reform the system is the authority to expedite personnel actions, and he defended VA’s recent request for additional resources on the grounds that they are necessary to provide non-VA care, expand capacity, and update their IT systems. On the second panel, National Veterans Service Deputy Director Ryan Gallucci laid out the VFW’s actions in response to the recent crisis, and our concerns moving forward. He presented details from our 1-800-VFW-1899 begin_of_ the_skype_highlighting 1-800-VFW-1899 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting request for nationwide comment, and the VFW’s position that VA must provide outside care to as many veterans as is necessary to eliminate the current appointment backlog, while continuing to expand capacity as a long-term fix. He also relayed the outrage of membership over Congress’ inability to pass the Veterans Access to Care Act, which must happen before they depart on a five-week recess at the end of July. For more on the hearing, visit our blog at: http://thevfw.blogspot.com/2014/07/vfwtestifies-on-va-care-problems-tells.html
Update on VA Access and Accountability Bill: House and Senate conferees have so far failed to finish negotiations on the VA Access and Accountability legislation. With just one week left before members head out of town for a five-week recess, the VFW is demanding that they either find a way to compromise or don’t return to Washington. VFW delegates to our 115th National Convention passed Resolution 632 that calls on Congress to immediately pass a bill that would provide necessary resources, reduce appointment waiting times, and provide veterans timely access to quality VA health care they have earned and deserve. The new national resolution was quickly followed by a blistering press release on Tuesday, that said if Congress goes on recess without passing the legislation, the VFW will work hard with all veterans and the American public to hold every member of Congress fully accountable for failing America’s veterans. Read Resolution 632 at https://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFW.org/ VFW_in_DC/R632%20Congressional%20 Accountability%20-%20A.pdf. Read the press release at http://www.vfw.org/Newsand-Events/Articles/2014-Articles/.
Senate Confirmation Hearing on VA Appointee: The Senate VA Committee held a hearing to consider the nomination of Robert McDonald to be the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The hearing delved in to Mr. McDonald’s background as an Army Ranger and chief executive of Proctor and Gamble, as well as his plans to address the problems facing the VA today. Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-VT) noted that VA needs good quality management, transparency and accountability, and that he believes Mr. McDonald’s military and corporate experience are the necessary tools to creating a well-run and accountable VA. The Senate will likely vote to confirm McDonald next week. For the recorded webcast of the hearing, visit the Senate VA website at http://www. veterans.senate.gov/hearings/pendingnomination072214.
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JOHN TSCHIRHART, a 93 year old WWII veteran, VFW Life Member and member of Texas VFW Post 4443, Oak Hill, Texas was recognized by the government of France with the award of the Knight of the Legion of Honor, their highest award, for his actions during WWII. The award was presented to Mr. Tschirhart and 15 other surviving WWII Vets on June 6th, 2014 aboard the USS Texas in La Porte, Texas. “When I was presented the award it brought back many memories of WWII,” says John. “I accepted the generous award on behalf of my comrades who died then, and my family who endured the consequences of the German occupation. In particular, I accepted it in honor of my father and my brother Henry who risked their lives for the liberation.” John was born in San Antonio and moved to France as a youth. He was forced to leave France when the Nazis invaded and returned to the U.S. and enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he flew missions in Europe as a B-17 bombadier. He was later assigned to a Psychological Warefare unit with Patton’s army. Regarding his life membership to the VFW, John says “I have been a member of Texas VFW Post 4443 since right after its inception. I have found more friends here than i ever could have otherwise. Sharing their own foreign service experiences enriches my life. i enjoy remaining loyal to my fellow members and practicing the principles of VFW ‘Veterans Helping Veterans’ as well as sharing a friendly and productive relationship with the community. The VFW provides an extension of the service I enjoyed in the Air Force and I intend to do everything I can, however modestly, to contribute to VFW and Post 4443.” Darrel DeLong, Sr. Vice Commander of VFW Post 4443, says John is an integral member of the Post, rarely misses a meeting and is also the Post’s historian. This was clearly a special honor, indeed, both for Mr. Tschirhart and his fellow Post members. n
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MEMORIAL DAY—MAY 26 Texas VFW Post 9213, McQueeney — The
Post participated in a Memorial Day program at San Geronimo Cemetery honoring deceased veterans.
Texas VFW Post 5617, White Settlement — The Post participated in Memorial Day
services by placing flags at a local White Settlement cemetery.
Texas VFW Post 5619, Houston —
The Post participated by reading the history of Memorial Day and by displaying over 100 flags at the post. A breakfast was held prior to the display of flags and continued for anybody who arrived later. Other members participated in the “Parade of Colors” at the Houston National Cemetery where thousands gathered to pay respect for our fallen heros.
Texas VFW Post 6439, Wellington — Members participated in a Memorial Day ceremony at the Post. 14
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94th Annual State Convention By Dan West, State Assistant Adjutant
THIS YEAR OVER 1,000 TEXAS veterans and auxiliary members participated in the Texas VFW 94th Annual State Convention in Addison, Texas. Starting with the golf tournament on Wednesday, June 11th 2014, sponsored by District One, teams of four played 18 holes of golf. All had a great time and District One volunteers staffed the event, under the direction of Convention Chairman Lavern Terbl. It was an exceptional golf tournament complete with breakfast, lunch and door prizes for each golfer, including awards for finishing teams and individual awards for longest drive, closet to hole and closest to the middle of fairway. At the final Council of Administration meeting for the 2013-2014 year, Sate Commander Sylvia Sanchez recognized several Districts for their outstanding performance in membership growth and community service projects. Commander Sanchez also thanked every member for their tireless dedication and commitment to the VFW. Prior to the opening ceremonies and throughout the convention, attendees had the opportunity to visit with and purchase services and keepsakes from over 30 different vendors, including VFW products and Texas VFW branded merchandise from the National VFW Emblem & Supply Store. All hands where on deck for the opening ceremonies with the Post 1922 Color Guard from Gainesville, Texas. After introductions and salutations from the State Commander, the top 36 Posts in the State were recognized as All State Posts and presented their awards by State Commander Sanchez and National VFW Representative Past Commander-in-Chief and National VFW Adjutant General John Hamilton.
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After the awards, State Adjutant/ Quartermaster Roy Grona took control as the Master of Ceremonies and introduced our key note speaker, National VFW Representative, Past Commander-in-Chief John Hamilton, talked about the need for the VFW to expand its programs as the Iraq/Afghanistan veteran will need the services of the VFW and the Veterans Administration for the next 60 – 70 years and that VFW members needed to be more involved in the political process. National VFW Representative, Past Commander-in-Chief John Hamilton, talked about the need for the VFW to expand its programs as the Iraq/Afghanistan veteran will need the services of the VFW and the Veterans Administration for the next 60 – 70 years and that VFW members needed to be more involved in the political process. Later that evening, hospitality with live music was opened for member networking, fellowship and dancing to popular music from the 1960’s to today. Business meetings for both the VFW and Auxiliary followed the next day that included reports from committee chairman, recognition of Honor Roll Posts, individual recruiting awards and nominations for state leadership positions. Later that evening at the State Awards Banquet Master of Ceremonies State Adjutant/ Quartermaster Roy Grona, asked State Commander Sylvia Sanchez and National VFW Representative John Hamilton to present all of the State level awards to the winners who were called to the awards platform individually (see insert for list of awards and winners).
On Saturday, VFW and Auxiliary meetings reconvened, nominations reopened and elections held with Joe Hayes elected to lead the Texas VFW as the State Commander for the 2014-2015 year. The following were also elected to the following State positions; Senior Vice Commander – Dan West; Junior Vice Commander – Peyton Lumpkin; Quartermaster – Roy Grona; Judge Advocate – Ken Burton; Surgeon – Thomas “Doc” Howard; Chaplain – Norman Macey. At the installation ceremony held later that afternoon, State Commander Joe Hayes announced his appointments (see page 4) and thanked the many people and Posts that helped her in his VFW career. State Commander Hayes and State Auxiliary President Dorothy Bennett invited all present to attend the Commander’s and President’s Reception immediately afterward where everyone had an opportunity to meet and visit with the newly elected comrades and sisters of the Texas VFW for the 2014-2015 year. n
S t a t e
2014 STATE AWARD WINNERS
C o n v e n t i o n
ALL-STATE POSTS
All-State Districts
J T Rutherford Awards
Community Service VFW Post 2775, Orange and its Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 3966, Devine and its Ladies Auxiliary
Rodney Raulston (812, El Paso) John Lozanski (5076, Garland) Albert Mireles (Post 76, San Antonio)
2013-2014 All STATE DISTRICTS District 8—Commander Keith King District 20—Commander Cris Vieyra, Jr.
Publication
Buddy Poppy Awards
POST
Lytle Memorial Post 12041 Lytle VFW News James Bennett, Editor
Category I (Public Promotion of Poppy Sales) 1st Place – VFW Post 3903, Rosenberg (D16), and its Ladies Auxiliary 2nd Place – VFW Post 9299, Alvarado (D21), and its Ladies Auxiliary 3rd Place – VFW Post 8551, Sweeny (D16), and its Ladies Auxiliary Category II (Memorial or Inspirational Display) 1st Place – VFW Post 6386, Ingleside (D6), and its Ladies Auxiliary 2nd Place – VFW Post 2559, West Tawakoni (D1), and its Ladies Auxiliary 3rd Place – VFW Post 10376, Marble Falls (D14), and its Ladies Auxiliary Category III (Artistic or Decorative Use of Poppies) 1st Place – VFW Post 2559, West Tawakoni (D1), and its Ladies Auxiliary 2nd Place – VFW Post 2205, Denton (D1), and its Ladies Auxiliary 3rd Place – VFW Post 7835, Granbury (D21), and its Ladies Auxiliary Category IV (Junior Girls) 1st Place – VFW Post 2427, Tomball (D4)
76 . . . . . . 4709 . . . . 7108 . . . . 10454 . . . 8111 . . . . 4136 . . . . 12041 . . . 8554 . . . . 6873 . . . . 6008 . . . . 2427 . . . . 5619 . . . . 856 . . . . . 8936 . . . . 8315 . . . . 4008 . . . . 3377 . . . . 2059 . . . . 1839 . . . . 3966 . . . . 837 . . . . . 2933 . . . . 12075 . . . 6441 . . . . 7426 . . . . 4676 . . . . 1820 . . . . 8621 . . . . 4443 . . . . 8786 . . . . 8551 . . . . 5076 . . . . 4477 . . . . 4818 . . . . 7211 . . . . 12117 . . .
Small Category William “Bill” Amundson Memorial Post 12075 The Connection Jim Haycraft, Editor
Medium Category
VFW District 4 The Broadside Jim Haycraft, Editor Large Category
District Publication A.R. “Russ” Richards Award Unit #10, District 28
Glen M. Gardner, Jr. Award Bruno Szczepaniak (Post 8541, San Antonio)
William B. Moody Award John Boyd (Post 4458, Caldwell)
Larry Velasquez Award Edward Torres (District 20)
Outstanding Post Service Officer Buddy Jackson (Post 4676, Universal City)
Outstanding Auxiliary Member Award Judy Brawner (Auxiliary 12024, The Woodlands)
Danny R Henry Award Albert Mireles, Jr. (Post 76, San Antonio)
DISTRICT CITY 20 . . . . . San Antonio 17 . . . . . Conroe 20 . . . . . San Antonio 21 . . . . . Grapevine 20 . . . . . San Antonio 8 . . . . . . Eastland 20 . . . . . Lytle 13 . . . . . Mason 8 . . . . . . Abilene 29 . . . . . Hewitt 4 . . . . . . Tomball 4 . . . . . . Houston 28 . . . . . Austin 20 . . . . . San Antonio 5 . . . . . . Schertz 14 . . . . . Belton 28 . . . . . Manchaca (Austin) 20 . . . . . Kirby 2 . . . . . . Cleveland 13 . . . . . Devine 20 . . . . . San Antonio 5 . . . . . . Dripping Springs 4 . . . . . . Humble 5 . . . . . . Wimberley 1 . . . . . . Farmersville 20 . . . . . Universal City 14 . . . . . Temple 6 . . . . . . Alice 28 . . . . . Austin 6 . . . . . . Freer 16 . . . . . Sweeny 3 . . . . . . Garland 3 . . . . . . Grand Prairie 9 . . . . . . Hereford 12 . . . . . Tyler 28 . . . . . Austin
State Commander Joe Hayes and Tina Causey with State Auxiliary President Dorothy Bennett and David Bennett. Texas VFW 2013-14 prestigious J.T. Rutherford award recipients John Lozanski, Rodney Raulston and Albert Mireles.
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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!
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A BIG WELCOME TO TEXAS VFW’S STATE COMMANDER Joe Hayes, a Life Member of Post 7426 in Farmersville, Texas, was elected as the State Commander for the Department of Texas VFW at the 94th State Convention in Addison on 14 June, 2014. Hayes, a VFW member since 1974, has served in many capacities at the Post and District level. He served ten times as a Post Commander and three times as a District Commander. He has also served as Department Chief of Staff and Judge Advocate. Hayes has also held National appointments. Comrade Hayes was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966. He served in Vietnam from February to October 1968. Joe and his wife, Tina, have 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He retired from the United States Post Office in 2009. n
DONATION MADE TO PATRIOT’S PEN SCHOLARSHIP Texas VFW Post 2205, Denton —
Men’s Auxiliary to Texas VFW Post 2205, Denton, made a $1,500 donation to be used for the state level Patriot’s Pen Scholarship contest.
MEMORIAL DAY—MAY 26 Texas VFW Post 4899, Trinity — Post
members conducted Memorial services at Bennett Cemetery assisted by Boy Scout Troop 1486 and placed flags on veteran graves. Conducted Memorial services at Groveton nursing home, Groveton, TX and Alavon nursing homes in Trinity, TX.
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MEMORIAL DAY—MAY 26 Texas VFW Post 4395, Pasadena — Post members and youth placed flags on the graves of deceased veterans.
Texas VFW Post 8785, Mesquite —
Participated with Boy Scout Troop 103 in placing flags at Laurel Oaks Cemetery. Hot dogs and hamburgers were served back at the Post and the public was invited.
Texas VFW Post 3895, La Joya — The Post gathered at the local cemetery in remembrance of Memorial Day. 20
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MEMORIAL DAY—MAY 26 Texas VFW Post 12024, The Woodlands — Post and Ladies Auxiliary placed flags on gravesites at local Forest Park Cemetery honoring our Veterans. Partnered with local Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Texas VFW Post 8904, Center — As part of the
Post’s annual program held in an historic courthouse, Cub Scout Pack 119 members, Lance Wilburn, James Spencer and Austin Ford lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. In addition, names of all who were killed in action were read and flags were raised at noon.
Texas VFW Post 4819, West — Post conducted honors at local cemetery in remembrance of Memorial Day. 22
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D-DAY—JUNE 6 Texas VFW Post 2013, Big Spring — Post
members gave out hot dogs, chips and drinks to commemoriate D-Day.
Texas VFW Post 10429, Benbrook —
Comrade Nadia Houston reading Eisenhower’s speech to the troops.
Texas VFW Post 8785, Mesquite — Members held a program at the Post honoring veterans.
Texas VFW Post 7211, Tyler —
Members commemorated the 70th anniversary of D-Day by holding a flag ceremony at the Post.
Texas VFW Post 6872, Crowley — Members recognized D-Day by holding a ceremony at the Post.
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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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D-DAY—JUNE 6 Texas VFW Post 8558, Nocona —
Members and guests commemorated the 70th anniversary of D-Day by holding a program at the Post.
Texas VFW Post 6439, Wellington — Members gathered to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of D-Day landings in World War II.
Texas VFW Post 1533, San Antonio — Members held a program at the Post honoring veterans from the period. 26
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Texas VFW District 25 District 25 Commander Mel Parker remembering those who died serving our country on Memorial Day 2014.
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