2015 Texas VFW Fall News by MediaNation

FALL 2015

Texas VFW District 18, Post 7473, Elsa, Texas—Post Commander Lupita Perez assists at local food bank.

Texas VFW News — 1st Place Winner 2015 National Publications Contest

inside

Women in Service Veterans in the Community Operation Iraqi Freedom

CONTENTS

The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars

www.texasvfw.org

Operation Iraqi Freedom page 11 Post members remember Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Remembering POW/MIA page 20-22 Veterans, friends and family remember POW/MIA by holding state-wide events.

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.

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.

In the News

4 Commander’s Column 5-6 Veterans in the Community 7 To Our Members 8 Korean Armistice 10 Texas VFW Foundation 11 Operation Iraqi Freedom 12 Victory Over Japan 14 Legislative News 16 Patriot Day 18-19 VFW Store 20-22 POW/MIA 24 VFW 116th Birthday 24 Start of Enduring Freedom 25 Texas VFW Membership Application 26 Women in Service 28 Post 3406 Celebrates Patriot Day

Upcoming Events

23 Mid-Winter Conference

ABOUT THE COVER Texas VFW District 18 Post 7473 of Elsa, Texas Post Commander Lupita Perez restocks the table with goods during a volunteer opportunity at a local food bank to help people in need.

FaLL 2015

Texas VFW District 18, Post Elsa, Texas—Post Commander 7473, Lupita Perez assists at local food bank.

Texas VFW News — 1st Place Winner 2015 National Publications Contest

insi de

Women in Service Veterans in the Community Operation Iraqi Freedom

For Information Regarding: Unit reunions, general orders, taps, seeking, District Meetings and other topics please visit www.texasvfw.org. Texas VFW Fall 2015

STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN AS THE STATE COMMANDER FOR THE TEXAS VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS I receive numerous

letters and a phone call or two on a weekly basis from a person named “anonymous.” I would like to talk to you today about when it is your duty to stand. Like all of you I was raised in the United States of America, a country founded on the actions of brave and courageous men and women who considered it their solemn duty to stand and confront injustice. Over the last two plus centuries of this great nation, generations of courageous men and women have considered it their solemn duty to stand and confront injustice. These men and women did not hide in the shadows of anonymity when it was time to confront the injustice of inequality, racism and discrimination. They stood and confronted it face to face with bold and daring courage. In that same time the extremes and injustices of governments based on Communism, Despotism, Dictatorship, Imperialism, Totalitarianism, Monarchy, Theocracy and Oligarchy have required that brave and courageous men and women of honor and integrity stand and confront them in faraway places across the globe, many times at the cost of their own lives. Failure to stand when duty requires says a lot about a person’s character and integrity. Asking others to stand for you when you will not even stand for yourself says even more about their honor. An old saying that comes to mind is “For evil to succeed, good people need only to do nothing.” I know that members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars are American veterans who have served in a war zone and have the intestinal fortitude to face the enemies of our nation with the knowledge that they might lose their life in the performance of their duties. They are men and women of the highest degree of courage and honor. As such members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars stand up at their Post meetings and question issues and require answers on those items that do not meet the high standards of our order. They would not write the State Commander with a complaint of wrongdoing without any evidence and then not sign their name. Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars are many things, but they do not cower behind anonymous accusations without having that same intestinal fortitude they faced the enemies of our nation with. They have a backbone and are not timid and weak when it comes to voicing their opinions, they are not fearful or faint hearted. Regardless of their age or infirmities, they are lions on the battlefield and the mind of a lion never changes. They are the heroes of this nation and I am proud to be counted among their numbers. AS A MEMBER OF THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES IT IS YOUR DUTY TO STAND AT YOUR POST AND CONFRONT THE ISSUES HEAD ON AS YOU FULLY EXPECT ME TO STAND AT MY POST AND DO THE SAME. If you believe that you need assistance from the State then know that we will gladly assist you as long as we know who you are and that you are a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. For the good of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars and the brave and honorable men and women who are the members I serve, I thank you for your service to our country and your dedication to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. n

Texas VFW Fall 2015

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 LXVV, Number 2, © October 2015. 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 Erin Marlow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Editor medianation.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graphic Design DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (512) 834-8535

2015-2016 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS COMMANDER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3413 SR VICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9182 JR VICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4815 JUDGE ADVOCATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9182 SURGEON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3359 CHAPLAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4816 CHIEF OF STAFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5076 INSPECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3413 IMMEDIATE PAST CMDR . . . . . . . . . 7426 COUNCIL MEMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8932 ADJ/QM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3377 ASST ADJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3413 ASST QM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6378 DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF . . . . . . . . 3413 DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF . . . . . . . . 4008 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . 12041 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . 3278 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . 2775 DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . 5076 OFFICER OF THE DAY . . . . . . . . . . . 2427

Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8503 N I35. Austin, TX 78753 Peyton Lumpkin . . . . . . . . 2207 Blue Water Bay, Katy, TX 77494 Eddie Torres . . . . . . . 663 Moursund Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78221 Ken Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . 1927 Mariner Point Ln., Katy, TX 77494 Doc Howard . . . . . . . . . 2517 Golden Oaks Dr., Garland, TX 75044 Norman Macey . . . 16907 Caldwell Pointe Ct, Humble, TX 77346 John Lozanski . . . . . . . . . 1215 Cedar Ridge Rd, Heath, TX 75032 Lonnie Garza . . . . 1769 Jacobs Court, New Braunfels, TX 78130 Joe Hayes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 CR 1118, Caddo Mills, TX 75135 Larry Velasquez . . . . . 4829 Golden Eye, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753 Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753 Carlos Sustaita . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78753 Dave Adams . . . . . . . . . . 309 Whitetail Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666 Roger DeWeese . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404 Lake Road, Belton, TX 76513 Larry Sanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 457, Lytle, TX 78052 Keith King . . . . . . . . . . . . 2406 Belmeade, Brownwood, TX 76801 Robert LaFleur . . . . . . . . . . 3528 Whippoorwill, Orange, TX 77630 James Pratt . . . . . . . . . . 2018 Royal Crest Dr., Garland, TX 75043 Stephen Biehl . . . . . 28314 Hardin Store Rd, Magnolia, TX 77354

DEPARTMENT VETERANS COUNSELORS SERVICE OFFICER/WACO . . . . . . 6008 Lloyd Coffman . . . . . . . . . . 701 Clay St., Waco, TX 76799 SERVICE OFFICER/HOUSTON . . . . 15045 Richard Pallanez . . 6900 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030

2015-2016 DISTRICT COMMANDERS DISTRICT COMMANDER ADDRESS 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9168 Guy Northrup . . . . . . . . . . . . 1402 Summer Time Trl, Lewisville, TX 75067 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2775 James Seales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Gary, Bridge City, TX 76111 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6796 Jerry Greene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10523 Ferguson Rd, Dallas, TX 75228 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5619 Rudy Carr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5623 Hazen St, Houston, TX 77081 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2933 Keith Foley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2375 Jose Flores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336 E. CR 2208, Kingsville, TX 78363 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3278 James Masters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7800 FM 2125, Brownwood, TX 76801 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1475 Hank Dompe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 606 S Hoyne, Fritch, TX 79036 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 812 Rod Raulston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3901 McConnell, El Paso, TX 79904 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8560 David Nichols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 1, Chicota, TX 75425 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1480 Tim Casey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1328 Ranchero Rd, Kerrville, TX 78028 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10376 Bob Hansen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1501 Nortwood Dr, Marble Falls, TX 78654 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8878 Mike Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . 1208 N. Rosewood Ave., Wichita Falls, TX 76301 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3903 Brian Satsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9830 Hein Rd, Richmond, TX 77469 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4709 Gary Bridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Virginia Lane, Conroe, TX 77304 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2410 Loren Pogue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 809, Donna, TX 78537 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3893 Dick Shawver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19151 Valley Dr, Flint, TX 75762 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8111 Robert Martinez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314 Shadewell, San Antonio, TX 78228 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10429 Lynn Toomer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937 Behrens Court, Crowley, TX 76036 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4403 Jack Mageluzzo . . . . . . . . . . 1003 N Benavides St, Port Lavaca, TX 74979 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6284 Melvin Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5305 Clinton, Odessa, TX 79762 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10427 Danny Soles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13204 N Ridge Cir, Leander, TX 78641 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6008 Roy “Bobby” Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Horton Dr, Waco, TX 76705 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4376 Randall Johnston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Oak Hills Dr, Mabank, TX 75156

C o m m u n i t y

S e r v i c e

TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 5, POST 8927, LOCKHART, TEXAS—

Post members donate multiple packages of socks for men, women, and children to the Caldwell county homeless and Coats for Kids program.

TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 24, POST 9189, RUNGE, TEXAS—

Members donate a pallet of water to students and facility at Runge High School. Members Tim Shriver and Quartermaster Henry Jansen.

VETERANS COMMUNITY TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 3, POST 7843, DUNCANVILLE, TEXAS—Members donate $3,500

of funds to purchase an exercise machine for the Cardiac Rehab Unit at Dallas VA Medical Center. The post members also donated $500 for transportation for indigent veterans to get back home when discharged from the hospital, transit passes, cab fares, and additional services. Other posts in District 3 also pledged to match that transportation donation. VA North Texas Health Care System is a progressive health care provider in the heart of Texas. It is the VA’s second largest health care system, that serves over 113,000 Veterans and delivers 1.4 million outpatient episodes of care each year to Veterans in 38 Texas counties and two counties in southern Oklahoma. Texas VFW Fall 2015

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Texas VFW District 24 Post 6382 of Hallettsville, Texas—Commander Chuck Grafe

presents a $500 check toward improving and maintaining highway signs to the President of Vietnam Veterans of America, Ron Ridgeway.

VETERANS COMMUNITY Humble, Texas—Post 12075’s Tombstone Squad, Attacks Grime By Jim Haycraft Post Junior Vice, Mike Riley, rounded up the usual pack of suspects along with a couple of his First Marine Division Association buddies and developed a plan of attack.

John Heimburger, Bob Phillips, Hutch Hutchinson, Mike Riley and Larry Wells layout their equipment in preparation to cleaning veterans’ tombstones.

Cecil McConnell, Post Senior Vice and District Junior Vice, Bob Phillips, Hutch Hutchinson, John Heimburger and Jim Haycraft along with the two FMDA members, Fred Balmes and Larry Wells assembled at the Humble Cemetery glanced at the cloudless sky, wiped the anticipated sweat from their collective brows and received their instructions be launching their attack on decades (in a couple of cases, centuries) of grime that layered the headstones of twelve veterans resting in the small cemetery. A couple of stores identified Confederate soldiers, while others identified troops and sailors from World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam. The squad broke up into small groups and attacked the headstones with eco-friendly solutions, scarpers, scrubbers and elbow grease under the watcheye of Channel 13th video camera and the flashing camera of the Humble Observer’s editor.

Post 12075 and District 4 Senior Vice Cecil McConnell scrubs a veteran’s tombstone. 6

Texas VFW Fall 2015

Upon successful completion of the attack, with twelve head stones gleaming clean in the noon sunlight, the survivors gathered for a well-deserved lunch at the Humble Inn.

T o

VFW MEMBERSHIP Peyton Lumpkin, State Senior Vice Commander Comrades, Thank you for your faith and confidence by selecting me as your Senior Vice Commander for the State of Texas. I look forward to visiting your Posts and Districts in the near future. Today I want to talk to you about the lifeblood of the VFW—Membership. Without an emphasis on voluntary membership, most nonprofit or charitable organizations would not exist. It is always the basis and most important part of any organization. The Veterans of Foreign Wars has always done a good job of bringing in members because there is a bond between comrades in arms (those who have borne the battle) like no other. We are the one percent with shared experiences that others have a hard time understanding. When bringing in a new member, it is a give-and-take process. How we may be able to help him or her is the most important part of this give-and-take. One way to help is to assist them with their VA benefits by referring them to a Service Officer for their claims or even taking them to see a Service Officer or to the VA. Remember, the first trip to the VA is intimidating and your assistance can sell them on the VFW forever. Sometimes they do not even know they have a claim or are eligible for VA benefits. Give them a dollar-tour of the VA and help them along the way. Another way to assist a new member is with their educational benefits. The government-provided educational benefits for our veterans are better than they have ever been; however, like any government program, they are complicated. Have your Post Service Officer familiarize himself with these programs so he can provide assistance when needed. Another area that is extremely important is employment assistance. Young veterans need a way to support their family. After a veteran joins the VFW, he or she finds they now have a group they can network with. I know from experience that my Post has found jobs for six young veterans soon after they joined. Town halls and job fairs are always being held at VFW Posts across the state, and this part of our mission is very attractive to the younger veterans. New members help the VFW in various ways. They assist us in community service efforts; they add to our numbers statewide and nationally, which is important in the legislation process; they help bring in new members; and most importantly they assist us in our mission of helping our veterans. The latest government demographic information states that there are 1.6 million veterans in the State of Texas. We have approximately 75,000 in the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars, which makes up about 4.6% of the total veterans in our great State. In conclusion, there are many veterans out there who should be members of our great organization.

This is our chance to excel.

O u r

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VFW PROGRAMS Edward C. Torres, State Junior Vice Commander Comrades, As we start another VFW year, I want to express to you in advance, a heart-felt thank you for all of the volunteer hours you will serve while completing another VFW year. All of our past successful years have given us much to appreciate as we continue our journey serving veterans. Our Posts have a unique opportunity to honor our members and all veterans by completing Veteran Program Recognition ceremonies throughout the year. Be aware of all VFW programs and the deadline dates to submit your Post’s entries. Some of our programs, such as the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen are in progress now. Programs throughout the year are Public Servant Awards, ROTC recognition, Civil Air Patrol awards and the Citizenship Education Awards for our school teachers. Information on all of these programs is available either at the National website, www.vfw.org or the Texas VFW website www.texasvfw.org. It is a challenge to accomplish all of these programs during the year and doing so is only half of the battle. The other half is training. All of us must train our members so that they have the knowledge and know-how to use that knowledge to meet and exceed the organizations standards. Post officers and members need to know how to manage a VFW Post and generate income. Posts with property need to understand the mechanics of promoting ad selling rental contracts and obtaining the proper amount of insurance. You must hold monthly meetings and plan for future growth. You must accomplish all of this while enforcing strict observance of all federal, state and local law as well as the National and State By-Laws. The success of a Post can be directly attributed to our past and current officers who have trained their successors in the proper rules to successfully operate a VFW Post. The vision of these officers is always focused on the mission of the VFW and securing our properties that directly serve our veterans and communities. I am humbled and truly appreciative of the support I received in being elected as your State Junior Vice Commander. It is my objective to represent this organization and fulfill our high standards and the legacy of the VFW. As the State Junior Vice Commander, one of my primary duties is promoting the VFW National Home. If you have not done so, I would encourage each of you to become life members of the VFW National Home. A small membership fee of $35.00 helps continue this legacy of the VFW. Please visit their website www.vfwnationalhome.org. In closing, I want to offer some of my perspective in life. Live with gratitude for the blessings you are given every day. Pray for our Prisoners of War and Missing in Action and their families who are still waiting on closure for their loved one that never came home. Do your best to the best of your ability because if you do, you never have to make an excuse for failure. May God bless you and your family. May he safeguard each of us and our troops. May he shelter the homeless and protect the elderly. Let us have a successful VFW year as we help those that deserve so much. Texas VFW Fall 2015

K o r e a n

A r m i s t i c e

TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 6, POST 8786, FREER, TEXAS—Post members honor the Korean veterans by visiting the sick veterans.

KOREAN

Armistice

TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 30, POST 6635, GRAND SALINE, TEXAS—Post members held a Korean Armistice ceremony that commemorated Korean Conflict Veterans.

TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 21, POST 4695, HURST, TEXAS—Post members held a Korean Armistice ceremony at their Hawaiian-themed party where veterans were recognized and a moment of silence took place. 8

Texas VFW Fall 2015

Helping Veterans in Need Emergency/Assistance Fund for the Hidden Pines fire affecting veterans in Smithville and Bastrop.

The Hidden Pines fire started Oct. 21 and burned for over a week destroying over 4,500 acres and 64 homes. Texas VFW District 28 Post 1309 in Smithville turned their post into an emergency shelter for the displaced families of the fire. You can provide disaster relief for veterans who were affected in the Smithville and Bastrop area, along with all Texas veterans who face disaster. Send your donation to Texas VFW Foundation. Earmarked “Disaster Relief.”

Your small donation makes a BIG difference. 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. • F unds 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. 10

Texas VFW Fall 2015

I GAVE, WILL YOU? CLICK HERE

O p e r a t i o n

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OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 19, POST 8904, CENTER, TEXAS—Post Life Member TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 20, POST 4815, SAN Ben Galindo presents Post Commander Gene Hutto with a US Flag that was flown during a ANTONIO, TEXAS—Post members held a ceremony that KC-135 combat operation in Iraq and a certificate of authenticity. honored Operation Iraqi Freedom.

TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 20 POST 8397, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS—Post

9186 Commander Robert Otto and Post 8397 Commander Cris Vieyra Jr. present TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 5, POST 9213, MCQUEENEY, VFW coins to the four veterans of the Operation Iraqi Freedom war. L-R Clearance TEXAS—Post members presented a check for $1,000 to Warrior Favorite, Charleen Hernandez, John Chernosky and Al Dominguez. and Family Support for programs for Iraqi veterans.

Texas VFW Fall 2015

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TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 9, POST 1789, BORGER, TEXAS—Post members

celebrate Victory Over Japan Day.

(LEFT) TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 21, POST 6872, CROWLEY, TEXAS—Post members attended a celebration

that honored soldiers and commemorated Victory Over Japan Day.

TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 16, POST 3903, ROSENBERG, TEXAS—

TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 4, POST 8790, HOUSTON, TEXAS. Post members participated in a Victory Over Japan Day

event. The guest speaker talked about the historical events. A Post members celebrate Victory Over Japan Day. WWII veteran brought in a captured flag from Japan.

Texas VFW Fall 2015

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6WDWH -XQLRU 9LFH &RPPDQGHU A VFW member since 1976, he has served in leadership capaciďż˝es at the Post, District and State levels earning recogniďż˝on as an Allâ&#x20AC;?State and Allâ&#x20AC;?American District Commander in 2013â&#x20AC;?14. Currently acďż˝ve as Commander of Post 8397 in San Antonio, Texas. Cris served in the United States Marine Corps from 1964 to 1968, earning his VFW eligibility in Vietnam. Cris and his wife, Sylvia, have 2 children. He is reďż˝red and fully dedicated to the VFW.

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N e w s

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Wa s h i n g t o n

D . C .

“Meet Them in the District” Campaign a Huge Success

During the recent congressional recess in August, VFW members and supporters were challenged to attend town hall meetings and schedule individual meetings with their members of Congress. The numbers show that you responded with enthusiasm and pressed your officials to support the VFW’s position. More than 300 people attended nearly 70 events around the country. Additionally, two official hearings were held in Alaska and Michigan and local VFW leaders were centerstage testifying about the needs of local veterans. Mobilizing the grassroots to paint the local face on national issues is why the Action Corps exists and we thank you for your push to make this happen!

WWII Marine Identified

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains belonging to Marine Corps Cpl. Roger K. Nielson, from Adams, Colo., who was killed in action while fighting on the Pacific island of Tarawa on Nov. 20, 1943. He was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. He will be buried with full military honors on a date and location yet to be announced.

VA Partners with Walgreens to Offer Flu Vaccines

This week, VA announced a partnership with Walgreens drugstores to provide flu vaccinations for veterans enrolled to receive VA health care. This is a no-cost program for these veterans as Walgreens will bill VA for services. Family members and those enrolled only in Tricare are not eligible for this program. For more information on the program or to find a local Walgreens, visit: http://www.ehealth.va.gov/immunization.asp.

Texas VFW Fall 2015

Two Korean MIAs Identified

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains belonging to two Army soldiers who had been missing in action from the Korean War. Both will be buried with full military honors on a date and location yet to be determined. Returned are:

Senate Holds Hearing on Toxic Exposures

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing entitled, “Examining the Impact of Exposure to Toxic Chemicals on Veterans and the VA’s Response.” The Committee explored ideas to improve the way VA handles various toxic exposures, including Blue Water Navy, burn pits, Camp Lejeune and effects on veterans’ descendants. In his remarks, Chairman Johnny Isakson (R-GA) stressed the importance of developing a standardized system that would allow VA to grant benefits for toxic exposures, stating, “It’s very important that we have a thorough examination of what it takes to get to a presumptive conclusion that a disease or a disability has been caused by a [toxic chemical] association and that it be as scientific as it can be so it’s absolutely, unequivocally clear.” Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) spoke in support of their bill, the “Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015.” This VFW-endorsed legislation would direct VA to research the effects of toxic exposures on the children and grandchildren of veterans. Ensuring that all veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals in service get the benefits they deserve is a top priority for the VFW. To read the full transcript and watch a webcast of the hearing visit: http://www.veterans. senate.gov/hearings/exposures09292015.

Pfc. Frank Worley, 21, of New Hanover County, N.C., was declared missing in North Korea on Feb. 12, 1951. It was later learned he had been captured, but died in captivity. He was assigned to Battery A, 503rd Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. Cpl. Robert P. Graham, of San Francisco, was declared missing in North Korea on Feb. 13, 1951. It was later learned he had been captured, but died in captivity. He was assigned to Company A, 13th Engineer Combat Battalion, 7th Infantry Division.

Bill for Federal Employees Who Are Disabled Veterans Advances

The House passed a bill which would grant disabled veterans hired by the federal government 104 hours of sick leave upon being hired. The leave would be for those who have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, for the sole purpose of attending medical appointments and would expire after 12 months on the job. Veterans benefiting from this law would continue to accumulate sick leave under existing rules, but this extra time would ensure veterans have enough leave as they start their careers to make their medical appointments. The Senate passed a similar version of this bill and differences will need to be worked out before the bill can become law. For updates on this bill, stay tuned to the Action Corps Weekly.

Used with permission from Action Corp Weekly

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Senate Holds Legislative Hearing

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing to discuss pending health and benefits legislation. The VFW submitted testimony for the record supporting several of the bills, including measures that would expand the number of judges on the Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims, amend the definition of a homeless veteran, and increase the pension amount for Medal of Honor recipients. The VFW also offered suggestions to improve bills that would provide training to non-VA doctors and improve access for rural veterans. National Legislative Committee Member and California native, David Norris, testified in support of a bill that would allow the West Los Angeles VA medical center to lease portions of their unused property for the purposes of supportive housing, vocational training, and other services that principally benefit veterans and their families. The committee was very appreciative to hear his views on this new policy which would impact Los Angeles area veterans. To watch his testimony and read the full VFW statement, visit: http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings/ pending-health-and-benefits-legislation-100615.

Statement of Ownership,

Management, and Circula (Requester Publications tion Only)

1. Publication Title

2. Publication Number

Texas VFW News

4. Issue Frequency

09-21-2015

Annually

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of Known Office of Publication

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(Not printer) (Street, city, DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS county, state, and ZIP+4 ® ) VFW 8503 NORTH IH-35 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78753-5722

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of Headquarters or General

DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS VFW P.O. BOX 14468 AUSTIN, TEXAS

Business Office of Publisher

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TEXAS 78761-4468

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TEXAS 78761-4468

Supporting Our Veterans

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71,236

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#4, (page #3))

205

479

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275

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754

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97.94

electronic copies, skip to

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Insuring Texas Homes, Farms, and Ranches Since 1901 1-800-507-2174 RVOS.com

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71,236

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Fall 2015 Date

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand 9/21/2015 or who omits material or information requested on that anyone who furnishes the form may be subject false or misleading information (including civil penalties). to criminal sanctions (including on this form fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions

Texas VFW Fall 2015

P a t r i o t

Texas VFW District 25, Post 7207, Alpine, Texas.

D a y

Texas VFW District 21, Post 10429, Benbrook, Texas—

Post members visit a Patriot Day memorial.

Post members held a Patriot Day remembrance ceremony.

Texas VFW District 19, Post 6899, Trinity, Texas—Post members

led by Commander Chambers delivered snacks and thank you letters to city and county police officers and the city fire departments as part of Patriot Day.

Texas VFW District 19, Post 10351, Hemphill, Texas— Texas VFW District 4, Post 5619, Houston, Texas—Members attended the

9/11 Heros Run at Ellington Field and distributed Buddy Poppies beside the Fallen Heros Wall sponsered by the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Group. Honor guards from all military branches, Army, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the Houston Police, harris County Sheriff, and Department of Public Safety were displayed in dress uniforms. 16

Texas VFW Fall 2015

Members performed honor guard for the Hemphill Chamber of Commerce Patriot Day program with a 21 gun salute and Taps.

Texas VFW Fall 2015

SHOW YOUR PRIDE! Order Your Texas VFW Gear Today!

Navy Polo Shirt with Pocket Texas VFW and your choice of emblem on right chest; 53% cotton, 47% microfiber, dri-balance performance material. Imported. VFW Logo Men’s Pocket Shirt #1342-ADQP VFW Logo Ladies No Pocket Shirt #234-ADQ S-XL—$46.00 2XL—$51.50 3XL—$53.00 4XL—$56.00

For more Texas VFW custom products visit www.vfwstore.org and ask for OPT TX. *Prices may be different than they appear.

Texas VFW Fall 2015

P O W / M I A

P O W

M I A

Texas VFW District 6, Post 8621, Alice, Texas— Post and Auxiliary

members held wreath laying ceremonies and prayers at County Courthouse and Post home monuments. Commander Juan Navejar and Auxiliary President Irma Rodriguez, lay a wreath on Courthouse WWII Monument and offer a Prayer.

Texas VFW District 4, Houston, Texas—Texas VFW State Sr. Vice Commander Peyton Lumpkin (third from the left) was the guest

speaker at the City of Houston POW/MIA Ceremony held at City Hall in downtown Houston.

Texas VFW Fall 2015

P O W / M I A

Texas VFW District 13, Post 688, Boerne, Texas—

Texas VFW District 25 Post 7207, Alpine, Texas—

On Friday September 18th, 2015 VFW Post 688 conducted a POW/MIA ceremony where a POW/MIA table was set Members hold an observance up. A full ceremony was conducted which included a speech by the commander and ceremonial placement of items at the altar. VFW members, family members, and the public were present. to remember and commemorate POW/MIA Day.

Texas VFW District 19, Post 9313, San Augustine, Texas— A wreath was posted at the Veterans Memorial Monument on the courthouse lawn in remembrance of all the POWs and MIAs. Comrade Farr placed the wreath, Comrade Jarvis give a speech about POW/MIA Day, and Comrade Holt played TAPS.

Texas VFW District 20, Post 8397, San Antonio, Texas— Brackenridge High School Army Junior ROTC flag team and Color Guard at the POW/MIA Ceremony held at Veteran’s Memorial Plaza in San Antonio, Texas. Also present at this event Band of Brothers POW/MIA unit, the Post 76 Honor Guard and other VFW Posts.

Texas VFW Fall 2015

P O W / M I A

P O W

M I A

Texas VFW District 3, Post 8913, Texas VFW District 18, Post 3895, La Joya, Texas—Post united to pay tribute to our POW/MIA. Members enjoyed listening to war stories and eating Lancaster, Texas—Commander Grant Seabolt members burgers prepared by the Post Chaplain Scott Sundberg Left to Right: Sr. Vice Commander Armando

conducting the POW/MIA recognition ceremony and explaining the Garza, Rosenea Garza, and Sara Garza, Commander Horacio Lozano, Hector Sosa, Sylvia, and Jr. Vice various elements of the POW/MIA recognition table setup. Commander Eloy Hernandez.

Texas VFW District 19, Post 8904, Center, Texas—POW/MIA Flag that flies 24/7 at the Historic Court House in Center, Texas is replaced by Post Commander Gene Hutto (red shirt) and Post Chaplain Jason Samford. Past Post Commander Mike Langford assists (hidden by US Flag). Past Post Commander John Piersol stands ready to sound Taps.

Texas VFW Fall 2015

V F W

B i r t h d a y / S t a r t

o f

E n d u r i n g

F r e e d o m

VF W 116th BIRTHDAY

Texas VFW District 9, Post 1475, Amarillo, Texas— Texas VFW District 4, Post 912, Baytown, Texas—Members celebrated

Members cook hamburgers for the Panhandle Honor Flight going to Washington D.C. to promote awareness for the VFW Birthday.

the VFW Birthday with a big cookie cake with “Happy Birthday VFW” written on it. The post had a light diner followed by the Quartermaster speaking about the VFW history.

S t art of E N DURING FREEDOM

Texas VFW District 18, Post 8788, McAllen, Texas—Members spoke to veterans and guests about Operation Enduring Freedom that started in Afghanistan in 2001.

Texas VFW District 30, Post 7103, Athens, Texas—Officers gather with District 30 Commander

to recognize the contribution of their Iraq and Afghanistan members. Pictured are Post Commander Bill Malone, Post Senior Vice Commander Steve Hutchins, Quartermaster Olan Timmons, Post Adjutant Billy Buford. Also pictured is District 30 Commander Randal Johnston who was on a visit to the Post. 24

Texas VFW Fall 2015

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

Texas VFW Fall 2015

Wo m e n

i n

S e r v i c e

Texas VFW District 6, Post 8621, Alice, Texas—Post Commander was a guest speaker at the

Rotary Club. He gave a VFW presentation on women in the military for Recognition of Women in Military Service Day.

Texas VFW District 19, Post 3406, Rusk, Texas— Members celebrate Women In Service Day.

Texas VFW District 18, Post 7473, Elsa, Texas—

Post commander recognizes a female VFW veteran in honor of Recognition of Women in Military Service Day.

Texas VFW District 19, Post 8904, Center, Texas—Member, US Army Veteran Addie Boyd, places the Memorial Wreath in honor of all women who have served in honor of Recognition of Women in Military Service Day. 26

Texas VFW Fall 2015

HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS PROGRAM

Available to Service Disabled Veterans Grow your Business by Becoming HUB Certified

he University of North Texas System serves the North Texas area, boosting economic activity in the region by nearly $5.2 billion annually. More than 47,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.

The State of Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program is available to businesses owned by Service Disabled Veterans with a disability rating of 20% or greater. The University of North Texas System is committed to supporting the HUB Program by increasing opportunities for Service Disabled Veteran-owned businesses. The UNT System welcomes opportunities to do business with interested vendors and encourages prospective suppliers to register and maintain information with the State of Texas Certified Master Bidders Listing (CMBL). Formal bid opportunities with the UNT System are posted online at http://bsc.untsystem.edu/bid-listing and at http://esbd.cpa.state.tx.us/.

Visit http://comptroller.texas.gov/procurement/registration/ to register for free State of Texas HUB Certification or call the HUB Areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Veteran Outreach Specialists at 940.369.5500/Toll-Free 855.868.4357 or email HUB@untsystem.edu. You can also visit us online at www.hub.untsystem.edu. www.Texas4HUBs.org

Texas VFW District 19, Post 3406, Rusk, Texasâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Members hold a moment of silence and lower the f l ag half-staff in observance of Patriot Day.