2010 Fall Texas VFW Newsletter

Fall 2010

Celebrating VFW Day Texas VFW Foundation Helps Veterans in Need Texas VFW Mid-Winter Convention

Texas VFW News — 1st Place Winner 2010 National Publications Contest

www.texasvfw.org

Texas Veterans Commission Honor, page 5 The Texas Veterans Commission honors an individual or group that exemplifies patriotism in the highest level. This year that individual is Ronnie D. Foster of Texas VFW Post 2150.

Ambassador returns to Texas to give honors, page 6 Ambassador Charles A. Ray returned from his assignment as Ambassador to Zimbabwe to attend the funeral of his brother US Army Veteran Donald Wayne Alexander at Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas.

In the News

CONTENTS

The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars

4 Commander’s Column 7 Freedom Walk at Canyon Lake Dam 8-9 Out & About with the Texas VFW 11 New Benefits 13 Post 880/Post 4006 14 Celebrating VFW Day 15 Texas VFW Foundation 16 Post 3278/Post 5076 17 Autographed Print Raffle 18 Texas VFW Membership Form 19 Glenn Heady 20 Texas VFW Gear 21 Texas VFW Accessories 22 Just for Fun! 23 Mid-Winter Convention Back Cover District 28 POW MIA Ceremony 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

Join us on facebook for up-to-date information, photos of VFW events and breaking news relevant to Veterans.

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.

Fall 2010

ABOUT THE COVER Leonard Layman, Commander of Texas VFW Post 9174 and Pablo Rodriguez, Commander of Texas VFW Post 8397 help load water donated by 12 Texas VFW Posts in San Antonio for disaster relief due to recent flooding in the Rio Grande Valley. Photo by Henry

Celebrating VFW Day Texas VFW Foundation Helps Veterans in Need Texas VFW Mid-Winter Convention

Gonzales, Post 9603.

Periodicals

Texas VFW News — 1st Place

Winner

2010 National Publications Contest

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Please send your comments, suggestions, ideas and Post activities to: Texas VFW P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761 or by email to dan@texasvfw.org Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and are not to be construed as those of the publisher nor as official views of the Texas VFW, the National VFW or any of its agencies, unless otherwise made manifest by writers or spokespersons acting on behalf of the foregoing.

Advertising of products and services herein does not imply endorsement or approval of the Texas VFW. Advertising is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services are accurately described. Ads that contain fraudulent, deceptive or misleading statements or illustrations, or in the opinion of the Texas VFW News may be offensive, are not knowingly accepted. If you encounter noncompliance, please tell us.

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

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STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN WE ARE NOW GOING into our second quarter and our momentum is just starting to grow. I’m proud to see how our “WE” year is being embraced by the members. When we started this year just a few believed that we as a group would make a difference. But now, after the first three months of traveling around this state, I find more and more of the “WE” signs and closer relations between our Comrades and the VFW Auxiliaries. “We” is the only way that we are going to succeed as “I” never got anything done. Those of you who haven’t joined us should look around and see how it’s working in the Posts and Districts throughout the State. Today, we are 32nd in the Nation at 79.17%. By the time this magazine comes out, I know we will be much higher in the list. I know this because we are Wayne Depute Texans working together to make our Posts, Districts, and State the best it can be.

State Commander The recent endorsements from the National VFW-PAC Committee have certainly caused a great deal of discontent within our National organization. This is not the first time the endorsement list has caused dissension within the VFW. In past years when the PAC endorsements were leaning to the Republican side, the same objections came from our members who were more affiliated with the Democratic party. This is a nowin situation for the VFW and for the Department of Texas VFW. We will always alienate a portion of our membership and this issue detracts from all of the fine work we do and have accomplished in taking care of veterans. All of our accomplishments for 110 years appear to have been forgotten because of the actions of a committee that we in Texas have no voice in.

Therefore, following the lead of the National Commander, I am withdrawing all PAC appointments within the Department of Texas. This action does not detract from the fine work our chairmen have done in raising funds for the National VFW PAC. As you know, Department funds have never been used to support the PAC. Only those voluntary donations raised by Department, District and Post PAC members have been used to support the VFW PAC. I believe that the VFW is better off without a PAC. I ask that those of you who believe that resigning your membership or burning your membership cards is the answer, remember the main focus of our mission. In the past six years, the Texas VFW has provided over $3 million in emergency financial assistance to our active duty troops and more than $500,000 in veterans assistance. We have provided over $500,000 for Operation Uplink, ensuring our troops overseas can call home. We have accomplished more than $15 million in community service activities and over $1 million in scholarships for students. That is what we are about and that is our focus. Endorsing candidates has no merit or benefit to this organization. Let us put this behind us and focus on our accomplishments and what we continue to do every day.

I had the pleasure of representing you at the National Convention. There were over 9,000 delegates present to represent the members of the VFW. That’s far too few to vote on the direction of this organization. Those Posts who were not represented lost their chance to express their concerns. As our Texas All American Commanders were leaving the stage, State Senior Vice Commander John Spahr, State Junior Vice Commander Larry Velasquez, State Chief of Staff John Lozanski and I were there to congratulate and shake their hands. My personal thanks go out to those All American Commanders and Quartermasters for your hard work last year. I know you will all work just as hard this year.

As always, there are many changes, some you will like and some you won’t. We should have, by this time, become accustomed to change. This happens in the VFW as well as it does in life. No organization can grow and thrive without it. So now, we should embrace these changes and move on.

By this time, all Posts should have sent in their Quartermaster Bond, the Service Officer Registration and submitted their donations to the Military Assistance Program and the National Home. There’s no need to wait until Headquarters sends a letter, we’re better than that.

The National Commander’s Homecoming last month was a great success. You will find that your new National Commander is a great Comrade. He is down to earth and very comfortable sitting down with the members and toasting the VFW. But he has a mission and expects the Comrades of Texas and all other states to perform. He is a Marine and wants us to get down into the mud and get the job done.

I would like to thank District 16 for their support and the fun time Millie and I had at our District meeting. I also had the pleasure of being the District 4 representative last month and I thank them for all they did to make Millie and I feel right at home. District 4 Comrades and Ladies Auxiliary alike are great friends of mine and it is always good to go to my sister District. To all the Posts I’ve visited the last couple of months, thank you for your hospitality. By the time this is put to print, I would have been on two Commander’s Bike Rides, one at Post 4380 and the other at Post 3892. Thanks go to our State Motorcycle Units for their support in funding the Voice of Democracy Program. These rides were not only fun but give the riders a chance to demonstrate their dedication to the VFW. Please remember to ask your friends and fellow Veterans if they are eligible and invite them to join our ranks. We need to welcome them with open arms. Thank all of you again for what you do. God bless you, our troops in harm’s way, and all our Veterans and their families. May you and your family enjoy the upcoming holiday season. Also remember our homeless veterans around the state and do our best to make them comfortable during this winter season. n

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The Official Publication of the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Texas VFW News (USPS 008-177). Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and additional mailing offices. Subscription price of $20.00 per calendar year for non-members. Free to all members in good standing.

Published Quarterly by the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 8503 North IH-35, Austin, Texas 78753 Volume LXIV, Number 2, © November 2010. All rights reserved.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Circulation Dept., VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111.

Members Change of Address: Forward address changes to: Data Entry, VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. Be sure to furnish your old address, also your Post number, when requesting change to new address. To ensure accuracy, please clip and enclose your present address as printed on a recent copy of the Texas VFW News magazine.

Advertisers: Electronic Media Kit available at www.texasvfw.org, or request a printed Media Kit at dan@texasvfw.org.

Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Editor www.medianation.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graphic Design DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS........................................ (512) 834-8535

2010-2011 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS Commander Wayne Depute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6378 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468 Austin, TX 78761 Sr Vice John Spahr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8787 . . . . . 116 Trail Of The Flowers, Georgetown, TX 78633 Jr Vice Larry Velasquez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2397 . . . . . . . . . . 4829 Golden Eye, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 Adj/Qm Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3377 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468 Austin, TX 78761 Judge Advocate Ken Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9182 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468 Austin, TX 78761 Surgeon Doc Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3359 . . . . . . . . . . . 2517 Golden Oaks Dr., Garland, TX 75044 Chaplain Bob Dickerson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2451 . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 341136, San Antonio, TX 78234 Chief Of Staff John Lozanski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5076 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1215 Cedar Ridge Rd, Heath, TX 75032 Inspector Ed Maycen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3413 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Pecanwood S, Kyle, TX 78640 Immediate Past CommanderMike Barber . . . . . 3892 . . . . . . . . . 1169 Shine Lane, Harker Heights, TX 76548 Council Member Al Cantu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2397 . . . . . . . . . . . 4009 Tripoli Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78411 Asst Adj Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3413 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468 Austin, TX 78761 Asst Qm Carlos Sustaita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8787 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761 Deputy Inspector Lee Derby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11521 Fm 1484, Conroe, TX 77303 Deputy Inspector Rudy Ostovich . . . . . . . . . . . . 4747 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 745, Burkburnett, TX 76354 Deputy Inspector Red Towers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10427 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 620 Skyview Ter., Leander, TX 78641 Deputy Inspector Joe Hayes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Hwy 36 S, Caddo Mills, TX 75135 Deputy Inspector Keith King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3278 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2406 Belmeade, Brownwood, TX 76801 Deputy Inspector Tish Mccullough . . . . . . . . . . . 4676 . . . . . . . . 5639 Wood Climb St., San Antonio, TX 78233 Officer Of The Day Lonnie Garza . . . . . . . . . . . . 3413 . . . . . . . . . . 1769 Jacobs Ct, New Braunfels, TX 78130

DEPARTMENT VETERANS COUNSELORS Waco – Sandra Covin . . . . . . . . . . . . 15045 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701 Clay St., Waco, TX 76799 Houston – King Beahan . . . . . . . . . . . 3413 . . . . . . . . . . . 6900 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030

2010-2011 DISTRICT COMMANDERS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 28 29 30

Marty Nell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4380 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2712 Laurel Ln, Plano, Tx 75074 Robert Lafleur . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2775 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3528 Whippoorwill, Orange, Tx 77630 Preston Mccormick . . . . . . . . . 5076 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18440 Megan’s Way, Farmersville, Tx 75442 Julia Rosenbaum . . . . . . . . . . 10462 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14007 Wadebridge Way, Houston, Tx 77015 Bill Owen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8456 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2215 Fm 1339, Kingsbury, Tx 78638 Roy Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2375 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 663, Kingsville, Tx 78364 Chuck Ratliff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6797 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 516 W 11Th St., Post, Tx 79356 Ralph Rodriguez, Jr . . . . . . . . . 6873 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 113, Clyde, Tx 79510 Danny Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1657 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 953, Pampa, Tx 79066 Joe Vargas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10436 Tomwood, El Paso, Tx 79925 Steve Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Cr 1540, Mt Pleasant, Tx 75455 Daniel M. Hinojosa . . . . . . . . . . 8134 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 Cr 678 E., Natalia, Tx 78059 Bill Waltz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8577 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315 Chestnut Dr., Copperas Cove, Tx 76522 Bill Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4747 . . . . . . 4600 Jacksboro Hwy #1003, Wichita Falls, Tx 76302 Glenn James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8551 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Primrose, Freeport, Tx 77541 Rick Olivares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4692 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2121 Pantera Dr., Bryan, Tx 77807 Arnold Garza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 5956, Mcallen, Tx 78502 Max Montgomery . . . . . . . . . . . 2033 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 751 Cr 2775, Colmesneil, Tx 75938 Bruce Alford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9174 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6130 Ridge Oak, San Antonio, Tx 78250 Pete Kinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9299 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 Sw Gordon #417, Burleson, Tx 76028 Joe Wysatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6382 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 788, Hallettsville, Tx 77964 Mel Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6284 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5305 Clinton, Odessa, Tx 79762 Larry Konarik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8587 . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Clear Springs Rd., Georgetown, Tx 78628 Harry Munn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Po Box 202, Hewitt, Tx 76643 Horace Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6635 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254 Vzcr 1905, Edgewood, Tx 75117

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Rick Riel from Texas VFW Post 12058 Kyle/Buda was on KVUE Midday News to talk about the importance of POW/MIA Day.

EACH YEAR at the Fall Conference, the Texas Veterans Commission honors an individual or group that exemplifies patriotism in the highest level. This year that individual is Ronnie D. Foster of Texas VFW Post 2150 in McKinney, Texas. He was recognized for his work in starting a website to honor and recognize fallen warriors of Collin County, Texas and raised over $1 million dollars to build a permanent memorial for Collin County Veterans. n

going green to save some green Texas VFW News is looking at solutions to going green that will also save some green. It costs almost $180,000 annually to produce and mail quarterly the Texas VFW News to 82,000 members and subscribers. Effectively utilizing existing communications technology can help us save money and is good for the environment.

We are interested in hearing from you on what solutions you have in helping us become better stewards of our limited funds and reducing our environmental impact. Please email your suggestions, concerns and recommendations to dan@texasvfw.org or by mail to Texas VFW, P.O. Box 14468, Austin, Texas 78761. n

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Photo L-R: Joaquin Mayor Mike Wood (bagpiper), Post Sr. Vice Newton Johnson, Jr., Post Commander John Piersol, Ambassador Ray, Camryn Sisk, Post Quartermaster Larry Hume, and Post Trustee Bill Gray.

ON SATURDAY, JUNE 5TH, Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars rendered Military Funeral Honors for local US Army Veteran Donald Wayne Alexander at Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas. Mr. Alexander’s brother, Ambassador Charles A. Ray returned from his assignment as Ambassador to Zimbabwe to attend the funeral.

Ambassador Ray was appointed to this position by President Obama in December 2009 and prior to that he served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Defense POW/Missing in Action Office. He also served as the Ambassador to Cambodia from 2002-2005 and retired from the United States Army after 20 years of service in the grade of Major in 1982.

Ambassador Ray was born in Center, Texas and raised in Tenaha, Texas. n

Texas VFW Post 2399, Mineral Wells presenting “Keep Mineral Wells Beautiful” with a United States and Texas Flag to replace worn flags. (Pictured L to R: Sr. Vice Commander Walter Choate, Rotary Club Past President Connie Ball, Commander Jay Eastman and Post Service Officer Lee Downs.

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Members of Texas VFW Posts Geronimo (8456), New Braunfels (7110), Canyon VFW (8573), & Startzville (8800) in District 5 went to Canyon Lake Dam for its annual Freedom Walk.Â

Jim Torres, Past Commander of Texas VFW Post 9078 in Round Rock gets ready for the dedication of PFC Robert P. Hernandez, Middle School in Round Rock. Hernandez was the only resident of Round Rock that was killed in Vietnam.

Texas VFW is the OFFICIAL SPONSOR of the Professional Armed Forces Rodeo Association.

Visit them at www.pafra2000.com W W W . T E X A S V F W . O R G

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OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE TEXAS VFW

Texas VFW Post 5619, Bellaire, prepares steaks for 75 Houston VA patients that come the 3rd Sunday of every month. (L-R) Daniel Rodriguez. Manuel Lopez, Commander Rene Guerrero, and Cook, Micky Ables.

Texas VFW female veterans celebrate the grand opening of the new Women’s Health Clinic at the Houston VA Medical Center. (L-R) Sylvia Sanchez, Past D-20 Commander, “State Ladies Auxiliary President Lynne Richards,” D-4 Sr. Vice Commander, Inge Conely, and D-4 Commander, Julia Rosenbaum.

Jesse Castillo and Robert Holtz, members of Texas VFW Post 1815, San Angelo, at the dedication of a Veterans Memorial Bridge in San Angelo, Texas. Not pictured are Larry Quinn and Robert Holtz.

Members of Texas VFW Post 1839, Cleveland have a steak night for paralyzed vets from the VA Hospital every last Thursday of the month at the Post home.

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Past State Commander Gene Warden presents a National VFW Certificate on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the VFW to First Sergeant David McNerney prior to his death on October 10, 2010 at age 79 from lung cancer. 1st Sgt. McNerney was a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor while serving in Vietnam and active volunteer in the Houston area.

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Texas VFW Past District 4 Commander Michael Contreras and Texas VFW State Homeless Chairman Buddy Grantham at the Houston Homeless Veteran Stand Down on August 28, 2010.

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Pat Lobb Toyota of McKinney

www.ToyotaUSMilitary.com

Richard Wilson

S. Central Expressway, McKinney, TXRichard 75070 Wilson Pat Lobb Toyota of McKinney 3350www.ToyotaUSMilitary.com

3350 S. Central Expressway, McKinney, TX 75070

928-303-4555

928-303-4555

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TEXAS VFW

$2,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Benefit No Cost To You â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Beneficiary card

Please PRINT!

Name :__________________________________________________________________________ Last

First

Middle

Address:_________________________________________________________________________

You must fill out and send this form in to be covered by this new benefit for members of the Texas VFW.

City: _____________________________________ State: ____________ Zip: __________________

MAIL FORM TO:

Phone: _________________________________ Date of Birth: ______________________________

American Income Life Insurance

2nd Phone:_______________________________________________________________________

P.O. Box 21266

Email: _ _________________________________________________________________________

Waco, Texas 76702-9755

Beneficiary:______________________________________Relationship:_______________________ p Yes, I want Child Safe Kits for my family.

# of Kits requested: __________

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HE'S ON WATCH. SO ARE WE.

We always watch out for our own. And right now, our fellow veterans need us. Membership dues alone cover only 15% of the cost of VFW programs. With two wars and an aging veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; population, demand is unprecedented. Please donate to your Department mailings. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re counting on us.

Photo: DoD

At Texas VFW Post 880 Galveston’s meeting of Sept 14, 2010, Cindy Josey, the first female member of the Post, proudly presented an American flag that was flown over the command post of Alpha Company 536th Brigade Support Battalion in Baghdad, Iraq.

Cindy Josey joined VFW Post 880 while on active duty serving in Iraq. She was assigned to the 192nd Military Police Battalion. Her duties were to safeguard enemy prisoners while at Camp Cropper F.O.B. in Iraq.

Since returning home to Texas Cindy has been a very active member of Post 880 and is now serving as the Second Year Trustee. Receiving the flag are Post Commander Raul Rodriguez and Post Quartermaster Paul Ray Heinrich.

Texas VFW Motorcycle Riders at Texas VFW Post 4006 in Navasota during the State Commanders Ride.

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CELEBRATING VFW DAY EACH YEAR ON SEPTEMBER 29TH, VFW Day is celebrated at Posts and in communities around the world. It’s a day devoted to the organization and its dedicated members who are so deeply committed to serving those who bravely serve this nation.

This year marks the 111th year since the VFW was established. On this date in 1899, a small group of Spanish-America war veterans joined together to form what would become the nation’s largest and most dedicated group of combat veterans.

For 111 years the VFW has been unwavering in its devotion “to honor the dead by helping the living.” VFW and its Auxiliary members carry out this mission by promoting good will, patriotism and youth scholarship.

Their commitment is demonstrated through national veterans and legislative services, military assistance and community service programs, youth activities and scholarship programs, as well as millions of volunteer hours in their local communities each year.

Show your support by honoring all members and veterans in your community.

Today everyone is invited to celebrate the tradition of continuous service and steadfast devotion that defines the VFW.

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Texas VFW Foundation helps veterans in need To the Texas Veteran s of Foreign Wars,

My name is Trina Argo and I am the wife of SG T Robert Argo. I wante the VFW “THANK YO d to tell U” for saving us! I don’t know why the military paying Robby, but it ha stopped s really taken a HUGE toll on our family. We ha always lived paycheck to ve paycheck and it has bee n just enough to scrape get the things we need. W by and hen we don’t get paid on time, we can’t pay bills, baby formula or diaper get s, or put gas in our trucks . The VFW has really hel ped us.

Because we are so gratef ul for the grant you gave us, we are going to “pay it forward” by buying life time memberships for bo th my husband and me would also love to start and we volunteering. We have always wanted to join the but have never been ab VFW le to come up with the money. When his paych up, we can afford to pu ecks catch t that money back in. W e have a young son, and has an 8 year old from Robby a previous marriage. W e want to teach them ab back and show them tha out giving t it not always about get ting things, but that giv much better! As a child, ing is so my father taught me wh en you have a “little ext should give to someone ra” you who doesn’t have any.

The VFW has not only helped my family but the y have also done a lot for unit. We owe ya’ll! Again our , thank you so much. W e are extremely grateful.

Trina M. Argo • The Texas VFW Foundation Veterans Assistance Program is available to any Texas veteran with an honorable discharge regardless of where or what time they served.

• Funds for this program come from individual donations from veterans and veteran supporters like yourself, charitable foundations and from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans Assistance derived from the proceeds of the “Veterans Cash” Texas Lottery Scratch-Off game.

• The Veterans Assistance Program is not an entitlement program and not all veterans who apply will receive a financial grant and those awarded a grant will not directly receive any funds.

• 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 website www.texasvfw.org or by emailing the Foundation at foundation@texasvfw.org or by calling 1-800-997-7096.

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Texas VFW Foundatio n, August 10, 2010 I would like to express my deep gratitude for the fin ancial assistance that the Texa s VFW Foundation appro ved to help me.

It has been very difficult to adjust to the loss of inc ome after the death of my husband Sil as R. Sitzes, a Korean Wa r Veteran.

The grant has enabled me to feel alive again an d kn ow there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have been able to take care of several outstanding fin ancial obligations which have been haunting me.

I cannot express how tha nkful I am to your Foun dation for its generous help. I thank God that there are organ iza tions’ like you to help individuals like myself.

Sincerely, Margaret Sitzes

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Texas VFW Post 3278, Brownwood, celebrated its 75th anniversary. L-R: Past District 8 Commander Keith King, VFW Post 3278 Ladies Aux President Dee Denison, and VFW Post 3278 Commander James Masters.

Texas VFW Post 5076 in Garland held their annual Kids Day hosting 32 kids from the local community. They fingerprinted all the kids and had information cards for their parents to fill out with immunization records, current pictures, identification info, etc. Each child was also presented with several pamphlets regarding child safety and a complete set of school supplies. Each also was taught what the pledge of allegiance means.

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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 Community Volunteerism Name: _________________________________________________Email: _ ________________________________________

First Middle Last (Suffix – Sr., Jr., etc.)

Funding College Scholarships Phone Cards for Troops Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Supporting Youth Groups City:______________________________ State:____________ Zip:______________ Phone:____________________________ Emergency Financial Assistance Supporting Memorials Date of Birth: _____________________________ (MM/DD/YYYY) Assisting Veterans with Earned Entitlements

Military Service: p Army Current Status: I served in:

p Air Force

p Coast Guard

p Navy

p Marines

p Active Duty p Veteran p National Guard/Reserve p Pre-World War II p Korean War 1950-54 p Desert Shield/Storm p Afghanistan 2001 p World War II p Korea 1955 p Bosnia/Kosovo 1995 p Iraq 2003 p WW II Occupation p Vietnam 1958-75 p Global War on Terrorism – Expeditionary 2001 p 1945 – 55 (Europe, Korea, Japan) p Expeditionary Operations 1958 – 2003 (Thailand, Grenada, Libya, Panama, Haiti, Somalia, etc.) p 1945 – 90 (Berlin)

Qualified recipient of: p Imminent Danger/Hostile Fire Pay

p *SSBN Nuclear Deterrent Patrol*

*Period Covered: ______________________________________ (Required for applicants with no other reported qualifying service).

I would like to join the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars as a: p Annual Member ($35)

p Life Member*

p Life 12 Mo. Install* ($35 Initial payment)

Life Membership Fee Schedule Attained age on 12/31

Through age 30 31 – 40 41 – 50 51 – 60 61 – 70 71 – 80 81 and over

One Time Payment

Life 12 Month Payment Plan

$425.00 $410.00 $375.00 $335.00 $290.00 $225.00 $170.00

$40.39 $39.02 $35.84 $32.20 $28.11 $22.20 $17.20

Installment Payment Plan Terms and Conditions: The VFW Life Membership installment plan allows any VFW member/applicant to purchase a Life Membership by making either 11 or 23 monthly installments after an initial payment of $35.00. The member/applicant will be issued a “Provisional Life” membership card and can elect, upon receipt of first monthly invoice, to pay via check, credit card or ACH Debit. The monthly fee (Shown in the payment schedule above) includes a $1.75 monthly service fee. The applicable Life Membership fee is to be determined from the schedule using the applicants age on December 31 of the installment plan year in which the application is submitted, regardless of actual date of birth. A permanent Life Membership card will be issued upon completion of this agreement. No refund of any portion of current year annual dues will be made. A “Payoff amount” will be printed on each monthly invoice, allowing the member the option to pay in full at anytime during the installment plan, thereby avoiding additional service fees.

If the member pays off early, no additional monies will be collected.

I attest by forwarding this application that I am a citizen of the United States, that I qualify for the VFW and that my Campaign Service was honorable, and that I have never been discharged under other than honorable conditions or I am still serving honorably in the armed forces of the United States of America.

I further give authority to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to verify my entitlement to membership in the VFW and that if no proof can be found or provided that I am subject to discharge from the VFW without refund.

Signature:___________________________________________________________________Date: ______________________________________________ Include membership payment by check or money order (DO NOT SEND CASH) or pay by credit card.

p Mastercard p Visa p Discover p American Express

Credit Card Number:_ ________________________________________________________

Exp. Date: ____ ____/____ ____ $_____________________ Mail to: Texas VFW • P.O. Box 14468 • Austin, Texas 78761

For questions call: (512) 834-8535

Need Health Insurance?

In d i v i d u a l & Fa m i l y M e d i c a l P l a n s S h o r t-Te r m P l a n s

Call or go online to learn more!

Dear editor:

g men, one from Virginia and one A little over 42 years ago two youn Dix from US Army basic training at Ft. from North Carolina, graduated man Roll e Bruc s. way went their separate New Jersey after which they both ed plet com ite Wh rge ineer OCS while Geo went on to Infantry AIT and Eng ed, serv both first lieutenants artillery AIT and Artillery OCS. As Vietnam, Bruce with the 101st ps Cor I in r, unbeknownst to the othe After the 2nd Battalion, 94th Artillery.

Airborne Division and George with ugh Thro ed. retir nal careers and leaving the Army both had professio nd Rock, Texas, VFW Post 9078 Rou in up ed end some twist of fate both connection. but still had no idea of their earlier or Vice, rge, Commander, and Bruce, Seni During a recent VFW picnic Geo soon r basic training experience and had a conversation regarding thei a long during the same time period. In realized they both went to Ft. Dix y D, pan located the â&#x20AC;&#x153;yearbookâ&#x20AC;? for Com forgotten place in his attic Bruce ent Training Brigade. To his amazem 3rd Battalion, 2nd Basic Combat both self, but also of George! They had he found a photo, not only of him er emb pany which graduated Sept been in the same basic training com this truly is a small world. The 26, 1968 proving once again that ing the left and Bruce on the right hold attached photo shows George on s. their basic training glamour shot

VFW-Sponsored Heal th Insurance Program

(800) 829-8390

www.vfwinsurance.com Not all plans available in all states.

Administered by Lockton Risk Services.

Bruce Rollman Sr. Vice Post 9078

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Get Your Official “Texas VFW” Gear Auxiliary Logos Now Available

Texas VFW Ball Cap — $16.00 Show your Texas Pride with a our new “Texas VFW” Ball Cap, complete with Texas VFW, Texas flag and your choice of emblem embroidered on the front. Available in White, Red and Blue: one size fits most. Imported.

Navy Polo Shirt with Pocket Texas VFW and your choice of emblem on right chest.

53% Cotton, 47% Microfiber, dri-balance performance material. Imported.

VFW Logo Men’s pocket shirt – Stock #7942 VFW Logo Ladies’ no pocket shirt – Stock #7944 Men’s Aux Emblem – Stock #7948 Ladies Aux. Emblem No Pocket Shirt – Stock #7946 S-XL – $33.00 2XL – $34.50 3XL – $36.00 4XL – $38.00

VFW Emblem W7359 – White R7359 – Red B7359 – Blue VFW Ladies Aux. Emblem W7966 – White R7966 – Red B7966 – Blue VFW Men’s Aux. Emblem W7967 – White R7967 – Red B7967 – Blue

Caps & Shirts now available with Ladies and Mens Auxiliary Emblems!

Texas VFW Polo Shirt What better way to show off your Texas attitude than with a “Texas VFW” shirt. Made of 100% cotton knit with “Texas VFW” and your choice of emblem embroidered on left chest.

Customized buttons with the five point Texas Star with Texas spelled out reminiscent of the first Texas flag known as the “Bonnie Blue” flag. Patriotic collar and sleeve cuffs with the Texas Flag image on left sleeve. Imported.

VFW Emblem – Stock #7360 VFW Emblem Ladies Style – Stock #7361 Men’s Aux Emblem – Stock #7949 Ladies Aux Emblem & Style Shirt – Stock #7947 Price $35.00 for S-XL; 2XL Add $2.50; 3XL Add $4.50; 4XL Add $5.50.

For custom embroidery options you can may up to 2 lines of text on the right chest for an additional $5.00.

The overseas cap was the first introduced in World War I and is America’s first military uniform item denoting war time service.

Light weight style overseas cap with the Cross of Malta Emblem, letters VFW above the Post number and state name.

Additional lettering is available at .88 per letter or numeral. No reduction in price if state name is abbreviated. *STATE AND POST NUMBER TO BE ON CAP. *SIZE 8 AND LARGER ADD $5.00. *FORT KNOX STYLE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. *CAP MAY BE LETTERED WITH THE WORDS “VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS” for an additional $18.48; LIFE MEMBER embroidered for an additional $8.80; or a Life Member patch for an additional $2.55. Green, lightweight, shade51. Allow 8 weeks for manufacture except during April, May, June, & July. During these months allow 10 weeks.

T E X A S

M6251 Light Weight Members Cap, Gold Piping M6251Uniform Caps & Accessories

Price: $32.45

V F W

1849 Texas VFW Men’s Bulova Quartz Medallion Watch Quality Bulova watch with date feature and two-tone silver and gold clasp band.

Medallion VFW emblem on face with Texas VFW.

Price: $249.00

TEXAS VFW Velour Throw Beautiful, soft and luxurious microfibre throw, with TEXAS VFW embroidered in corner. Machine washable for easy care. 100% polyester. 50” x 60”

1992 — $28.99

Podium Edition, Combined Congressional Charter, By-Laws, and Ritual Wire bound, 5 x 81/2” book, lies flat when opened to any section.

Large type, loose-leaf format. Book or CD.

4108 — Book……...$6.90 25 or more, each….$6.30 D4108 — CD ………$5.00

A C C E S S O R I E S

Note: If there is a need to exchange or return jewelry items, please contact the Supply Department for return authorization before doing so. Watches have, in the past few years, become very stylish and the factories change the appearance of them often. Therefore, the watch you receive may differ in appearance from our illustrations, but will be as good or better in quality.

!

N U F r o f T S JU A soldier, a Marine, and an airman got into a fight about which service is best, the Army, the Marines or the Air Force. The fight was so heated, that they killed each other.

Soon, they found themselves in Heaven. They see St. Peter walk by and ask, “Which Branch of Service is the best?”

St. Peter replied, “I can’t answer that. But, I will ask God what He thinks the next time I see Him.” Some time later, the three see St. Peter again and ask him if he was able to find the answer.

Suddenly, a dove landed on St. Peter’s shoulder. The dove was carrying a note in its beak. St. Peter opened the note and read it out loud to the three fellows: “Gentlemen: All the Branches of the Service are ‘Honorable and Noble.’

Each one of you has served your country well. Be proud of that.”

(Signed) GOD, USN (Ret.) Having passed the enlistment physical, Sam was asked by the doctor, “Why do you want to join the Navy, son?”

“My father said it’d be a good idea, sir.”

“Oh? And what does your father do?”

As he was drilling a batch of recruits, the sergeant saw that one of them was marching out of step. Walking up next to the man as they marched, he said sarcastically: “Do you know they are all out of step except you?” “What?” asked the recruit innocently. “I said they are all out of step except you!” thundered the sergeant. The recruit replied, “Well, Sarge, you’re in charge — you tell them!”

“He’s in the Army, sir.”

One of my husband’s duties as a novice drill instructor at Fort Jackson, S.C., was to escort new recruits to the mess hall. After everyone had made it through the chow line, he sat them down and told them, “There are three rules in this mess hall: Shut up! Eat up! Get up!”

Checking to see that he had everyone’s attention, he asked, “What is the first rule?” Much to the amusement of the other instructors, 60 privates yelled in unison, “Shut up, Drill Sergeant!”

The Marines were backing up LAPD on a call that someone had broken into a store during the LA riots.

At the scene, the cop told the Marines to “cover” him as he approached the store (to police, “cover” means to point your weapons in the direction of the threat, to Marines it means lay down a base of fire!).

The Marines promptly laid down a base of fire. The Marines fired several hundred rounds before the cop could them to stop shooting.

The thief, more than a little scared at this point, called 911 and reported in a frantic and panicked voice, “I was stealing a TV and they’re shooting at me!”

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Texas VFW Post 9078 Round Rock conducts a POW MIA ceremony on Sep 17th, 2010 with District 28.