O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E D E PA R T M E N T O F T E X A S V E T E R A N S O F F O R E I G N W A R S | S P R I N G 2 0 1 6
TEXAS VFW
COMMUNITY
TEXAS VFW MAGAZINE
FIRST PLACE WINNER 2016 NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS CONTEST
EVENTS
THE PRICE OF
LIBERTY
RECEIVES TEXAS VFW DONATION
TEXAS VFW
FOUNDATION
THANKS ITS DONORS
Time Warner Cable employs more than 4,000 veterans. NOW HIRING FOR: Field Technicians Network Operations Center (NOC) Techs Direct Sales Representatives Customer Care Representatives Engineering And more twc.com/military
“The Price of Liberty” Memorial page 12
In the News
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Texas VFW makes $10,000 donation to memorial fund.
5 Veterans at Community Events
6 Veterans at Community Events
Operation Desert Storm page 18
8 Flag Ceremonies
9 Homeless Veterans Stand Down
Texas VFW Posts remember Operatioin Desert Storm.
Serving Veterans Since 1899
What Does The Texas VFW Offer You? Camaraderie with fellow Veterans • Community Networking & Involvement • Remembrance Programs • Full time support of today’s service members • Programs for families and youth • Full Time Watchdog on Capitol Hill & at the Texas Legislature • Free representation in VA claims • An award-winning magazine Contributions: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials, or photographs are welcomed but cannot be returned unless sender provides SASE. Texas VFW News will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and drawings. Submission of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish all or in part. Please send your comments, suggestions, ideas and Post activities to: Texas VFW P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761 or by email to dan@texasvfw.org Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and are not to be construed as those of the publisher nor as official views of the Texas VFW, the National VFW or any of its agencies, unless otherwise made manifest by writers or spokespersons acting on behalf of the foregoing. Advertising of products and services herein does not imply endorsement or approval of the Texas VFW. Advertising is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services are accurately described. Ads that contain fraudulent, deceptive or misleading statements or illustrations, or in the opinion of the Texas VFW News may be offensive, are not knowingly accepted. If you encounter noncompliance, please tell us. For Information Regarding: Unit reunions, general orders, taps, seeking, District Meetings and other topics please visit www.texasvfw.org.
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CONTENTS
The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars www.texasvfw.org
Commander’s Column
10 Texas VFW Foundation
12 Texas VFW Shows Support for Memorial
14 “Remembering Our Fallen” on Display
16 Sinking of the USS Maine
18 Operation Desert Storm
19 Texas VFW Application
22 Kosovo Campaign
23 Somalia Campaign
24 Texas VFW Post 8315 Remembers Somalia
Upcoming Events
21 Officer Training Seminar
ABOUT THE COVER
Texas VFW District 15, Post 2676, Windthorst, Texas—Post members pose with airmen from Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas at the “Cowboy True” community event that commemorates the cowboy way of life and introduces the public to Cowboy art and culture. VFW members assisted in serving the airmen breakfast cooked by the local “Crossroads Gang” cooking group and visited with the airmen. For the airmen in training this was their first time off base.
OFFICIAL PUBLICAT I O N O F T H E D E PA R T MENT OF TEXAS VET ERANS OF FOREIGN WARS | SPRING 2 016
TEXAS VFW
TEXAS VFW MAGAZINE
FIRST PLACE WINNER
2016 NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS CONT EST
COMMUNITY EVENTS
THE PRICE OF
LIBERTY
RECEIVES TEXAS VFW DONATION
TEXAS VFW
FOUNDATION
THANKS ITS DON
ORS
Flippable Online Version of this magazine is available at www.texasvfw.org. Texas VFW News | Spring 2016
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STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN THIS YEAR HAS BEEN A TRULY LEGENDARY YEAR where I saw firsthand that the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars is supported by an extremely dedicated and committed group of war veterans and Auxiliary patriots that give selflessly of their time and expertise. As your State Commander I have had the honor of being involved in many meetings across the state with private businesses and governmental entities where I could brag on the volunteers of the Texas VFW/ Auxiliary and the great and wonderful things they do in communities all across Texas. I have developed a deeper understanding for our State Adjutant/Quartermaster and what it takes to run a non-profit membership association such as the Texas VFW:—the strategic and financial planning that is required, while at the same time keeping all the members informed; maintaining the honor and integrity of our mission statement as spelled out in the Congressional Charter, while still being open to innovative change; and serving as good stewards of our limited financial resources. While I have been involved with the business operations at the State level for over a decade now, I can say that this year has been a significant learning curve for me, and one I learned a great deal from. The past few years of serving in the state chairs have also taught me the value of having a positive and enthusiastic group of dedicated comrades and leaders at all levels. I have witnessed our members giving tirelessly of their time to enhance the image and productivity of their Post, District, State and National VFW. As this year comes to a close, I want to acknowledge that you have all played a very important part in making the Texas VFW a better more productive place, while still having some fun, that will serve not only the veterans of today but also future generations of veterans. I also need to acknowledge just how much I have been shaped by my colleagues and friends over the last three years. I have a myriad of experiences, too many to mention, that have impacted on my life in a memorable and meaningful way. What follows barely scratches the surface of all that I have learned over the years, but bear with me as I make mention of some of these memories. That it takes a group of very special people to commit to their volunteer jobs on a daily basis. That our Posts are maintained on a daily basis by a group of smiling and cheerful individuals who choose to be happy, and those who are not will call and tell you about it. That if your computer is broken and you approach it mumbling under your breath with the odd uncensored word and a sharp kick to the hard drive, it will quite miraculously resume working. That we have a cadre of very dedicated and professional staff at the State Headquarters. We are fortunate to have each one, as they have gone above and beyond in helping every Post and District be as successful as they want to be. That a cup of coffee before the District meeting starts with members and friends you only see a few times a year is precious and worth every moment. I am most appreciative of the respect that I was always treated with in every Post and District and cherish the friends I have made along the way. Very importantly, I have learned, that we are exposed to phenomenal opportunities for serving not just our newest generation of veterans but all veterans, of that I have no doubt, and I have equally learned that we should fully appreciate them as to many of them are being asked to answer the call to higher headquarters. And then you’ll be glad to hear, I have learned, that the only thing you should ever lie awake at night worrying about, is not Post canteen issues, missing audits, or even membership stats, but did I bring my VFW hat with me and where is it? The Texas VFW and Auxiliary is an awesome organization filled with some of the most wonderful patriotic, honest and friendly people (and a few obstinate ones) you could ever meet. It is indeed an honor to stand next to each of you. I am extremely grateful for the privilege of being able to serve each of you as your State Commander for the 2015-2016 year and the support that I was given throughout the years. Since everyone wants to know what I am going to do next—I’m going to lose weight. See you at the gym. n
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Texas VFW News | Spring 2016
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 LXX, Number 4, © May 2016. 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
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 20, POST 7108, HELOTES, TEXAS—
Post members donated an all-terrain wheelchair produced by Action Track Chair out of Austin, Texas on March 4, 2016. The donation was made to the Spinal Cord Injury Center at the Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. The Action Track Chair is a tracked all-terrain mobility device for use of disabled persons which allows the operator to go places that cannot be reached with a standard power-chair or scooter. Fundraising efforts, the vast majority, by Post 7108 and donations from several other District 20 VFW Posts including 1533, 4676, 8541 and 9174 made this project possible. Those present for the donation were from left to right; Anne Robinson, President Paralyzed Veterans; Arthur Young, Post 7108 Sr.-Vice Commander; Rolando S. Webber, Post 7108 Commander; Gil Cadena, Past Post Commander; Margaret Cadena, Jr. Vice President of Post 7108 Auxiliary; Yolanda Guajardo, Post 7108 Auxiliary President; Armando Gonzales, Post 9174 Commander; Phil Medellin, TXVFW MG Unit 30-7108 Chairman and donation committee member.
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 15, POST 2676, WINDTHORST, TEXAS—Post
Commander Bill Vieth presents the VFW JROTC Leadership Award to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Alondra Hurtado, Wichita Falls High School, at the annual Military Ball, Banquet and Awards Ceremony.
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 18, POST 7473, ELSA, TEXAS—Post members present a Teacher Educator Award to Mrs. Brenda
Cantu-Cavazos, District 18 winner, her achievements at a local elementary school. Post members also recognized Linda Gonzalez, a local middle school teacher from the McAllen Post 8788, and Nikki Rowe, a local high school teacher from Post 2369. Texas VFW News | Spring 2016
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TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 28, POST 8787, AUSTIN, TEXAS—
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 3, POST 3530, DALLAS, TEXAS—“Doc” Howard, State
Surgeon, leads the Pledge of Allegiance at the opening of the North Texas Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Program at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas on March 18th. District 3 assisted VA North Texas in hosting the event by supplying the food and paying for the event venue.
Post member races in the Memorial Hermann Ironman, The Woodlands, Texas, May 14. Caleb Marlow sports a Texas VFW uniform while he races spreading awareness of the Texas VFW organization. The front of the uniform has Texas VFW and the logo and the back has “No one does more for veterans.”
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 5, POST 7110, NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS—
Post members participate in a local Easter event that included and Easter Egg Hunt and prizes. Commander read raffle numbers and Comrade Dave Hall assisted with the distribution of the children’s gift baskets.
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 29, POST 2148, WACO, TEXAS—State Surgeon
“Doc” Howard and Deputy State Chief of Staff Roger DeWeese participate in the Post’s monthly visit to the VA Hospital PTSD and Blind Rehabilitation Wards. There are over 30 certified volunteers from Post 2148 who work with the patients at the VA Hospital in Waco. This time the members joined the patients for chicken dinner. “It was a great time, as it always is, and this Post does great work at this facility,” said Doc Howard. 6
Texas VFW News | Spring 2016
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 24, POST 4146, VICTORIA, TEXAS—New Tex Mex restaurant
“El Guerrerence” opened in Victoria and contained a large flagpole in front erected by previous owners. It had no flags and sat idle for months. District 24 Sr. Vice Commander Mat Offe approached the new owners and asked if his Post members could donate and raise the American and POW/ MIA flags in honor of all veterans. The owner was so elated he assisted the Sr. Vice Commander in the endeavor. When asked if the Mexican state of Guerrero (where he was from originally) had its own flag, he answered, “I don’t know because I am proud to be an American.” Sr. Vice Commander thanked him for his help in honoring veterans all across America and wished him great success in his new business.
TEXAS VFW POST 1907, NORMANGEE, TEXAS—Post members,
along with the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, performed a flag retirement ceremony at the Normangee, Texas Veterans Memorial Park. Students from Normangee Elementary School were present. The children were very attentive and school staff were excited that the children were able to participate in the ceremony.
TEXAS VFW POST MEMBERS RAISE U.S. FLAG FOR OPENING CEREMONY—On March 16, 2016, VFW Helotes
Post 7108 was asked to raise the flag for the opening ceremony of the new Walmart Neighborhood Store on 1560 FM, San Antonio, Texas. Senior Vice Commander Arthur Young and the Junior Vice Commander Knowles TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 18, POST 8788, MCALLEN, TEXAS— Atchison proudly raised the U.S. Flag at 07:30 a.m. while Post members held a Flag Retirement Ceremony where they retired over 800 U.S. Flags. the crowd said the Pledge to the Allegiance.
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Texas VFW News | Spring 2016
This Memorial Day, please consider donating in memoriam to a fallen service member/veteran. Please visit texasvfw.org for more information.
Thank you to our generous donors. Your contributions have made huge differences in the lives of Texas veterans. $1,000+
$500+
Post 2427 Post 3359 Post 3903 Post 4372 Aux 4372 Post 4709 Post 7110 Post 8200 Post 837 Post 8456 Post 8573 Communities Foundation of Texas District 17 Dorothy S. Fitch MG Unit – 17 MG Unit – State Sustainable Food Center VFW of Arizona Charities
Post 4816 Post 5621 Post 8800 Post 912 Post 9174 Bobbi Dangerfield District 3 Shawn Duffy C. Le Khai Larry Koser Aux 4145 Aux 4709 Aux 6111 Aux 8200 R&S Wolf Family Fund
$250+ Post 7207 Mike Barber (Past State Commander) Aux 3278 Aux 4146 Aux 7108 Aux 7110
Aux 8230 Aux 8790 Aux 9174 Aux 9182 Dan West (Commander)
$100+ Post 3904 Post 2972 Aux 4815 Aux 7873 Post 8111 Post 8936 Post 9213 Kelly Barz Carrico and Associates Realtors Verne Cummings Charles Greer Brett Hamilton Terry Hawkins Kerrie Heck Howard Family Charitable Trust Robert Hyneman
Dean Koller Aux 3892 Aux 4008 Aux 5400 Aux 6873 Aux 7208 Aux 8551 Aux 8904 Aux 8905 Aux 912 Aux 9168 Joy Logsdon Roger Mansfield Marion and Lynette Punch Family Trust Jack E. Martyn Chad McDougan J. Heith Moles P.E.C. United Charities, Inc. Bart Pride Gerald E. Stone Elizabeth Tamm Michelle Warner Jim Wheeler
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 News | Spring 2016
VFW DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION AND POSTS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE TEXAS WAR MEMORIAL SHORTLY AFTER THE TEXAS MIDWINTER ROUND UP, State Commander Dan West and the Department of Texas Council of Administration approved a donation of $10,000 to support the Texas War Memorial. Setting a leader’s example, Commander West told the Texas War Memorial Chairman, James Stryker, “Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars is totally committed to seeing this project completed honoring those men and women who have gone into harm’s way in Iraq and Afghanistan and the families they leave behind.” The Memorial titled “The Price of Liberty” honors Texas Fallen and all Global War on Terror (GWOT) Veterans and their Families. Following the Texas Council of Administration’s lead, other VFW Posts have jumped on board to support the Memorial in a big way. No other military organizations come close to the donations received by the Texas VFW. The total donated by Texas VFW Posts and Auxiliaries is $5,975. Posts and Auxiliaries who have shown their support for the Texas War Memorial and the 225,000 Texas Veterans and their Families are Post 1820, Temple; Milton Brenner Post 3909, Rosenberg; Helotes Auxiliary Post 7108, San Antonio; Floyd E. Breedlove Post 9182, Katy; Sherman Auxiliary Post 2772, Sherman; Harlandale Memorial Auxiliary Post 4815, San Antonio; and Post 3413, San Marcos. To see the amounts the Posts and Auxiliaries have donated and for more information on how to donate, visit texaswarmemorial.com/ group-donors. It is images of the sacrifice by the GWOT Service Members and their Families that inspired “The Price of Liberty.” The monument portrays Lady Liberty extracting “The Price of Liberty” by drawing the Service Member away from his wife and child. The little girl holds a triangular funeral flag, foretelling of the possible outcome and symbolizing the sacrifice. Military Families face challenges that many non-service families do not face.
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Texas VFW News | Spring 2016
In addition to the art bronze memorial for the Texas Capitol, a “Living Memorial” exists, in the form of an online repository to archive and communicate the history of Texans in the Global War on Terror. The stories are powerful. If you are interested in reading and listening to the stories, follow this link texaswarmemorial.com/living-memorial. Texan Staff Sergeant Bryan Burgess, 82nd Airborne, killed in Afghanistan, was featured in the documentaries, “No Greater Love,” http://nglfilm.com/ and “The Hornet’s Nest.” Bryan’s father, Terry, posted this story at the Living Memorial texaswarmemorial.com/ living-memorial-for-bryan-a-burgess. If you served after 9/11 please share your story or encourage someone you know to do so. It is a way to healing and understanding for those who did not live it. texaswarmemorial.com/instructions Please show your VFW Post and Auxiliary pride and contribute today or help with your personal contributions by mail to Texas War Memorial, 3706 Crawford Street, Austin, TX 78731; or via the website http://TexasWarMemorial.com. n Texas War Memorial is a §501 (c)(3) organization and your donations are deductible as provided under IRC §501 (c)(3). For more information about the Memorial, to request a presentation at your location, or to request interviews, please contact James Stryker at 832-820-6655 or Staff@ TexasWarMemorial.com.
Mission: to build and place “The Price of Liberty” Memorial Statue at the Texas Capitol. The monument will honor service members from all branches of service, and their families, who served in the Global War on Terror, after September 11, 2001. Legislation requires an endowment for future maintenance and upkeep of the monument. The project is to be at no cost to Texas taxpayers.
2017
2016 CRIS VIEYRA, JR. For
State Junior Vice Commander A VFW member since 1976, he has served in leadership capaci�es at the Post, District and State levels earning recogni�on as an All‐State and All‐American District Commander in 2013‐14. Currently ac�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 re�red and fully dedicated to the VFW.
Serving Veterans Past & Present
TEXAS VFW SLATED TO DISPLAY WAR MEMORIAL AT STATE CONVENTION THE TEXAS EXHIBIT OF “REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN” is a war memorial that commemmorates our country’s fallen from The War on Terror since the Twin Towers fell on September 11, 2001 will be on exhibit at the Department of Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 96th State Convention located at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in Dallas, Texas, June 15-19, 2016. The war memorial is a traveling memorial and consists of individual state memorials displaying military and personal photos of our fallen who called that state home and died from physical wounds suffered in the war zone while wearing our country’s uniform. “Remembering Our Fallen” is a somber remembrance of the utmost sacrifice made by over 600 Texans who were killed in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Texas exhibit is one of 18 state memorials that travels the U.S. to honor those who have given their life in defense of this country and to educate those who are now only beginning to realize the sacrifice made for this great nation. ‘Freedom isn’t Free.’ With this display, the 75,000 members of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars would like to honor and remember those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom and invites anyone who would like to honor those who made that sacrifice. Visitors can write a personal message for a service member, which becomes part of the permanent display. For more information about the State Convention or how to join our team visit our website at www.texasvfw.org. n
MANUEL O. (MANNY) RIVAS TEXAS VFW PAST STATE COMMANDER 1977-1978 Manuel O. (Manny) Rivas passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016. He was 91 years old.
F.E. “GENE” WARDEN, State Commander for 1993-1994 passed away after a long fight with several health issues. He retired from the military and served in Vietnam and was recognized as an All-State and All-American Post, and District Commander and is a recipient of the J.T. Rutherford award. Prior to serving as the State Commander he also served as the State Inspector in 85-86, State Judge Advocate in 86-87 & 87-88 and as the State Jr. Vice Commander 1991-92 and Sr. Vice Commander 1992-93. He worked tirelessly for the VFW at the Post, District and State levels and served on numerous National level committees.
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Texas VFW News | Spring 2016
Manny was elected as the Department of Texas VFW State Commander in July of 1977 at the 57th State Annual Convention. A member of VFW Post 5615 in El Paso, Texas, Manny also served as the State Surgeon (1972-1973) and two terms as the District 10 Commander (1959-1960 and 1961-1962). Born June 3, 1925, in El Paso, Manny served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He was with the 1st Marine Division in the Asiatic Pacific area, New Guinea, Peleliu, Okinawa, and North China where he received the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the China Service Medal. When elected, Manny was employed as a veteran’s service officer for El Paso County. Manny was very active in the Scouting Program with the VFW. Cards and condolences may be sent to the Rivas Family, 3405 Kirkwall Street, El Paso, Texas 79925.
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SINKING OF THE USS MAINE TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 18, POST 2369, MCALLEN, TEXAS—Post members hold a Sinking of the USS Maine remembrance program.
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 19, POST 6899, TRINITY, TEXAS —Post members
presented a video presentation of USS Maine’s history and the chaplain said a prayer.
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 25, POST 6797, POST, TEXAS—Post and Auxiliary members gather together to commemorate the sinking of the USS Maine. Photo taken by Quartermaster JW Jolly III.
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 14, POST 1820, TEMPLE, TEXAS—Post
members presented the history of the Sinking of the USS Maine and handed out flyers to children and adults who attended the event to commemorate the sinking of the USS Maine.
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 5, POST 12058, KYLE, TEXAS—Post members
held a USS Maine remembrance program where public was invited and a breakfast was provided.
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Texas VFW News | Spring 2016
Texas VFW News | Spring 2016
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OPERATION DESERT STORM TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 16, POST 5237 ALVIN, TEXAS—Post members Steve Davenport, Linda Michalak, and TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 21, POST 12152, CLEBURNE, Charles Michalak placed flags and flowers at the Alvin War Memorial TEXAS—Post members and guest gathered together and read the history Monument to remember Operation Desert Storm. (Photo by William (Bill) T.) of Operation Desert Storm.
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 12, POST 5870, QUEEN CITY, TEXAS—Post members lower and raise the flag in remembrance of Operation Desert Storm.
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Texas VFW News | Spring 2016
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 News | Spring 2016
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HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS PROGRAM
Available to Service Disabled Veterans Grow your Business by Becoming HUB Certified
T
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 Area’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
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*Refer to group name as “Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - 2016 Officer Training Seminar”
26th State Officer Training Seminar Registration Form NO REFUNDS AFTER JULY 3, 2016 *LIMITED TO FIRST 300 PAID ONLY* CUT OFF DATE IS JUNE 26, 2016. If paying for multiple attendees please make additional copies of this form and submit along with payment by credit card or check. MAIL or FAX $75 Payment and Completed Form to: Texas VFW P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761 or Fax: (512) 834-9232. Name: _____________________________ Post/Aux #: ___________ Dist. #: ______ Phone #: (_____) ____________________ Address: _______________________________________________ City: _______________________ State: _____ Zip: ________ Email: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ *Make checks payable to Texas VFW. A $3.00 credit card processing fee will be applied if paying by credit card.*
Texas VFW News | Spring 2016
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KOSOVO CAMPAIGN TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 18, POST 3895, LA JOYA, TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 28, POST 3377, MANCHACA, TEXAS—Post members commemorated the Kosovo Campaign at the TEXAS—Post Commander and members hold a Kosovo Campaign Alfredo Gonzalez State VA Home on Saturday, March 24, 2016.
remembrance program by the Post’s static display airplane in Manchaca, Texas.
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 9, POST 1657, PAMPA, TEXAS—Post
members hold a Kosovo Campaign remembrance program where they discussed the history of the event.
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 24, POST 6382, HALLETTSVILLE, TEXAS—Post Members honored
Kosovo Air Campaign. A meal was served to veterans and guests along with a reading by Jr. Vice Commander Don Jones.
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 20, POST 4853, JOURDANTON, TEXAS—Post members
hold a Kosovo Campaign remembrance program. L-R: Juan Prieyo, Treutt Whitmire, Tero Cumpian, SethSrtterberg, Jeff Rankin, and Steve Mueller.
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Texas VFW News | Spring 2016
SOMALIA CAMPAIGN
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 3, POST 3359 DALLAS, TEXAS— TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 19, POST 8904, CENTER, TEXAS—Post members hold a Somalia
Sr. Vice Commander Melanie Brandow shared history of the U.S. involvment in Somalia and the current status of how it is today to Post members and guests.
remembrance program.
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 19, POST 10351, HEMPHILL, TEXAS—Post members attended a Patriot
Club class where the students presented posters and power points on their research of Somalia. Commander Tim Courtier and Emmitt Marcantel standing in the photo.
TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 28, POST 5623, SCHULENBURG, TEXAS— Post members and guests gathered at the Post home and shared refreshments during a Somalia remembrance program.
Texas VFW News | Spring 2016
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TEXAS VFW DISTRICT 14, POST 10376, MARBLE FALLS, TEXAS —Post members hold a flag raising ceremony and the Commander gives a speech to honor the veterans of the Kosovo Campaign.