FALL 2023 DIGITAL EDITION
MAGAZINE
103rd State Convention Veteran Holiday Celebrations New Historical Veteran Scholarship Celebrating a 100-Year-Old Veteran Veterans Legislation Update
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 and Texas Legislature Free Representation in VA Claims An Award-Winning Magazine Online Member Resource And Much More...
Contributions: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials or photographs are welcomed but cannot be returned unless sender provides SASE. Texas VFW 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 print. Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and 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. The official Magazine publication of the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Published four times per year (Feb., May. Aug., Nov.) by the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Department Headquarters - (512) 834-8535 PO Box 14468, Austin, Texas 78753 Texas VFW Magazine Fall Edition 2023 78, Number 3, © November 2023 All Rights Reserved. Editor – Jorg Kitchen Co-Editor/Graphics – James Lucas To submit content for community, social media, press release or magazine consideration, please contact media@texasvfw.org. Advertisers: Email inquiries to media@texasvfw.org for additional information.
Table of Contents Department of Texas
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State Commander’s Corner
3
103rd Texas State Convention
4
UNT Historical Scholarship
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Loyalty Day Highlights
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V-E Day Celebrations
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Veteran Legislation Updates
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Honoring Memorial Day
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Texas VFW Foundation
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D-Day Remembrance
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Pg 3
Pg 13
Celebrating a 100-Year-Old Veteran 22 Flag Day Ceremonies
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Celebrating Independence Day
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Thank you to our Sponsors
Pg 22
Department of Texas Elected State & National Officers Larry Sanders Robert Martinez, Jr. Dave Walden Ben Lowrance Larry Velasquez, Jr. Jerry Greene Michael “Foy” Day Lynn Toomer Inge Conley
State Commander State Sr. Vice Commander State Jr. Vice Commander State Quartermaster State Judge Advocate State Surgeon State Chaplain Immediate Past State Commander National Council Member
Appointed State Officers
Jorg Kitchen Reggie Williams Earl Conley Natividad "Nate" Lopez Jr. Anson Booker Roger DeWeese Marty Monceballez James Briggs Joe Ramon Lonnie Garza
State Adjutant Chief of Staff State Inspector Deputy State Inspector Deputy State Inspector Deputy State Inspector Deputy State Inspector Deputy State Inspector Deputy State Inspector Officer of the Day
Membership Frank Torres Hector Giron Thomas “Bear” Anderson Rose M. Becton
Membership Chair Marketing Chair State Motorcycle Group Chair Women Veterans Chair
Programs
Joel Pipes Jack Mageluzzo RG Ruelas Bob Gear Tracey Brown Greene Frank Andrada Cecil McConnell Todd Richardson
State Homeless Veterans Chair State POW/MIA Chair State Buddy Poppy Chair Veterans Employment Chair Suicide Prevention Chair VOD/Patriot’s Pen Chair Scouting Chair BBQ Chair
Administration
John Koller Mitch Fuller John Rodriguez Jerry Greene Ted Johnson
Budget & Finance Chair National / State Legislative Chair Credentials Chair Hospital / MAP Chair Transition Team Chair
Shenna Lawless Lavern Terbl Chris Clouser James Lucas
District Commanders 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 28 29 30
Robert Rouse Chuck Hill George J. Warringer Edwin “Buddy” Grantham J’Layne M. Vines George Varra Cedrick B. Shells Billie “Bart” J Guthrie Robin A. Johnson Larry Levy Diana Cruz Montoya Gary Land Duane Masteller Marcey J. Phillips Trey Villela Steve Lee Nathan Zuniga Joseph Campbell Edwin Laval Simons Melvin “Mel” R Parker Mitch Fuller Chris Davis Barbara Ampong
State Honor Guard Kelly Glass Neil Mala Mark Jordan Micaela Reyes Nola Saldana
Team Leader Honor Guard Honor Guard Honor Guard Honor Guard
104th State Convention Chair 104th State Convention Chair Asst. Commander’s Homecoming Chair Tech / Media Chair
As we embark on a new year, it is essential that we come together to discuss the guidelines, planning, achievements, and directions for a successful year ahead. With our shared dedication and the incredible work we have done in the past, I have no doubt that we can build upon our accomplishments and make an even greater impact in our community. First and foremost, I would like to emphasize the importance of keeping accurate records and utilizing new tools to track our progress. To that end, I am thrilled to announce the introduction of new stat sheets and a robust data system that will enable us to better measure our achievements. By keeping detailed records, we can identify areas of improvement and set ambitious goals that will allow us to make an even greater difference in the lives of our veterans. In terms of planning, it is crucial that we communicate effectively and involve all of our members in the decisionmaking process. This not only ensures that everyone has a voice, but it also brings fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. Let us encourage collaboration and open dialogue as we chart the course for the year ahead. Of course, I cannot stress enough the importance of celebrating our achievements, both big and small. Recognizing and appreciating the hard work and dedication of our members fuels their motivation and encourages them to go above and beyond. Let us make a conscious effort to applaud one another’s contributions and celebrate our collective triumphs throughout the year. Looking ahead, I urge all of you to maintain a clear vision and direction for the VFW. We are here to serve our veterans and support our local communities in any way we can. Let us continually evaluate our efforts, identify areas for improvement, and seek our new opportunities to make a positive impact. In conclusion, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering commitment to our veterans and the ideals that the VFW stands for. Together we can make this upcoming year a resounding success by following these guidelines, embracing new tools, building upon our achievements, and staying focused on our mission.
Larry Sanders State Commander Department of Texas
Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
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103rd Texas VFW State Convention
2022-2023 State Commander Lynn Toomer
2023-2024 Jr. Vice Commander Dave Walden
Commander Toomer addresses a packed Convention hall of comrades to kick-off the State Convention Elections.
Newly elected, Comrade Walden, speaks about his 3 sons currently serving and the importance of preserving on the VFW legacy.
Andrea Ortiz Top 10 Finalist for Ms. Veteran America 2023 VFW Humana Representative VFW Post 7108 Member Andrea addresses comrades and Auxiliary members of the benefits Humana provides to veterans and their family and expresses gratitude and thanks to attendees.
2023-2024 Officer Installation This year, we welcome several new officers installed for the Department of Texas. Year over Year, incoming State Commander’s and their new teams who have been preparing the prior two years. 4
Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
Department of Texas Award Highlights Mack Johnson Award Winners
Joel Pipes – District 19
Reggie L. Williams – District 3
Barbara A. Ampong – District 30
2022-2023 JT Rutherford Award Winners
Lynn Toomer Dept of Texas State Commander
Anson Booker District # Commander
Reggie Williams District 3 Commander
2023 State Convention Awards Banquet
103rd State Convention Awards All-State Districts
VFW National Public Service Awards Law Enforcement Award Michael A. Lee – Post 1406, Dallas, District 3 Fire Fighter Award MSGT, USAF, Jonathan W. Leopold – Post 6873, Abilene, District 8 Emergency Medical Technician Award Latham Roden – Post 6873, Abilene, District 8
Texas VFW Foundation Awards Top VFW Post Donor Post 912 – Baytown, District 4 Top VFW Post Auxiliary Donor Post 8905 – Cypress, District 4
Department of Texas Awards POW/MIA Award Golding-Meadows VFW Post 1475, Amarillo Danny R. Henry Award Willie Keller – Post 12209, District 14 Glen M. Gardner, Jr. Quartermaster Award Lennie Page – Post 8785, District 3 William B. Moody Award Michael “Foy” Day – Post 4692, District 17 Outstanding Service Officer Award Michael Mills – Post 4676, District 20 Barbara Hoffman Award for Outstanding Auxiliary Member Teresa Ramon – Post 2059, District 20 Top Recruiter Award Joe Young – Post 7108, District 20 Post Volunteer Award Robert Ramirez – Post 7841, District 6 Scout of the Year Award Ricardo N. Lazaro Sponsored by Post 2059, District 20 Buddy Poppy Awards Public Promotion of Poppy Sales Post 8551, Sweeney, District 16 Memorial or Inspiration Display Post 5074, Roanoke, District 1 Artistic or Decorative Use of Poppies Post 5074, Roanoke, District 1
District 17 District 19 District 24 District 29 District 30
District 2 District 3 District 8 District 10 District 16 All-State Posts Post 880 – Galveston Post 912 – Baytown Post 1406 – Dallas Post 1820 – Temple Post 1907 – Normangee Post 2205 – Denton Post 2451 – El Paso Post 2466 – Lubbock Post 2494 – Grand Prairie Post 2772 – Sherman Post 2775 – Orange Post 2933 – Dripping Springs Post 3530 – Richardson Post 3837 – Corpus Christi Post 3893 – Nacogdoches Post 3903 – Rosenberg Post 3984 – Jacksonville Post 4458 – Caldwell Post 4709 – Conroe Post 4746 – Weatherford Post 4816 – Porter Post 4820 – Port Neches Post 5076 – Garland Post 5620 – Carthage Post 5621 – Liberty Post 6205 – Muenster Post 6380 – Jasper Post 6525 – Rockdale Post 6719 – Raymondville
Post 6796 – Dallas Post 6970 – Poteet Post 7108 – San Antonio Post 7835 – Granbury Post 7843 – Duncanville Post 8273 – Frisco Post 8550 – El Paso Post 8560 – Sulphur Springs Post 8587 – Georgetown Post 8627 – Richardson Post 8785 – Mesquite Post 8786 – Freer Post 8790 – Houston Post 8800 – Canyon Lake Post 8904 – Center Post 8913 – Lancaster Post 8919 – El Paso Post 8925 – Austin Post 9167 – Princeton Post 9174 – San Antonio Post 9299 – Alvarado Post 10351 – Hemphill Post 10374 – Fort Worth Post 10377 – Temple Post 10429 – Benbrook Post 10454 – Grapevine Post 12171 – San Antonio Post 12178 – Weslaco Post 12205 – Bulverde
VFW Post 2205 & UNT Create Historical Scholarship Agreement Written By: Timothy Middleton, Jr. Vice Commander, VFW Post 2205
On August 14, 2023, the Phil Miller VFW Post 2205 and the University of North Texas (UNT) Mean Green entered into a historical scholarship agreement for veterans and veteran families. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2205 and Auxiliary, further strengthened its relationship by ceremonially signing in the agreement to fund a $30,000 scholarship for UNT Veterans or Veteran Family Members. On-hand for the ceremonial scholarship agreement signing was the UNT President, Neal Smatresk, and VFW Post 2205 leadership including Post Commander – Tim Qualls, Past Post Commander (2021-2023) – Jim Brown (JB), and the current Post 2205 Auxiliary President – Jimmy Franz as signatories. The Past Post Commander, JB, has been instrumental in providing the culture during his tenure as Commander that fostered and led to the relationship with UNT. Another connection between VFW Post 2205 and UNT is providing employment opportunities by jointly hosting a job fair for graduating Veterans. The Veteran population at UNT is close to 3,000 students. Many of these are Iraqi and Afghanistan era Veterans who qualify for membership in the VFW. A relationship with the University of North Texas made sense based on this fact alone, but the families of former service members bring the total pollution that receives benefits from the Veterans Affairs close to 5,000. This is the group the VFW is chartered to serve.
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The scholarship will be paid over a five-year period where VFW Post 2205 and Post 2205 Auxiliary agree to each fund half. The UNT Veteran Student Division headed by James Davenport, a Desert Storm Veteran and VFW member, made this possible through working closely with VFW Post 2205 on several other projects. One of those projects included moving the UNT Veteran’s Fraternity meeting to the Post on Wednesday evenings during the school year. Many of the members of the fraternity qualify for a VFW membership, and these students enjoy a space at the Post rather than meeting in a location that does not understand their needs as Veterans. The language of the Scholarship is written so that it will be available to both populations of students at UNT. This is a true connection to UNT, and it offered the Post and Auxiliary the chance to strengthen its internal relationship as well, by entering it jointly. To celebrate the momentous occasion Larry Sanders – Commander of the Department of Texas, Robert Rouse – District 1 Commander, Department of Texas, and Cindy Robertson – Auxiliary President for District 1 was present and offered congratulations to all that worked hard to get this done. One scholarship will be made available annually starting in the Spring 2024. This endowment Scholarship is unique in that it is a one-of-a-kind agreement between an individual VFW Post and a Division 1 school.
Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
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Loyalty Day
VFW Post 10462 – Channelview, TX Comrades gathered to celebrate Loyalty Day at their Post and invited the local community and served chili dogs to all attendees.
Loyalty Day History May 1st is a special day for people to reaffirm their loyalty to the United States and to recognize the heritage of American Freedom. First observed in 1921 as “Americanization Day” to counterbalance the labor movement’s May Day celebrations. On May 1, 1930, about 10,000 Veterans of Foreign War member staged a rally at Union Station in New York to promote patriotism. May 1 later evolved into Loyalty Day through a resolution adopted in 1949. 9
Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
VFW Post 12024 – The Woodlands, TX Post members from 12024 visited a local business for Loyalty Day to place a poster and provide information to customers and children. Still happy to see Loyalty Day recognized, one customer shared she had celebrated at her school.
VFW Post 4820 – Port Neches, TX Two VFW members from Post 4820 presented Loyalty Day information at a local City Council meeting with community members in attendance. Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
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Tuesday, May 8, 1945 – Fort Worth Star Telegram
Victory In Europe VFW Post 5871 Melvin White Post Huntsville, TX Post Commander Jack Durish with Post officers and other members gathering to commemorate Victory in Europe during a Post Business Meeting.
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Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
VFW Post 4008 Belton, TX Post comrades and Auxiliary members had a special privilege to attend a birthday party celebration of one of our heroes from World War II. Turning 101 years old, he told his story in remembrance of his service and the war.
VFW Post 6552 Belville, TX During his V-E presentation, comrade Phillip Cuccerre spoke about his 18 years service in overseas and how the events of World War II changed the dynamics across Europe.
VFW Post 4819 West, TX Comrades Ron Winfrey and Mike Owen celebrating V-E Day.
Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
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Legislative Update
The Department of Texas VFW National Legislative Committee meets at the VFW Headquarters in Washington D.C. offices. Present (L-R) VFW National Commander-in-Chief Duane Sarmiento, Reggie Williams, Shenna Lawless, Mitch Fuller and Victor Ramirez, National Jr Vice Carol Whitmore, National Sr Vice Al Lipphardt.
Texas VFW Legislative Update By Mitch Fuller The 2023 Fall National Legislative Conference was held in Washington, D.C., September 11-14. The four member of the Department of Texas National Legislative Committee, Reggie Williams, Shenna Lawless, Victor Ramirez, and myself, all attended along with our Comrades from other Departments and carried the message of the top National VFW Legislative priorities in the halls of Congress to the 38 members of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas and our two United States Senators. 13
The focus during the recent Fall Legislative conference was on revenue neutral or no cost legislation, which is important after the huge allocation of taxpayer resources for the PACT Act, which was signed into law in 2022. The top legislative priorities for the VFW in the 118th Congress are: • H.R. 3933, the TAP Promotion Act • S.928/H.R. 4157, the Not Just a Number Act • S. 740/H.R. 1139, the GUARD VA Benefits Act
Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
Cont. on next page
H.R. 3933, the TAP Promotion Act, which requires accredited representatives from national, state, and local Veteran Service Organizations to be included in Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP) classes. This legislation will facilitate more timely filing of VA “Benefits Delivery at Discharge” (BDD), an underutilized tool in the fight against Veteran suicide. Sadly, the initial year following discharge comes with increased suicide risk among new Veterans, heightening the need to ensure all transitioning service members are connected to post-service benefits and resources as quickly as possible. S.928/H.R. 4157, the Not Just a Number Act, which directs the VA to incorporate benefit usage data into its annual suicide prevention report, and to examine moving the VA Office of Suicide Prevention to the enterprise level of the VA. The VFW has advocated for years that the VA must incorporate more Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) usage date into its suicide prevention effort. This should include complete information on disability compensation, use of benefits for education, employment, home loans and foreclosure assistance, and participation in housing and food insecurity programs. S. 740/H.R. 1139, the GUARD VA Benefits Act, which reinstates penalties for charging Veterans and survivors unauthorized fees relating to claims for VA benefits. The VFW is concerned that bad actors are preying on Veterans by seeking access to their earned VA benefits. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, unaccredited consulting groups that the VFW refers to as “Claims Sharks,” viewed the chaos as an exploitive opportunity. Since the passage of the aforementioned PACT Act, they have ramped up their efforts even more by aggressively advertising online and making promises to increase disability ratings and in some cases charging thousands of dollars in fees for their services and even requesting VA login credentials to track when Veterans receive future ratings increases. The best way to be truly informed is to sign up for the VFW Action Corps Weekly and to read it every week. The easiest way to sign up is to text “VFW” to 50457.
Operation Capitol Hill 2023
Source: VFW Magazine, June/July Edition, Pg. 24
Pictured L-R – Reggie Williams, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Shenna Lawless
The members of the VFW Department of Texas National Legislative Committee are not alone in our advocacy mission. Every member of the VFW should be engaged with their elected officials and knowledgeable about VFW legislative victories and current priority legislation and goals and be an advocate themselves. Advocacy for Veterans was the reason the VFW was founded in 1899 and it remains one of our core missions.
Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
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VFW Post 5237 – Alvin, TX Post comrades and family members conducted a Remembrance Ruck March and placed flags on veteran graves at National Oak Cemetery and Confederate Cemetery in Alvin.
VFW Post 9192 Killeen, TX Post Commander David Reese and fellow comrades conduct a Memorial Day event for Past Commander-in-Chief Ted Connell with Ms. Connell and her family present.
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Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
VFW Post 688 – Boerne, TX Post members conduct their annual Memorial Day celebration and remembrance with family and other local community members.
Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
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Quarterly Snapshot 25 veteran households with 42 dependents assisted with $44,329.89 in direct financial assistance for the first quarter of July – September 2023.
Donor Acknowledgement
For those Posts/Auxiliaries/Districts/Motorcycle Group Units who have donated during this last 2022-2023 program year, we thank you for choosing us to donate your treasure to. We know there are many who seek your assistance, and we are honored and humbled by your support. The following is only a partial list as we do not have unlimited space to thank you all, but know that each one of you is special to us:
VFW Posts 837 880 912 1480 2466 2775 3903 3904 4008 5074 5619 6115 6970 6974 7106 7108 7110 8456 8569 8573 8911 10427 12041
Post Auxiliaries 76 837 912 1806 1820 1836 2059 2438 2494 2772 3278 3542 3894 3903 4006 4008 4146 4372 4458 4692 4709 4815
4816 4818 5400 6115 6119 6382 6441 6873 6974 7108 7110 7523 8248 8273 8551 8785 8790 8878 8905 8925 10351 12024
VFW Districts
District Auxiliaries
1 2 3 9 17
1 4 9 17
Motorcycle Group Units Unit 7 – 6873 Abilene Unit 11 – 6386 Ingleside Unit 30 – 7108 Helotes
Since inception, the Texas VFW Foundation has received over $7 million in grants for the Veterans’ Assistance Program that assisted over 3,300 veteran households, including 4,000 dependent family members and 123 surviving spouses. This assistance has been primarily for basic living needs such as mortgage/rent, utility, vehicle, and auto insurance payments made directly to the veteran’s creditors on their behalf. The average award is $2,032.26 per household. The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance awarded $500,000 for the year 2023-2024. This is administered through the Texas Veterans Commission. The funds are used in the Veterans’ Assistance Program. In addition to these funds, we were renewed as Plus 1 Customer Assistance Program Partner with Austin Energy, which grants us $41,020.71 in available credits for our applicants who are also Austin Energy customers and qualify. In addition to the Veterans’ Assistance Program, the Texas VFW Foundation also provided Disaster Assistance, most notably deploying cash for qualifying veterans during Hurricane Harvey. To date, the Disaster Assistance Program has provided over $147,000 to 495 qualifying veteran households during their time of need. The average award is $297.02.
About the Texas VFW Foundation Created in 2002, the Texas VFW Foundation was created by leaders of the Texas VFW to provide solutions to two needs the Texas VFW was unable to do on their own. The first was a place to receive donations from Posts and Auxiliaries and public support that would be guaranteed to be used for Texas veterans. The second was to offer more assistance to Texas veterans than their By-Laws and resources allowed.
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Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
Hurricane Harvey devastation
VFW Posts and Auxiliaries make a huge impact in assisting other qualified veterans and families through their donations to the Foundation to expand outside of their local communities.
Since 2011, the Texas VFW Foundation has assisted Posts and Auxiliaries with over $464,000. These funds were the result of one of the following: passthrough donations to Posts/Auxiliaries because the donor could not donate based on the Post’s/Auxiliary’s lack of 501(c)(3) status, Post assistance grants for repairs to Post owned buildings, and/or donations to assist Posts/Districts that lost funds in the Noble Trust investment. Veterans who come to the Texas VFW Foundation are looking for solutions and are tired of being directed to multiple agencies to find an answer. Every Texas VFW Foundation applicant, regardless of the outcome, is required to work with an agency that can help with a longer-term solution as we know that providing financial assistance is a stop-gap solution, not a permanent one. This partner agency could be a VA case worker, an accredited service officer who can assist with a claim or appeal, an employment representative, or any number of agencies with experience and expertise in assisting veterans. The Texas VFW Staff regularly participates in veteran resource fairs, career expos, and other opportunities to network with other VSOs so that our information and resource list is lengthy and well vetted.
Recent veteran assistance testimonial
The Texas VFW Foundation is only as strong as it is due to your support and your commitment to providing the most we can for Texas veterans. We can always do more. Doing more costs time, talent, and treasure. Please consider how you can contribute one of those (time, talent, and/or treasure) to make sure we are so successful in assisting Texas veterans that there are no more homeless or soon-to-be homeless veterans, no more veterans without transportation, no veterans unable to keep their medication and food stored at proper temperatures due to disconnection of utilities, and no Texas veteran who doesn’t know where to turn.
Upcoming Events
The Texas VFW Foundation will have a booth at any Department of Texas VFW event. See the Foundation at the 2024 Mid-Winter Conference check out the Veteran Resource Fair and blood drive.
For Financial Assistance To apply, please visit https://texasvfwfoundation.smapply.org To obtain additional information, please email us at foundation@texasvfw.org. New website location: txvfw.org/texas-vfw-foundation
Homeless Veterans Standdown If your Post is participating in a Homeless Veterans Standdown with your local VA, please contact us at foundation@texasvfw.org for an application and information on this reimbursement grant.
Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
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D-Day Remembrance
VFW Post 8587 – Georgetown, TX Post comrades speak on the 101st Airborne Division role in the invasion.
VFW Post 4853 Jourdanton, TX Comrades Patricia Hewitt and Toni Miranda lead a group of women veterans in remembering the sacrifices of D-Day.
VFW Post 4852 – Ivanhoe, TX Post member Darin Cook presented a D-Day speech at Commissioner's court with 35 community attendees. Of those, there were 4 (one VFW member and one American Legion member). Major Manis of American Legion Post 283 lead the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags. 19
Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
D-Day – June 6, 1944
Paris Digest
June 6th, 1944: More than 150,000 Allied troops land on the beaches of Normandy, France, as part of the largest seaborne invasion in history. Known as "D-Day," the name and date loom large in the memory of World War II—perhaps second only to December 7th, 1941. These two dates stand on opposite ends of American involvement in the war, and their meaning could not be more different. D-Day put the Allies on a decisive path toward victory. Beginning with the Normandy beaches, they pushed back against Axis forces until Germany was forced to surrender less than a year later. Their achievements were not accomplished without tremendous sacrifice, however, as the Normandy invasion resulted in over 6,000 American casualties.
Wading or swimming ashore on June 6, 1944, were some of World War II's bravest soldiers. Whether demolition experts, rangers trained to scale the cliffs of Normandy, bulldozer operators ready to create a new network on roads, or just infantrymen primed to establish positions, these men all shared a strong sense of determination to take the fight to the enemy and take France back from the Germans. Source: Library of Congress – D-Day: On The Beach Serving Our Voices: Stories from the Veterans History Project Find more stories and accounts here.
Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
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MOC Update By Mitch Fuller, Grand Commander of Texas I was honored to represent the Military Order of the Cootie (MOC) Grand of Texas at the 88th Annual MOC Tomb Trek at Arlington National Cemetery Nov 3-6, 2023. This is one of the core missions of the MOC, the Honor Degree of the VFW. The MOC laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Argonne Cross, a memorial for servicemembers killed in France in World War I. The 88th Tomb Trek also included a Town Hall for the MOC and MOC Auxiliary (MOCA) hosted by the MOC Supreme (National) Commander Mark Larkin, a Supreme Council of Administration (COA) meeting and “Lousy” Cootie Fellowship throughout. As the Grand Commander of Texas, I have a seat on the Supreme COA. Also, in attendance at Tomb Trek were Past Grand of Texas Commanders Allan Perkins, Earl Bigham, and Larry Dayhoff as well as other Texas Cooties and several members of the MOCA Grand of Texas. The Grand of Texas is well represented at Supreme: Past Grand Commander Bigham is the Supreme Inspector and Past Grand Commander Perkins is the Supreme Papa Clown. I’m also honored to serve on the Supreme By-Laws Committee along with Cooties from the Grands of Delaware, Wisconsin, Virginia, and North Carolina and Supreme Commander Larkin. More changes to the By-Laws and minor tweaks to the Cootie Ritual are forthcoming and will be voted on at the Supreme Scratch/Convention in July 2024 in Louisville, KY. The ultimate approval authority for the MOC By-Laws is the VFW. The trend of the last few years is the restoration of a close working relationship between the VFW and MOC at the Supreme level, and we certainly have that close relationship in Texas thanks to our VFW Department of Texas leadership.
88th Annual Tomb Trek – Arlington National Cemetery
There are currently nine MOC Pup Tents in the Grand of Texas with plans for a new Pup Tent in the DFW Metroplex after the New Year. The Grand of Texas and our Pup Tents are working on the Supreme Commander’s Program of Work for 2023-24 which includes his motto, “Scouting for Comrades”, a project related to Veteran suicide prevention and another of the core missions of the MOC—Hospital Work (the Cootie equivalent of VFW community service reports), which includes visits to VA facilities, civilian hospitals and clinics. I want to express my thanks to Grand of Texas Sr. Vice Commander Anson Booker, Grand of Texas Jr. Vice Commander Cedrick Shells, and all of our Grand Officers, Past Grand Commanders, and Pup Tent leaders for their hard work “increasing and multiplying.” The motto of the MOC since its founding in 1920 is “Keep Em Smilin in Beds of White.” And in the MOC, we always remember that we are “Hand in Hand with the VFW” and “Cooties are Comrades First.”
MOC Pup Tents & Membership If any VFW Posts are interested in starting a new Pup Tent or reinstating a defunct Pup Tent, please reach out to Mitch Fuller by email at mitch@texasvfw.org. You can find more information about the Grand of Texas at gotcooties.org.
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Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
Celebrating The Life of a 100-Year-Old Veteran Submission by Sam Houston VFW Post 76 At VFW Post 76 in San Antonio, “The Oldest Post in Texas”, comrades came together to celebrate the life of Mr. Cruz Arizmendi, Jr. A Life member of Post 76 and a World War II Veteran. He was born on October 22, 1923, and celebrated his 100th birthday with friends and family on the 21st of October. Graduating from Sidney Lanier High School in San Antonio, Texas in 1942, comrade Arizmendi was immediately drafted into the United States Army. He served for the next 3 years with the D Battery, 581st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion in Germany and Central Europe. During his service, he received the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, European-AfricanMiddle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon and 2 Overseas Ribbons. After returning from the service in 1946, Cruz enrolled in college and received both a bachelors and a masters degree in Music from the University of Texas in Austin. Later, he continued pursued and received another masters degree in School Administration from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. Mr. Arizmendi Jr. worked in the Education field for 39 years in various administrative positions as a Teacher, Band Director, Counselor, Principal and Director of a Junior College Campus. He was the Division Head for Manpower Training for the Texas A&M University in San Antonio. In addition, Cruz continued his service in education as the Band Director at Fox Tech High School for 8 years, and was the first Latin-American High School Band Director in the San Antonio Independent School District. His love is to play the saxophone and the clarinet. Some of his other career highlights was playing clarinet with the Beethoven German Band for 20 years. He also had his own 12- piece orchestra that he conducted, “Cruz Arizmendi & His International Orchestra”. Mr. Arizmendi Jr. resides in San Antonio Texas with his wife Ana Marie Monteleone de Arizmendi.
Mr. Arizmendi Jr is a member of the American Legion Post 336. At his 100th birthday celebration, he was presented with a Bronze Legacy Life Membership by VFW Post 76 Commander Michael Toreno. He was also presented a City of San Antonio Citation signed by Mayor Ron Nirenberg congratulating him on this momentous occasion.
Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
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VFW Post 2033 Woodville, TX June 14, 2023 - Flag Day and U.S. Army Birthday, Post Commander Mike King, Post Quartermaster Max Montgomery, and Tyler County Republican Women conducted a US Flag Retirement Ceremony. Commander King spoke to members and the community about the history of the US Flag and the proper etiquette of retiring the Flag and wished all members of the US Army a Happy Birthday of 248 years. On hand to assist in the retirement ceremony representatives from the local Cub Scouts & Girl Scouts.
History of Flag Day Flag Day is celebrated on June, 14 each year. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. At the time, the flag of the thirteen United States being thirteen stripes, alternate red and white. The union being the thirteen stars, white in a blue field which represented the new constellation. Flag Day also has significance to the United States Army as they celebrate their birthday which was adopted as “The American Continental Army” in 1775.
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Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
VFW Post 2559 West Tawakoni, TX Post members performing a joint ceremony of Flag Day and Retirement Ceremony with veteran sister organizations, AMVETS Post 36 and American Legion Post 517. The community was invited to turn in old flags in honor of a loved one.
VFW Post 8576 Clute, TX Post Quartermaster Jerry Lyons and Sr Vice Commander James Qualls assisted organizing and attended a Flag Day ceremony hosted by the City of Angleton at Veteran's Park.
Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
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Post 10376 – Marble Falls Post members participated in the Horseshoe Bay 4th of July parade with their own float and that several member and past commanders put together.
Post 7103 – Athens, TX Community gathering in honor of Independent Day
Post 2451 – El Paso, TX Celebrating 4th of July with various organizations and veteran community at the Old Glory Flag Pole in El Paso, TX.
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Texas VFW Magazine 2023 Fall Edition
Perfect for the historian, librarian, student of history, veterans and readers with an interest in military events. Smell the Gunpowder offers a unique firsthand account of our servicemen's difficulties and struggles.
From author William R. Graser, Smell the Gunpowder: The Land of the Morning Calm, is inspired by true events and veterans' firsthand accounts of Americans who served in Korea. Because of these veterans, the Republic of Korea remains a free sovereign nation, and one of the strongest and wealthiest countries in Asia. American military efforts in Korea began from the end of World War II through the Cold War to include two Korean Conflicts (1950-1953 and 1966-1969) and continued with the Singapore Summit 2018, the Hanoa Summit 2019, North Korea's hostile threat of nuclear conflict along with the economic and social impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Today, North Korea continues to have a nuclear arsenal and the outcome of a peace agreement is uncertain.
About the Author Scan here for more about the author and other books.
William R. Graser, U.S. Army (Ret.) was a Sergeant First Class recruited by the U.S. Army Security Agency in 1965, and during the Cold War era his assignments included South Korea. On November 2, 1966, the second Korean conflict began, and he was assigned to a U.S. Army camp on the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This book includes the story of his time there, as well as how that experience carried his life forward through to present day.
Available in Hard Cover, Paperback or Kindle Edition on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles.
