Texas VFW News | 2008 Winter

News For Foreign Service War Veterans

VOL. LXI, NUMBER 3

Jan/Feb/Mar 2008

Voice of Democracy Weekend Again this year we were able to invite all 25 District winners to Austin for Mid-Winter. 23 students arrived in Austin on Thursday to begin a very busy four days. We started out with our get acquainted dinner at Fuddruckers on Thursday evening. Friday morning we attended the Joint Opening Session for a brief time. We had the opportunity to meet with Governor Perry before he spoke at the Opening session. The students were able to ask questions and take pictures with the Governor.

Then it was on to the Capitol for a very special tour. We were once again able to climb the spiral staircase to the top of the Capitol Dome and look out over Austin. What a view from the top. It certainly was one of the highlights of the weekend. Not everyone can say they were at the top. My thanks to John Nichols, Capitol Fire Marshall, for being our guide and giving us the opportunity for an amazing tour.

We were also able to meet with Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst in his private reception area where refreshments were waiting for us. All the students were presented with a Certificate from the State of Texas by Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst while a picture was taken of each student. Lunch was at the Capitol Cafe. After souvenir shopping and touring the Capitol grounds we went to the Texas State Cemetery for a tour. We suffered through the cold and rain but everyone enjoyed this special place.

There is a Memorial to 9/11 that everyone needs to see.

After coming back to the hotel and cleanup we enjoyed a great dinner at Texas Land and Cattle Company and also listened to several of the student essays before

NEWS

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 p a r t m e n t o f Te x a s V e t e r a n s o f F o r e i g n W a r s

www.texasvfw.org

Chairman Russ Behrndt

dinner. I would not want to be one of the judges to pick a winner. They were all excellent.

Saturday morning was spent at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and IMAX theatre. The afternoon was spent at the LBJ Library and Museum, after having lunch at Threadgill’s an old Austin favorite. Saturday evening was the Awards Banquet where the State winner and our Department of Texas Representative in Washington D.C. was announced, Benjamin Stephens, of Bangs, Texas submitted by Post 3278, Brownwood, District 8 was the winner of a $4,000.00 scholarship and a trip to the Washington Conference in March for the National finals of the Voice of Democracy contest.

Congratulations and good luck Benjamin in Washington.

Sunday we attended the Memorial Service by Chaplain Paul DeWolfe and then it was time to say good bye to everyone. It was good to have Patsy Kemp and her

husband Kenneth back with us again this year. Clark and Carlotta Young were also back. My job is made easier by the help of these caring people. Special thanks to my wife Barbara. It is not an easy job living with me the week before our students arrive. She keeps a count of everyone and again this year no one was lost or left behind.

Thank you to Commander Cantu for appointing me as Chairman, and to the District Commanders and everyone in the Posts and Districts who helped to make our Voice of Democracy Program a success again this year.

Texas VFW accepts $80,000 check for Operation Uplink from Sports Clips founder and CEO Gordan Logan, himself a Texas VFW member.

(Pictured from L to R) Karen Maxton, Gordon Logan, Sgt. Joe Meller, Jim Neir, Past Department of Texas Commander and Past National Commander-in-Cheif of the VFW. See story on page 3.

DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICERS Mel Glidewell .................... (6008) .One Veterans Plaza, 701 Clay St., Waco 76799 Donald D. Smith ................ (4443)....................6900 Almeda Road, Houston 77030

2007-2008 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

Johnnie Bulen.................(9168)................... 2121 N. Mill, Lewisville, John Clark......................(2775).............. 3705 W. Martin St., Orange, J.L. Smith.......................(1406)..................... 917 Pratt Rd., Red Oak, Rene Guerrero................(5619)....... 11511 Sage Valley Dr., Houston, Michael Espinola............(8315)................... 3430 Harvest Dr., Cibolo P. David Carvajal...........(7634)..................... PO Box 263, Falfurrias, Joe Galindo, Jr...............(8570)..................... PO Box 894, Littlefield, Bobby Gallimore............(6873)....................4481 Iberis Rd., Abilene, Doug Shepard.................(1475)............. 8231 Blue Bonnet, Amarillo, Ruben Enriquez............(10354)............................ 101 Cholla, El Paso Terry Rowe.....................(8560).......... 523 Plano St., Sulphur Springs Facundo Ibarra................(8562)......1238 Winding Ridge, Eagle Pass, William McMenomey....(3393)...................... PO Box 188, Kempner, Pat Thomas.....................(8878)......... 5209 Dewey St., Wichita Falls, Leon Brandt....................(3903)...............826 Strange Dr., Richmond, Rick Olivares..................(4692)..................... 2121 Pantera Dr., Bryan Felix Rodriguez..............(7473)............................... PO Box 716, Elsa Henry Lavigne..............(10351)........... 386 Holiday Circle, Hemphill, Sylvia Sanchez...............(8936).. 1906 Sshprington Dr., San Antonio, Charlie Barry..................(2137)................. 1117 Monticello Dr., Azle, Johnny Karstedt..............(6290)...................PO Box 756, Woodsboro, David W. Bennett...........(4372)...................517 N Grant Ave, Odessa Ray Dudley..................... (6115).................. 463 Tahitian Dr., Bastrop, Wes Strom......................(6008).......................135 Rabbit Run, Waco, Sam Sahimi....................(9171)............. 800 VZCR 3609, Edgewood,

TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX

75057 77360 75154 77089 78108 78355 79339 79606 79108 79928 75482 78852 76539 76306 77469 77807 78543 75948 78251 76098 78393 79761 78602 76712 75117

1 . For the purpose of establishing continuous membership, a member may reimburse Department and National dues for all delinquent years, provided he was a member in good standing for five (5) consecutive years prior to the delinquency.

2. A thorough program of Post inspection is necessary to ensure compliance with National and Department By-Laws and directives. Department Inspectors and Deputies shall make every effort to inspect every Post under their cognizance on an annual basis and correct such discrepancies as may be disclosed.

Continued on page 5

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2007-2008 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS Commander: E. “Al” Cantu, Jr...........(2397)................... PO Box 14468, Austin, 78761 Sr Vice Cmdr: Jerry Murphree............(3359).................7209 Shipp Rd., Rowlett 75088 Jr Vice Cmdr: Mike Barber.................(3892)..... 1169 Shine Ln., Harker Heights 76548 ADJ/QM: Roy J. Grona .....................(3377).................... PO Box 14468, Austin 78761 Asst QM: Carlos Sustaita....................(6378).................... PO Box 14468, Austin 78761 Asst ADJ: Dan West............................(3413).................... PO Box 14468, Austin 78761 J/Advocate: Kenneth R. Burton, Jr.....(9182).................... PO Box 14468, Austin 78761 Surgeon: John Velasquez........................(4692)....4988 Winding Cr., College Station 77845 Chaplain: Paul DeWolfe.................... (9022)...............1214 Durrett Ave., Dumas 79029 Chief of Staff: John Spahr...................(8787)..116 Trail of Flowers, Georgetown 78633 Inspector: Doc Howard........................(3359)..... 2517 Golden Oaks Dr., Garland 75044 Immed Past Cmdr: Russ Richards....... (4010)......6610 Rowell Ct., Missouri City 77489 Natl Council Memb: Ron Hornsby...(10428)......210 N River Oaks Dr., Burnett, 78611

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DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS..................... (512) 834-8535

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Editor Assistant Editor

E. A. “Al” Cantu

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Roy Grona Dan West

Commander’s Column

Jan/Feb/Mar 2008

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The Official Publication of the Department of Texas, Veterans o f F o r e i g n Wa r s o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s . ( U S P S 0 0 8 – 1 7 7 ) Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and additional mailing offices.

Subscription price – $6.00 for non-members. Free for 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.

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

Texas VFW News

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hat a wild roller coaster ride it has been for me and the Department of Texas. We have come a long way from June 2007. The work that has been accomplished by all of you is nothing short of fantastic. Membership continues to move in an upward direction and the blanks on the status sheet have pretty much disappeared. That speaks well of what we are about and it goes on to say that you and we as an organization are concentrating on the priorities we established and the goals we set at the start of the year. When I issued the challenge that we, as the Department of Texas, needed to be at 86% of our goal by November 30, 2007 you responded with a loud “yes” and we made it. As we moved the bar to 90% by December 31, 2007 you again met the challenge and we once again reached the goal. We did not stop and, the “Attitude Is Everything” Can-Do team again raised the bar to 92% by our Mid-Winter Round-up and while we were short by the smallest of margins you made it happen right after Mid-Winter. Thank you comrades for your dedication support and work. We need to continue the push to get to 100% as soon as possible. I need all of us to work together to get to 95% by March 31, 2008. If that happens I, as well as the Adjutant/Quartermaster, will have our hair shaved as a token of our appreciation for making it happen. So the challenge is very simple get the Department of Texas to 95%

by March 31, 2008 and we will sport a style of hair that will make us look like a cue ball. Will it happen?

I look forward to a new hair look. The ball is in your court; make it happen.

I want to thank Roy Grona and the entire Department of Texas employees for the work and great results of our Mid-Winter Roundup. Your comments and enthusiasm was music to my ears. The Can-Do headquarters team went all out to insure that the meetings, seminars, guest speakers and guests were treated to good VFW hospitality. I, in particular, want to express my appreciation for the welcome and courtesies you extended to our Commander in Chief George Lisicki and National President Virginia Carman. They left our great Department with the knowledge that Texas is VFW country and we take care of our veterans, active duty, reserve and the National Guard as they continue to engage the enemy and do so with magnificent bravery and love of country. May God continue to Bless and protect our troops and their families.

I was truly pleased with the Voice of Democracy Banquet and the quality and pride the twenty-five VOD participants, the teachers and the Patriots Pen winner displayed and spoke about throughout the conference. None of that would have been possible without your help and involvement with those programs. I want all of you at the District but most important at the Post level to pat yourselves on the back for a first class job. Well done. “Attitude Is Everything.” To all of our Posts, Districts and friends of the Department of Texas VFW who provide and continue to provide financial support to the program I would like to give all of you a big Texas size thank you. May you continue to stay involved and help us help our youth.

So many great things are happening in our organization that I ask all of us to become familiar with what our organization does each and every day and help us spread the word in our communities. By getting and staying informed you will provide information that will assist us with membership, fund raising activities and other events that enable us to take care of our commitment to our membership and those who depend on us. I encourage you to keep the leadership informed and provide us with your ideas and feed back that will help us help those who most need our help. In keeping with our pledge to do whatever it takes and our responsibility to honor our warriors and their memory as we committed when we say “We honor the dead by helping the living.” Together we can get it done and no bump in the road or detour will keep us from accomplishing our mission and keeping our word to those we serve. I continue to be so very proud of the VFW membership, Ladies Auxiliary, Motorcycle Group, MOC, MOCA and Men’s Auxiliary for the great work that is taking place in our communities on a daily basis. Continue to work together and greater things will happen to our beloved organization as a direct result of your involvement and your concern for doing what is right.

By continuing to provide assistance and hope for those who need a helping hand we will continue to extend the legacy of our founders. It is a part of our great history that we can all be proud of. Until we meet, in the not too distant future, face to face and I have the opportunity thanking you for all that you do I ask that you continue to concentrate on our goals forget, the bumps on the road and if we do that we will continue to be best of the best. “Attitude Is Everything,” the Can-do team work and spirit will continue to do more as we adapt and invite change into our organization and do those things outside the box that will help us attract the current warriors who now serve our country. We are successful because of you, your work and earnest passion for those we serve. We will continue to be successful because we appreciate and embrace our duties and responsibilities because we know that is the right thing to do. I look forward to visiting with you soon and having the opportunity to spend some time with each and every one of you. Continue to do what needs to be done and together we will make things happen that will benefit the organization.

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Texas VFW News

Jan/Feb/Mar 2008

Adjutant/Quartermaster Roy J. Grona

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am going to try and keep this column short this issue as we have many other stories of much more merit than my ramblings.

First, on behalf of my wife Sandra, I want to express my deep appreciation for the cards and letters of condolence that we received on the death of her mother, Viola Leal. The death of a parent is always hard to cope with, but the thoughts and prayers of hundreds of VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members helped Sandra deal with her grief. Again, thank you.

We have just completed another Mid Winter Round Up and by all indications it was a successful conference. The Department received many great compliments on the speakers and the programs. We received some suggestions dealing with the program and we will surely look at those during our after action reviews. As always, I urge you to submit your suggestions to Department Headquarters. I cannot tell you that we will implement the changes, but we will sure review them and, if possible, incorporate them into the program. I wish to thank our Department employee’s and our volunteers for the outstanding job they did. I remember coming to the conferences before I was the State A/Q and never thinking about the work that went on by the staff to ensure a successful conference. I know from my experiences now that the long hours of preparation and the long hours of actually ensuring that everything happens on time and in sequence are the result of dedicated employees and volunteers who are always ready to serve. To Dan, Carlos, Christie, Keith and Beth my appreciation for the extra work when I had to leave Austin a week before the Round Up. We received some great compliments on the Service Officer Seminar so I thank our two Department Service Officers, Melvin and Don. Most of all, to all of the volunteers, our committee Chairman, Area Coordinators and our Credential Committee members, Ted Blouin and Roy Smith, I extend my thanks. It was a team effort and all of you deserve all the thanks and superlatives. Now we start on the State Convention at DFW. Make sure you check out this issue to get the details on the convention. Remember, it is easier to book a reservation early and cancel later than to book a reservation late, after the hotel has sold out our room block! Additionally, information on the Banquet is in this issue.

Last month I spoke about changes. This will be the last issue of the “VFW News” in the form of a newspaper. The contracts are signed and starting with the May issue, we will go to a full color, sixteen page magazine format. We will decrease the number of columns and increase what our members and Posts are doing in their communities, highlighting VFW business at its best. There will be more pictures and more stories on programs. The news will be a recruiting tool to help you, our VFW members, show the public what we are all about.

State Adjutant/Quartermaster Roy Grona, State Commander Al Cantu, Past National Commander Jim Neir, Sports Clips Founder and CEO Gordon Logan and Sgt. Joe Meller pose for the camera at check presentation to Operation Uplink.

Sports Clips Donates to VFW’s Operation Uplink Austin, TX (December 4, 2007) - Sports Clips is making it possible for soldiers to call home this holiday season through an $80,000 gift to the Veterans of Foreign War’s (VFW) Operation Uplink Program. Operation Uplink is a VFW program that keeps military personnel and hospitalized veterans in touch with their families and loved ones.

At a check presentation in the VFW’s Texas Headquarters Tuesday, December 4th Sport Clips founder and CEO Gordon Logan, himself a Texas VFW member, said “I know how important it is to hear the voices of loved ones when you are overseas for months at a time.

It’s our honor and privledge to make this a holiday gift for those who are seflesly serving our country.”

Two people who attended the news conference provided meaningful testimonials to the program’s effectiveness.

On a final note, our membership totals are short of our goals. Commander Cantu continues to work hard for us and we need to do so for him. More than that, let’s meet that objective to help the Texas VFW remain in a viable position to influence the legislation not only in Washington, but more importantly, here in Texas especially with a legislative year coming up. Thanks for all that you do for our organization and Sandra and I look forward to seeing each of you in our travels.

“Phone cards from Operation Uplink allow my husband, Colonel Greg Maxton, who is stationed at Fort Hood, but who has been in Iraq for a year, to call home more often,” said Karen Maxton, of Fort Hood, who attended the presentation. She notes that the Army offers weekly “morale” calls, but the soldiers have to wait in line and calls are limited to 15 minutes. Maxton said, “These cards mean our 8-yearold twins get to hear from their Dad more often.”

VFW eMembership

Sgt. Joseph Meller with the Texas Army National Guard said the cards allowed him to call home more often while deployed, especially when he found out a week after leaving that his wife was pregnant. “When other soldiers had any extra minutes left on their Operation Uplink phone cards, they often gave them to me!,” Sgt. Meller remembers about calling home to check on his family. “I joined the VFW because of the programs the VFW does to support the military and Veterans.” said Sgt. Meller.

VFW eMembership online allows you to perform the following functions: Change Membership information; Online Non-Paying Post Transfers; Continuous Member Dues Transmittal; New Reinstated and Transfer of Annual Dues; Pay Life Membership Fee Online; Request a Duplicate Annual Membership Card; and Request a Duplicate Life Membership Card. Look for the link in the Membership Section of the National VFW Web site <www. vfw.org> — or use this direct link. <http://emem.vfw.org>

Phone calls just like these will be taken place from military bases overseas this holiday season through the money raised by almost 500 Sport Clip locations. “Sports Clips, the VFW and our clients had the incrediable opportunity to make calling home December 25 a reality for our service men and women,” says Logan.

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Texas VFW News

Senior Vice Commander Column Jerry Murphree

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eterans Day has passed and Pat and I have visited a number of districts since the last News Paper was published. Much work continues to go on behind the scenes at posts, in our districts as well as at Department Headquarters.

Roy and the staff in Austin continue to do an outstanding job everyday. They are there ready willing able to serve you.

With our Mid-Winter Round UP over, we are now facing the half way point of this VFW year. How are your Post and District membership and programs looking? With the Attitude is Everything Team, the numbers should be there and if not I know they will be soon. With the resources and tools that are available to all of us, you can make membership issues a lot less difficult than they were in the past. The Post Quartermaster can hold the key to some of your membership goals. He has the resources you need to be successful.

USE THEM. IF WE DO WHAT WE HAVE ALWAYS DONE, WE GET WHAT WE ALWAYS GOT. If the old or new idea’s don’t work try something else because “ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING.” I would personally like to congratulate every Post and District Commander and all their volunteers that are working hard toward the goals set by Commander Cantu. The Commander can only go as far as we take him.

Let’s switch to another subject that we seldom remember in our communities and that is memorials. These are symbols, reminders of sacrifices and unselfish giving.

Visit them often and when friends and family come to visit you, be proud to take them to your Memorials so they can see how proud we are of our Veterans.

Explain what they mean to us.

With the VA Hospital being close to me I make it a point to visit the hospital and chat with the hospitalized veterans as much as possible. One issue that has been mentioned to me by a lot of the amputees and wheel chair bound is that most of the post that they have visited is not handicapped accessible and in some cases this is an issue for not joining our ranks which is very understandable.Please consider this at your post and it just might make a difference. We are here to help all veterans, especially the groups with special needs.

When Pat and I visit the Districts I always ask for the World War II Veterans to stand and we recognized for I feel they are still the Greatest Generation. I do this to recognize my Dad who was one of them.

I look forward to my visit to your districts in the future I always look forward to meeting each and every one of you.

Keep up the great volunteer work that we do and it will pay off for us all.

I remain as always your friend and comrade.

Jerry Murphree, State Senior Vice Commander

Jan/Feb/Mar 2008

SEEKING Dear Post Commander, I am writing for my father Mike Fla nagan (a WWII Veteran from VFW Post 387, District 7, in Cleveland, Oh io). He has collected various Ohio VFW Pins and Tie Clasps for ma ny years and is interested in obtaining more pins for his collection . He has several duplicates and would be happy to give or trade pins with someone who has a similar interest.

Specifically, I am asking for your ass istance in 1) Obtaining a Pin or Tie Clasp from your State; and 2) Ob taining assorted Pins to complete a collection from past National Conven tions.

If you can provide any assistance it would be greatly appreciated. Any questions can be sent via email to larr yflanagan4373@att.net or leave a voice mail at 216-375-7344.

Thank you for your assistance.

Larry Flanagan Cleveland, Ohio larryflanagan43473@att.net 216-375-7344 I googled my fathers name who recently died hoping to find some information on him that might help me kno w who he was. I noticed you had his name listed on the taps board and thought maybe someone there might have actually known him or served with him or might know someone who did. My family split when I was eight and I only know of him what I remember. Any help would be greatly appreciated. His name is Elwood Wayne Austin.

Thank you, Nicholas Wayne Austin Lowtide513@comcast.com

For Your Information Please pass to your members and interested parties that there is a rumor circulating on the Internet that veterans must apply for VA benefits by Jan. 17. Please stress to local veterans that this is a RUMOR: There is no Jan. 17 Deadline.

This Urban Legend as been circulating for years with different dates, but this email appears to be from a Salt Lake City woman.

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Jr. Vice Column Mike Barber

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ur programs and our involvement in our communities and with our youth and certainly with our veterans and warriors represents “The Public Face of the Veterans of Foreign Wars”. To those of you that have been listening, I have used this phrase on a daily basis and you know how strongly I feel that those Post’s that support and participate in the programs of our great organization and are involved in their communities are successful in their recruiting efforts.

Their respective communities see the good and wonderful things they are doing there. Successful involvement in our community will result in a growth in our membership. Our membership strength is what allows our national officers to have the ear of our elected officials. Let’s all strive to keep the VFW a strong advocate for veteran entitlements.

As we move into the home stretch of this VFW membership year, Posts continue to do a pretty good job of reporting and completing Community Service projects. I am proud of our membership that continues to get involved in their communities and participate in events that honor our military and our veterans.

I remain very optimistic as we move closer to accomplishing our membership goals for this year. I am especially pleased with the competitive hearts and souls I have seen across our Great State who continue to challenge one another and echo those words that have guided me thru my VFW leadership days. Simply put, “We’re Number 1”; “Don’t look back cause I’m going to catch you”; “We’re going to make All-State or All-American.” These attitudes of expression speaks highly of the competitiveness that exists throughout our organization. Good healthy competition is good for our organization and causes leaders at all levels to cross the T’s and dot the I’s. After all, don’t we owe that to the very membership that elected us to office?

My sincere congratulations to those post’s, and District 24 for reaching 100% as of this writing. Don’t slack off or back off.

We all owe State Commander Al Cantu our best effort fore he has certainly given the same to this Department. Simply put — Can Do. To those of you, who were not able to attend our MidWinter Roundup, believe me when I say it was conducted professionally and with that pomp and splendor that continues to set us apart from the other departments. Special thanks to Adjutant/ Quartermaster Roy Grona and his staff of Dan, Carlos, Christie, Keith, Beth and our two National Service Officers, Mel and Don, for the dedication and behind the scenes work that added to the success of our Roundup. The highlight of the week continues to be our VOD/Awards Banquet. It is very refreshing to see all 25 District winners in attendance and special thanks to Chairman Russ Behrndt and his folks for providing a weekend that will always be cherished by these young Americans.

I take my duties and responsibilities to YOU, the membership, very serious. The quality of membership we have is second to none. Continue to work as a team with our Auxiliary. Attitude is Everything and we must continue to do what is “right” for our membership, our organization, and for our future. I look forward to seeing you all in Dallas in June for our State Convention.

Texas VFW News

Jan/Feb/Mar 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 3, 2008 VA Distributes 2008 Insurance Dividends Peake: Payments Are “Commitment from a Grateful Nation” WASHINGTON – More than a million veterans are in line to share $349 million in annual insurance dividends during 2008, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “These dividends are a commitment from a grateful nation to safeguard the interests of America’s veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

VA operates one of the nation’s largest life insurance programs, providing more than $1 trillion in coverage to 7.1 million service members, veterans, and family members.

The dividend payments will be sent to an estimated 1.1 million holders of VA insurance policies on the anniversary date of their policies. Sent automatically through different payment plans, the amounts will vary based on the age of the veteran, the type of insurance, and the length of time the policy has been in force.

The dividends come from the earnings of trust funds into which veterans have paid insurance premiums over the years, and are linked to returns on investments in U.S. government securities.

VA officials caution veterans about a long-running scam in which various groups charge fees to “locate” veterans who are eligible for the dividends. Veterans eligible for the dividends have had VA life insurance policies in effect since they left the military and have received annual notifications from VA about the policies. Dividends are paid each year to veterans holding certain government life insurance policies and who served between 1917 and 1956.

World War II veterans holding National Service Life Insurance (“V”) policies comprise the largest group receiving 2008 insurance dividend payments. They are expected to receive total payments of $269.6 million.

An additional group of World War II era veterans, those who have Veterans Reopened Insurance (“J,” “JR” and “JS”) policies, will in total receive dividends of $9.2 million.

Korean War era veterans who have maintained Veterans Special Life Insurance (“RS” and “W”) policies can expect to receive dividends totaling $69.3 million.

Dividends totaling $875,000 will be paid to veterans who served between World War I and 1940 and who hold U.S. Government Life Insurance (“K”) policies.

Veterans who have questions about their policies may contact the VA insurance toll-free number at 1-800-669-8477 or send an email to VAinsurance@va.gov. They may also visit VA on the Internet at www.insurance.va.gov.

3. The distribution of VFW Buddy Poppies will be conducted according to the provisions set forth in sections 711 of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure. Department, District, County Council and Post Commanders should arrange now for for the distribution of Buddy Poppies for the Memorial Day campaign in their respective areas. All profits accruing from the distribution of Buddy Poppies shall be used for the relief of disabled and needy veterans and their dependents.

4. Section 220 of the National By-Laws, “Vacancies and Removal of Elective Officers” states that “Any elective Post officer removed by the Department Commander, by reason of failure to pay current dues or by vote of the Post under the provisions of this Section, shall not be eligible to serve in any Post office in the same administrative year in which the officer is removed.”

5. Reminder to all Posts that have not paid their 2007 Convention registration that Section 222, “Delegates, County Council, District, Department and National Conventions” of our National By-Laws and the Manual of Procedure stipulates each Post shall register, in advance, at least one delegate to the National Convention by the payment of a fee in the amount specified in the Manual of Procedure. Posts failing to comply with this provision shall be considered delinquent and in arrears.

E. "Al" Cantu, Jr.

Attitude is Everything

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ATTEST: BY ORDER OF: ROY J. GRONA E. “AL” CANTU, JR. State Adjutant State Commander

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Texas VFW News

Jan/Feb/Mar 2008

World War II SAILOR MISSING FROM WWII IS IDENTIFIED rescued, but Douglas was one of more than 150 — Jan. 3, 2008 servicemen who were missing as the ship sunk.

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

In June 2006, a resident of Ranongga Island, Solomon Islands, notified U.S. officials that he exhumed human remains and Douglas’ dog tag that he found eroding out of the ground near a trail by his village. The officials contacted the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) He is Seaman 1st Class General P. Douglas, U.S. who subsequently traveled to Ranongga Island to Navy, of Newcomb, Tenn. He will be buried Jan. examine the burial location where they verified that 26 in Sneedville, Tenn. no additional remains were present.

On July 6, 1943, the light cruiser USS Helena was struck by torpedoes fired by Japanese destroyers off the coast of Kolombangara Island, Solomon Islands, in what would become known as the Battle of the Kula Gulf. More than 700 servicemen were

Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.

Korea SOLDIER MISSING INACTION FROM KOREAN honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

WAR IS IDENTIFIED - Dec. 20, 2007 On February 12, 1951, Ferrell was assigned to The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Battery A, 503rd Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. Infantry Division, then occupying a position about serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, 70 miles east of Seoul, South Korea. The 503rd was have been identified and will be returned to his providing artillery support for friendly units coming family for burial with full military honors. under heavy attack by Chinese Communist Forces.

In danger of being overrun, the 503rd was forced to He is Cpl. Robert S. Ferrell, U.S. Army, of Dallas, withdraw to the south. Records indicate that Ferrell Texas. His burial date is being set by his family. was captured near Hoengsong, South Korea during the fighting. He later died in captivity at the Suan Representatives from the Army met with Ferrell’s Mining POW camp located about 40 miles southeast next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification of Pyongyang, North Korea. process, and to coordinate interment with military Between 1990 and 1994, the North Korean

government repatriated what they claimed to be 208 sets of remains, including a 1991 turnover of several servicemen recovered near the Suan Mining POW camp. Ferrell’s remains, along with cold-weather clothing and uniform buttons worn by U.S. infantry, were included in the 1991 repatriation.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of Ferrell’s remains.

Vietnam AIR FORCE OFFICER MISSING IN ACTION radioed Phan Rang airbase to report his location, FROM VIETNAM WAR IS IDENTIFIED - Dec. but contact was lost soon after. An extensive, three18, 2007 day search and rescue effort began, but no evidence of a crash was found. Hostile threats in the area The Department of Defense POW/Missing precluded further search efforts.

Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action In 1984, a former member of the Vietnamese Air from the Vietnam War, have been identified and Force turned over to a U.S. official human remains will be returned to his family for burial with full that he said represented one of two U.S. pilots military honors. whose aircraft was shot down.

He is Maj. Perry H. Jefferson, U.S. Air Force, of Denver, Colo. He will be buried April 3, 2008 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

On April 3, 1969, Jefferson was an aerial observer on board an O-1G Bird Dog aircraft on a visual reconnaissance mission over a mountainous region in Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam. The pilot of the aircraft, then U.S. Army 1st Lt. Arthur G. Ecklund,

In 2000, the remains turned over in 1984 were identified as Ecklund’s.

In 2001, a Vietnamese national living in California turned over to U.S. officials human remains that he said were recovered at a site where two U.S. pilots crashed. These remains were identified in 2007 as Jefferson’s.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the In 1994 a joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also (S.R.V.) team, led by the Joint POW/MIAAccounting used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in Command (JPAC), interviewed two Vietnamese identifying Jefferson’s remains. citizens regarding the incident. The witnesses said the aircraft crashed on a mountainside, the pilots died and were buried at the site. They said two Department of Texas other men were sent to the site a few days later Veterans of Foreign Wars Headquarters to bury the pilots. The team excavated the crash Web Site Address is: site described by the witnesses and found aircraft www.texasvfw.org wreckage. No human remains were found.

Page 7

T

Texas VFW News

Jan/Feb/Mar 2008

Department of Texas 2007-08 Voice of Democracy Winners

he Department of Texas invited all twenty-five Voice of Democracy District Scholarship Winners to attend the Mid-Winter Round Up and VOD Awards Banquet on Saturday, January 26, 2007.

This year we awarded $37,350 in state-level scholarship awards. These scholarship winners often collect additional awards at the Post and District competition levels on their way to state competition. The top scholarship winner in Texas continues on to the national level to compete for a share in $145,000 in national level awards. The top scholarship at the national level is $25,000.

Texas is very proud of all these winners and is grateful for the continued support of Posts, Districts, and individuals who have worked so very hard and who have been so generous towards Texas’ showcase scholarship program, the Voice of Democracy. Following is a list of the top 10 individuals in place order. The final fifteen winners are presented here in alphabetical order. Given the competetive nature of this competition, all these fine young men and women, no matter where they placed in the final outcome, are truly winners and a proud testimony toward the future of this great nation.

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

1st place winner Benjamin S. Stephens received the W.T. “Pete” Evans Scholarship in the amount of $4,000. Benjamin was sponsored

by Brownwood VFW Post 3278 and Auxiliary in District 8.

2nd place winner Amanda E. Rollins received the Camp Bowie Post 708 and Auxiliary Scholarship in the amount of $3,000. Amanda was sponsored by Alvarado VFW Post 9299 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 21.

3rd place winner Hannah L. Weber received the VFW Post 2544 Keith Brown Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $3,000. Hannah was sponsored by Big Spring VFW Post 2013 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 25.

4th place winner Maria C. O’Connor received the Robert O. “Bob” Pugh Memorial Scholarship

4th Place

5th Place

in the amount of $2,500. Maria was sponsored

by Irving VFW Post 2494 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 3.

5th place winner Adair H. Welfel received the Francis Sullivan Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $2,000. Adair was sponsored

by Poth VFW Post 8555 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 20.

6th place winner Rachel M. Thompson received the eterans Memorial Incorporated Scholarship in the amount of $1,500. Rachel was sponsored by Cypress VFW Post 8905 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 4.

7th place winner Ben C. Starnes received the Department of Texas Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship in the amount of $1,500. Ben was sponsored by Bryan VFW Post 4692 and

6th Place

7th Place

8th Place

Ladies Auxiliary in District 17.

8th place winner Daisy Rios received the Jim and Kimmy Nier Scholarship in the amount of $1,250. Daisy was sponsored by Rio Grande City VFW Post 8526 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 18.

9th place winner Haley A. Creswell received the Post 2544 C.L. Bridge Memorial Scholorship in the amount of $1,000. Haley was sponsored by Sweeny VFW Post 8551 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 16.

10th place winner Anna K. Gamwell received the Dennis L. Cunningham Post 8550, El Paso, Texas Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Anna was sponsored by Tyler VFW Post 1799 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 12.

9th Place

10th Place

Other District Winners in Alphabetical Order Caleb R. Allison received the Paul G. Mahoney Post 4372 Scholarship in the amount of $1000.

Caleb was sponsored by Brownfield VFW Post 6794 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 7.

Courtney Browning received the Woman’s Auxiliary to the Military Order of the Cootie, Pup tent 11Scholarship in the amount of $1000.

Courtney was sponsored by Seymour VFW Post 7871 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 15.

Ty C. Cauthen received the Spring Branch Post 8790, Houston, Texas Scholarship in the amount of $1000. Ty was sponsored by Village Mills VFW Post 1514 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 2.

James E. Hicks received the Colonel S. Lee Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1000.

James was sponsored by Horizon City VFW Post 10354 in District 10.

Trevor A. Keele received the District 16 Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship in the amount of $1000.

Trevor was sponsored by Grand Saline VFW Post 6635 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 30.

Tyler S. Kleypas received the Ray Cox Auxiliary 4747 Scholarship in the amount of $1000.

Tyler was sponsored by Cameron VFW Post 2010 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 28.

Aaron J. Lane received the Tomball Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 2427 Scholarship in the amount of $1000.

Aaron was sponsored by Whitney VFW Post 8571 in District 29.

Alexandra P. Pernice received the Paul G. Mahoney Post 4372 Scholarship in the amount of $1,000.

Alexandra was sponsored by Frisco VFW Post 8273 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 1.

Ytzel Rubalcava received the Sprague Capital Management Group Scholarship in the amount of $1000.

Ytzel was sponsored by Alice VFW Post 8621 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 6.

Abigail R. Tostado received the Greater Hewitt VFW Post 6008 Scholarship in the amount of $1000.

Abigail was sponsored by McQueeny VFW Post 9213 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 5.

Amber E. Stratman received the Missouri City VFW Post 4010 Scholarship in the amount of $1000. Amber was sponsored by Shiner VFW Post 6209 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 24.

Amanda L. Strickland received the Heart of Texas Post 3278 and Auxiliary Scholarship in the amount of $1000. Amanda was sponsored by Harker Heights VFW Post 3892 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 14.

Adelina Valdez received the Paul G. Mahoney Post 4372 Scholarship in the amount of $1000. Adelina

was sponsored by Devine VFW Post 3966 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 13.

Jacob A. Wichert received the William R. “Bill” Ruckman Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1000. Jacob was sponsored by Pampa VFW Post 1657 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 9.

William T. Worsham received the Paul G. Mahoney Post 4372 Scholarship in the amount of $1000. William was sponsored by Center VFW Post 8904 and Ladies Auxiliary in District 19.

Page 8

Texas VFW News

VETERANS HEALTH

Chief-of-Staff Column

What Members Should Know About the VFW’s Veterans Care Plus Programs

John Spahr

R

ecently, I was going through a drawer in my desk and I happened to run across some VFW pins from the Department of Texas State Commanders I have had the pleasure of serving under. Looking at these pins and the mottos on each of them, I was struck by the wisdom and foresight of each of these comrades.

Past Department Commander Ron Hornsby, a fine gentleman who was my first Department Commander, chose “Pride in Unit – Never Give Up!” as his motto. There is a message here for each of us. When our Community Service goals seem out of reach, “Never Give Up”. When our membership goals seem insurmountable, “Never Give Up!”. When success seems impossible, “Never Give Up!”, and the Pride in our Unit, be it a Post, a District or a Department is the reason we should keep striving for those goals and “Never Give Up!.

Next came “Big John” Fair, a person whose motto described him perfectly. John chose “Committed to Veterans, All the Way” as his slogan. Again, there’s a message for us. When we were in the service and went on patrol or had a task to do, we didn’t go at it with the expectation of being only partially successful. We went at it “All the Way”.

As soldiers, sailors, airmen or Marines, we didn’t try to accomplish only part of a mission, we went for completing it “All the Way”. So, too, should be our spirit in the VFW. We must set our goals and not stop until we have reached them “All the Way!” Following Big John, came Duane Shriver, a comrade who led our Department to success.

Duane’s motto was “Veterans Can Make the Difference” and we have all seen how true that is. Look at the positive impact we have on our troops and their families with the Military Assistance Program, phone cards and Unmet Needs. Look at what we do for our fellow veterans with our intense lobbying in Congress

Jan/Feb/Mar 2008

for better VA benefits. Think of the difference we make for our youth with Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen and Patriotic. Yes, “Veterans Can Make the Difference” and Veterans DO Make the Difference.

Last year’s excellent Department Commander, Russ Richards, chose as his motto, “Effort = Success” and what a profound motto it was. It can apply not just to the VFW but to everything we do. Success without effort is meaningless. To achieve success, we must be willing to take the time and expend the effort. Now that the majority of our renewals have been posted, now is the time for the effort to begin. Now is the time to begin the search for new members to keep our organization strong. Now is the time to work towards increasing our numbers. Is it easy? Of course not, but it can be done. Effort, indeed, will equal success if we are willing to strive for it.

This year, Department Commander Al Cantu has chosen “Attitude Is Everything” as his motto. To me, this is a wonderful motto in that it ties all of the previous mottos together. If we “Never Give Up” and if we work for success “All the Way” then we will see that we, as “Veterans Can Make the Difference”. If we are willing to work for it, we will see that “Effort = Success”.

If our attitude is to settle back and accept defeat, then we will fail. But if we take the attitude that Failure is Not an Option, we will succeed and it is that positive attitude, that dedication to success, that we need to adopt. There is nothing holding us back and the path is clear. Keep that positive Can Do attitude and victory will be ours! It’s all a matter of attitude and, Comrades, when it comes to succeeding, “Attitude IS Everything”.

Hundreds of VFW and LAVFW members have benefited from offerings through Veterans Care Plus (VCP). This piece is intended to educate members who may be unfamiliar with the program. VCP is a healthcare advocate for America’s Veterans and their families.

VCP currently targets the most commonly requested benefits

by VFW/LAVFW members: Diabetes, Hearing Loss/ Ringing-in-the-Ears, and Drug Costs.

Diabetes: Liberty Medical, a VCP partner, makes managing diabetes easier for over 1 million Americans. Anyone with an outdated glucose meter should call Liberty for a new meter FREE at 1-800-921-0893.

Hearing Health: Premier Micronutrient Corporation (PMC), a VCP partner, conducted a hearing health study with U.S. Marines. The PMC treated Marines performed significantly better on all measures (including ringing in the ears) versus the untreated group. This program is available at a discount to VFW/LAVFW members. 1-888-606-8883.

Drug Savings: Members can get a drug review and evaluation by a VCP trained pharmacist. Others have saved over $1,200 a year on average through this program.

1-888-462-4579.

Members get great benefits and great service. In addition, by taking advantage of VCP, you are helping them continue to support you and others in addition to the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary VFW organizations themselves.

For more information please visit our website at www. veteranscareplus.com.

I am proud to be in the company of the greatest VFW members in the world. Thank you for your hard work and your dedication to the VFW. You are America’s Heroes!

Texas Veterans’

HOTLINE

1-800-252-VETS (8387) A joint venture of the Texas Veterans Commission and the Texas Veterans Land Board.

Past D-9 Commander Bill Frazier presents new rehab equipment to Amarillo VA.

Attained age 12/31 One Pmt 12/M Pmts 24/M Pmts Through Age 30.................. $425.00...................... $40.39...................$20.23 31-40.................................. $410.00...................... $39.02...................$19.58 41-50.................................. $375.00...................... $35.84...................$18.05 51-60.................................. $335.00...................... $32.20...................$16.32 61-70.................................. $290.00...................... $28.11...................$14.36 71-80.................................. $225.00...................... $22.20...................$11.53 81 and Over....................... $170.00...................... $17.20.....................$9.14

Page 9

Texas VFW News

Jan/Feb/Mar 2008

Congress Expands Low-Interest Mortgages to Texas Veterans Washington, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives’ has approved legislation, which Congressman Lloyd Doggett helped to craft that expands home ownership opportunities for Texas veterans.

“Those who fight to keep our home safe deserve a fighting chance at home ownership,” said Congressman Doggett, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee. “This bill is truly a way to honor our veterans, not only with words but with deeds - in this case, the deed to a home. I appreciate the important work of the Texas Veterans Land Board with whose staff I worked to secure passage of this important legislation.”

Through an arbitrary limitation, only veterans who served in active duty prior to 1977 are currently eligible for low-interest home loans from the proceeds of Qualified Veterans Mortgage Bonds administered by the Texas Veterans Land Board. The Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief (HEART) Act removes this restriction, expanding eligibility for these low-interest home loans to all qualified veterans regardless of when they served. Through this program, Texas veterans will be eligible for below-market home loans of up to $325,000.

In Texas, the bill will enable the Texas Veterans Land Board to expand its existing low-interest loan program to several thousand additional Texas veterans. Texas is one of only five states in the Nation to offer veterans a special home loan program, and the only state to offer the unique combination of low-interest rates for land, housing, and home improvement loans.

“This is not an entitlement; Texas veterans have earned this benefit through their service to our nation,” said Jerry Patterson, Chairman of the Texas Veterans Land Board. “I want to thank Congressman Doggett for his support to our veterans.”

The HEART Act also provides additional benefits to veterans and military families. The legislation allows active duty reservists to make penalty-free withdrawals from retirement plans, and includes differential wages paid by an employer to an employee who becomes active duty military in the calculation of wages for retirement plan purposes.

With the passage of proposition 9 (100% property tax exemption for 100% disabled (veterans) during the 6 nov 07 state-wide elections many questions have been asked by texas veterans.

Hopefully the following will help to answer these questions.

Prop 9: ENHANCING VETERANS’TAX EXEMPTIONS (SJR 29) Passed by voters — November 6, 2007 THIS AMENDMENT DOES TWO THINGS: 1. Soldiers returning from conflict due to injuries receive a grade from the U.S. Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) on the severity of their disability. Grade is on a scale of 0% to 100%; Rounded to the nearest “ten”. If you are 24% disabled, you would be 20% officially. If you were 28%, you would be 30% officially.

Section 2(b), Article VIII of the Texas Constitution grants a disabled veteran a property tax exemption based on his U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability rating. Before amended by Prop 9, the Texas Constitution had an exemption of $12,000 from a homestead’s taxable value currently, which existed for a disability rating of 71% or more. However, nothing in the constitution or in statute addresses the veterans who have essentially lost the ability to maintain a sustainable income.

PURPOSE: Prop 9 is a constitutional amendment, which exempts persons who are 100 % disabled or totally disabled as a result of a service-connected disability according to the VA from all ad valorem property taxes on their homestead.

The exemption would have begun in the 2008 tax year.

However Prop 9’s enabling legislation did not pass during the 80th Legislative Session, so the exemption CANNOT BE ENJOYED UNTIL ENABLING STATUTES ARE PASSED BY THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE IN THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION, which begins in January of 2009.

This allows soldiers to retain an asset that might otherwise be lost due to financial hardship from a disability inflicted while fighting for our country.

Promotes home ownership. 2. The federal Department of Veterans Administration (VA) has an intricate yet unintuitive system for classifying disabled veterans coming home from war on a 0% to 100% scale. This scale takes into account arm, leg, back, & hip injuries, though each affected body part has different applicable proportion of available ability, creating

a complicated formula. This formula creates a raw figure, which the VA will round up or down to a multiple of 10. For example, a 34% rating is rounded down to an official 30%, while a 35% rating is rounded up to 40%.

Article VIII of the Texas Constitution lists the different amounts of property tax exemptions that veterans can receive, based on their levels of disability. The four different disability ranges given in that section are: 10-30%, 31-50%, 51-70%, and 71% and over. Consider my previous example: If Veteran A has a 34% rating, he would be rounded to 30% officially and receive a $5000 exemption on the value of his property. His neighbor, Veteran B, with a 35% rating would have been bumped up to 40% by the VA and would enjoy a $7500 exemption for being in the 31% to 50% disability rating range just above his neighbor, Veteran A. Veteran A, however, was truly rated in Veteran B’s disability range at the start but, because of a seeming discrepancy between state and federal policies, he cannot enjoy the exemption for which he was originally rated.

Proposition 9 continued on page 11

Page 10

Texas VFW News

Jan/Feb/Mar 2008

State Convention H Dallas, Texas H June 25-29, 2008 General Information The 2008 State Convention for the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary, Department of Texas, will be held June 25-29, 2008 in Dallas.

Remember, your Hotel Reservations ($88.00/night plus tax) must be made by YOU, directly with the hotel. Exception: Department will continue to make reservations for sitting members of the Council of Administration. Rooms are limited and room assignments will be on a “first come first serve” basis. Cut off date is June 3, 2008. Mention Veterans of Foreign Wars to get the VFW group rate!

Cancellations? Call the hotel immediately. Cancellations after 4:00 pm and less than 24 hours prior to check in will be charged for one night.

Hospitality Rooms ($210/night plus tax). Contact Christie at Department Headquarters at 512.834.8535 for hospitality room reservations or email at christie@texasvfw.org. Rooms consist of parlor and one connectiong bedroom.

Tentative Schedule

ROOM RESERVATIONS

Wednesday, 25 June 2008

HYATT REGENCY DFW - International Parkway, DFW Airport

7 :30 am - 5:00 pm Golf Tournament 12 Noon - 4:00 pm VFW & AUX Registration/Credentials/Poppies

Phone Registration: CALL 800-233-1234 (reservations or cancellations) Use Group Name “VFW or Veterans of Foreign Wars”

Thursday, 26 June 2008

Internet Registration: click on link at Department of Texas web site at texasvfw.org Check Availability (fill in your registration details) Special Accounts (use the Group Code “MID”) Pick your Room type Enter Personal and Credit Card payment information click “Book Now”

WARNING

If you miss the June 3 Cut Off Date, you’ll pay the prevailing hotel rate!

8 :00 am - 4:00 pm VFW & AUX Registration/Credentials/Poppies 8:00 am - 9:30 am VFW Council of Admin Meeting 10:00 am- 11:00 am JOINT Memorial Service 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm JOINT Opening Session 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Hospitality Time 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Show, (Crawfish Band, Cash Bar)

Friday, 27 June 2008 8 :00 am - 9:00 am VFW Resolutions Available for Review 8:00 am - 4:00 pm VFW & AUX Registration/Credentials/Poppies 10:00 am- Adjourn VFW Business Meeting and Nominations 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Reception with Cash Bar 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Awards Banquet

Saturday, 28 June 2008 8 :00 am - 9:00 am VFW Service Officer Seminar 8:00 am - 10:00 am VFW Registration (VFW Members Only) 10:00 am- Adjourn VFW Business Meeting and Elections 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm JOINT Installation of Officers 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Commander and President Reception

Sunday, 29 June 2008 9:30 am - 12: Noon VFW Council of Admin Meeting

Awards Banquet

Ticket Order Form H Friday June 27, 2008 NO REFUNDS AFTER MAY 31, 2008!

Name:__________________________________________ Street/Box:_ _____________________________________ City_____________________ State:______Zip:__________ Phone: (_______ )_________________________________ District#:_________________ Post/Aux#_______________ Quantity of Banqet Tickets:____@ $40.00 each =________ Quantity of Full Tables:_ ____ @ $400.00 each = ________ COMPLETE FORM & MAIL WITH PAYMENT TO: VFW State Headquarters P.O. Box 14468, Austin TX 78761 Form must be received by May 31, 2008

Page 11

Texas VFW News

Proposition 9 continued from page 9

PURPOSE: Prop 9 will align the state exemption policy with the federal rating schedule. Detailed breakdown: Amends Section 2(b), Article VIII of the Texas Constitution by changing the $5,000 exemption range from the current 10%-30% to 10%-29%, changing the $7,500 exemption range from the current 31%-50% to 30%- 49%, changing the $10,000 exemption range from the current 51%-70% to 50%- 69%, and changing the $12,000 exemption range from the current 71% and over to 70% and over.

WHAT IS LEFT TO DO? Because the voters of Texas approved Prop 9 on the November 2007 Ballot, the current situation of Prop 9’s exemption is that it is authorized but not yet codified in statute. As of now, both the intent and possibilities on how to initially apply this exemption in statute have yet to be determined. Enabling statutes are needed before local taxing units must comply with what the state has not specifically outlined in the Tax Code. The next anticipated legislative session is the 81st Legislature starting in January 2009.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Who does this exemption apply to? This bill rearranges the entire state’s current exemption structure, but most notably authorizes a COMPLETE exemption from ad valorem property taxes on the homestead of a veteran who is either 100% disabled (based on the VA schedule of disability) or totally disabled based on their 100% unemployability (though they may not actually have a 100% VA disability rating.) The terms, including “totally disabled,” will be defined by the Legislature in its next session. This exemption will extend to the veteran, a veteran’s surviving spouse, and surviving minor children.

When will this exemption begin? Prop 9 is authorized currently, but the specifics must be written by the Legislature before it is implemented. The exemption will be implemented when enabling legislation can be passed, and the next legislative session starts in January 2009. As of now, the first year Texans to enjoy this exemption is to be determined by the Legislature. Does it end? No. This exemption is permanent once it is enacted by the Legislature. The “Temporary Clause” in Prop 9 does not relate to the entire exemption but only that section of the language specifically.

This section would have provided legislative intent in the event that a vote on Prop 9 happened during the 2008 tax year; assuming enabling legislation had passed, which it did not.

Jan/Feb/Mar 2008

What does the VFW do?

Listed below are statewide totals of financial support and time contributed by VFW members and their Auxiliaries to assist not only other veterans but projects to better the community including youth scholorships for college.

From July 1, 2007 to January 10, 2008 Activity Area Community Service Projects Community Service Hours Value of Volunteer Hours* Community Service Donations Operation Uplink Cards Distributed Operation Uplink Donations Number of Unmet Needs Grants Amount of Unmet Needs Grants Number of MAP Activities Amount of MAP Grants National Home Donations Patriots Pen Scholarships Number of Participating Students Voice of Democracy Scholarships Number of participating Students Teacher of the Year Awards Number of Teacher Entries Buddy Poppy Donations Buddy Poppies Ordered

Statewide Totals 13,249 207,036 $3,886,065.72 $1,713,534.00 72,535 $58,189.51 167 $245,470.35 71 $112,133.00 $16,415.00 $80,096.50 6,940 $188,735.00 1,810 $25,615 291 $84,000.00 700,000

The following “Letter to the editor” is in response to a recent Washington Post article that rated veterans organizations fundraising efforts.

Dear Editor: The Washington Post’s Dec. 13 article, entitled “Studies Fault Charities for Veterans,” helped to reinforce one very important point: charitable organizations who abuse donor gener osity should be held accountable. However, it is an unfortunate error to paint all veterans’ groups with the same broad brush, because the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and many other recognized veterans’ service organizations are reliable, ethical and effectively serving America’s heroes in a time when the need has never been greater.

In 2005-2006, VFW program expenditures exceeded donor contr ibutions. Most Americans would be surprised at the wide range of support the VFW provides to veterans and their families, including financial assistance for families of deployed troops, dedicated VFW service officers to aid vetera ns in filing benefits claims, and a free phone card program for deployed personnel and recovering wounded to conne ct with their families. In addition to troop support, the VFW sponsors scholarship programs, educational outreach, youth activities and community service. In addition, almost 90 percent of funds raised by our VFW Foundation go directly to programs, as reported by CharityNavigator.org. VFW also gives generously to other charitable causes such as Fisher Hous e and the Intrepid Heroes Fund, both rated exceptionally Most Americans well by the American Institute of Philanthropy report. would be surprised About 22 percent of the VFW budget goes to fundraising and 8 percent to administrative costs. VFW donors are our investors; they invest in VFW programs and services and are stakeh at the wide range of olders in our success. In addition, no charity is able to operate effectively without allocating at least a portion of their support the VFW resources towards generating new funds and supporting the infrastructure that makes their activities possible. For example, the VFW has hundreds of experienced and dedicated service provides to veterans officers in the field, on military installations, and in veterans’ hospi tals. Over the past year, these full-time service officers and their families helped nearly 100,000 veterans to recoup $1 billion in earned compensation and pension benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is a free service the VFW provides to all veterans, regardless of whether they are members.

As the nation’s most respected and oldest major veterans’ servic e organization, the VFW stands ready to support America’s 24 million veterans, her 2.2 million servicemen and women, and their families. We’re proud to honor the commitment of so many veterans who served our country, and we hope Americans will continue to help us meet the growing demand for our services.

Sincerely, George Lisicki National Commander Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

Page 12

Texas VFW News

Combat Cross On May 20th, 2005, Texas Governor Rick Perry signed into law a resolution allowing a monument to be erected on the Texas Capitol grounds honoring those who fought and died during the war in Vietnam. The Monument will reflect the racial diversity of the great state of Texas and recognize the diversity of skills the military branches represent.

Jan/Feb/Mar 2008 Patriots Pen 1st place Winner Michael W. Davis sponsored by VFW Post 6205, Muenster and its Ladies Auxiliary.

The ‘Combat Cross’ is an original sculpture designed by artist, Duke Sundt. It is a fine art “lost wax” bronze casting created exclusively for the purpose of raising funds for the Texas Vietnam Veterans’ monument.

The dimensions are approximately 10”h x 5”w.

This sculpture will be limited to an edition of 1000 and each individual casting is reproduced by skilled artisans at Hoka Hey Foundry in Dublin, Texas. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery.

Mail to: Texas Capitol Vietnam Monument Committee

c/o JHL Company Attention: Combat Cross Orders P.O Box 12275 Austin, Texas 78711

Please reserve the “Combat Cross” by artist Duke Sundt for me. I understand this is a limited edition of 1000 and I will be assigned the next available number. It is offered to the public for $1000.00 each (includes shipping). For Vietnam veterans and their families, the “Combat Cross” can be purchased for $750.00. Make checks payable to: Capitol of Texas Vietnam Veterans Monument Committee _______________________________________________ NAME

_______________________________________________

Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year K-5th grade, Roselind A. Pelich, Floresville Early Childhood Campus.

PLEASE PROVIDE A ‘UNITED PARCEL SERVICE’ ADDRESS

_______________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE, PHONE PLEASE CLEARLY PRINT YOUR SHIPPING INFORMATION

Sweepstakes Winners Congratulations to the following Texas VFW sweepstakes winners!

Grand Prize $10,000 winner – Carl Crisp, Post 3893 $2,500 – Earnest McAlpine, Post 9022 $1,500 – Doyle Bennett, Post 1799 $1,000 – Richard Vanname, Post 8537 $1,000 – Erasmo Zamora, Post 8570 $750 – Raymond Arias, Post 4458 $750 – Patrick Hlavaty, Post 2786 $500 – Ken Tolar, Post 3903 $500 – Post 10428 Ladies Auxiliary $250 – Louis Bacher, Post 15045 $250 – Hoyett Williams, Post 2147

$100 Winners Donald Williamson, Post 9192 Lee Breaux, Post 2559 Richard Marshall, Sr., Post 6873 Virgil Bolter, Post 6284 Freddie Spainhouer, Post 6796 Robert Fliedner, Post 15045 M. G. Boswell, Post 15045 Toy Echols, Post 2205 Thomas Bourland, Post 2466

Proceeds from the sweepstakes are being used to implement a Veterans Assistance Program as an expansion of the Unmet Needs Military Assistance Program to assist all veterans and not just those in the military or discharged within the last three years.

Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year 6-8th grade, Tom Jaggard, Refugio Middle School.

Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year 9-12th grade, Judith Cooper, Lehman High School.

Page 13

Texas VFW News

Jan/Feb/Mar 2008

2008 WWII Battlefield Tours to EUROPE Due to popular demand for our July Normandy tour, we are offering another departure in August.

WWII veterans receive $250 discount on our tours

Normandy & Battle of the Bulge

Our condo/cruise program just got better

Sicily/Italy Campaign

The VFW has negotiated free memberships for all VFW members in the GTO condo/cruise travel club. This offers our members the very best rates available for a 7-night condo stay. Make a condo reservation with your member ID: VFW and password: freedom.

Departing August 12th. Ten days visiting France, Belgium, Luxembourg & Germany.

Departs May 14th. Eight seats left. A complete tour of the Sicily/Italy campaign plus all the beautiful sights of the Mediterranean.

Call for a brochure: (605) 665-3596

Escorted by WWII veteran & Mrs. Brooks Ranney.

Beginning january 20th explore the additional full-service benefits being offered. Please visit: www.gtocondosandcruises.com and click on the “packages, cruise, hotel, air, auto” tab for all the details.

• One source for research and booking of vacation packages, cruises, Lodging, air and auto rentals • Combined purchasing power enables us to offer our lowest price guarantee • A trusted corporate partner to help you avoid travel scams • Member rewards program • Exclusive offers on travel packages not available to the general public.

Remember the service of your family and friends with a handsome, routered black walnut plaque. Each personalized plaque is beautiful tribute to the sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country.

• Private telephone access to over 40 certified destination specialists to help you plan your vacation needs.

Makes a Great Holiday Gift Choose from 8 x 11 or 10 x 13 plaques Call for a free Brochure

715-577-6937

Visit our website at: www.GordonsTributes.com Jim Gordon, Owner & Vietnam Vet PO Box 124  Altoona, WI 54720 jim@gordonstributes.com

Win a golf vacation to scotland!

VFW announces 2008 national golf tournament. Two teams will be going to scotland to play St. Andrews old and new courses as well as carnoustie.

Each state will be sending two teams to play in the national finals november 17-18 in Myrtle Beach. All state winners will receive a pro-rated travel allowance to help pay for travel to Myrtle Beach, hotel accommodations for three nights, tournament golf fees, awards banquet and prizes. You will be playing one round on golf digest’s 73rd-rated public course and a second round on a sister course. You will be housed in 2-bedroom beachfront condos. The teams that win their flight will win 6-night scotland trips.

This is a 4-man team scramble event and there will be two flights-low gross for the scratch/ low-handicap golfers and a random draw flight for the ocassional player. So regardless of your golfing skills, everyone has a chance to win the scotland golf trip. No handicaps are needed. Entry fee is $50 per golfer. Additional information, rules and registration forms can be found at: www.golftournamentoutfitters.com/vfwgolf or contact the membership department.

We will need a tournament coordinator for each state. Each coordinator will be compensated and have an opportunity to win a golf vacation. If interested please visit above website for details.

Page 14

Texas VFW News

Ladies Auxiliary President’s Comments Linda Henry

T

aking Care of Auxiliary Business and our Veterans with a Tradition of caring, what a great and wonderful thing you all have done the last six months. I have traveled many miles and seen the outstanding works of Post and Auxiliaries. Thank you all so much for all you have done. We have six more months to conduct our years business let’s see how much more productive we can be. Comrades, Sisters we need to remember why we took our oaths and obligations in the organization, please let’s stop the bickering and work for our Veterans.

Ladies you must refrain from the Post business and keep your minds to the duties of the Ladies Auxiliary. We are there to assist them and not run their business. I want to congratulate all of my District Presidents for acheiving their 85%, and thank the ones who helped them, you know who you are.

Your work is deeply appreciated. To all my chairman, program coordinator and office staff thanks for all the hard work you did to make mid-winter a wonderful success. To my Commander thank you for a great six months, you’re terrific. I wish for you a good six months ahead, you’re doing an outstanding job for the Department of Texas and I know you are appreciated.

Time sure is flying by so we need to buckle down and finish our goals we set out to do. Get our membership at 100% meet all our obligations that maintain our charter and take care of our Veterans and youth in the community.

Speaking of youth the Voice of Democracy Banquet was beautiful, wasn’t it?

Texas has some of the brightest and finest students and they were all winners with me. I thank the Department staff for a job well done at Mid-Winter.

Roy thanks for all of your help. I believe our National Commander and President enjoyed their visit to Texas and I thank you all for the hospitality you showed them “Texas Style”. it was great having them with us. So let’s get busy and remember the goals and please report all you do. I love you all and God Bless each and everyone, God Bless our troops, their families and God Bless America.

Membership Sharon Helton and Cleo Hornsby We would like to start out by saying, Thank You for a job well done done on membership. Every day we make a difference in the lives of our Veterans and their families, our communities are strengthed by our service hours and support of community sponsored programs and events For every Veteran, there are several potential members waiting to be asked to join our great organization. All we have to do is get out and find these members. They are not going to come to us.

We must continue to Recruit, Reinstate, and Retain our members to order to reach our goal of being 100% in membership. We know what needs to be done, so let’s show that we are “TAKING CARE OF AUXILIARY BUISNESS AND OUR VETERANS” through the “TRADITIONS OF CARING.” Working together, all things are possible.

Jan/Feb/Mar 2008

Legislative/VFW-PAC

by May Carpenter, Chairman I know that every time we pick up a paper or turn on the radio or television we can not help hearing about the candidates running for office. This is our opportunity to influence the direction of our nation if we will listen to what the candidates are saying and vote for the ones that will listen to our Veterans needs.

Contacting our legislators let them know that we care about the issues at hand and if enough of us talk to them we can definitely influence their actions. Our VFW web site www.vfw.org does a wonderful job of keeping us informed of all legislative issues. If you will go in and sign up for the “VFW Washington Weekly” e-newsletter you will not only receive all Legislative Alerts but you can also find out who your congressional representatives are if you click on the “Contact Congress” link.

The purpose of VFW-PAC is to support candidates for election to federal office who have taken responsible positions on legislation pertaining to our nation’s veterans and issues involving national defense. We must continue holding VFWPAC fundraisers to help fund operating costs, political advocacy programs and candidate endorsement contributions.

Remember it is our duty as Auxiliary Members and American Citizens to help our Veterans receive what they were promised. Our Legislative/VFW-PAC National Director, Helen Carter bests states this in her quote “Remember, our Politicians will not be involved in our issues, unless we are!”

Let’s all stand together in our “Tradition of Caring” by “Taking Care of Auxiliary Business and Our Veterans” by putting into office legislators that will listen and work for our Veterans.

Extension/Chief of Staff

By Pat Murphree The holidays are over, Mid-Winter Round-up is over and our work will continue.

My congratulations to our Outstanding Hound Dog Districts and their Presidents!

Many challenges have been met and obstacles overcome. Remember, the members of auxiliaries surrendering their charter need to be transferred to other auxiliaries or to members at large. We cannot afford to lose these members from our organization. I know the Deputy Chiefs of Staff are working hard to accomplish this goal for our organization! this is what is called “Taking Care of Auxiliary Business and Our Veterans The year is now half over and we need to make some changes to get back on track into the “Tradition of Caring” for our veterans and communities. I know we have written about this before, but it is too important not to repeat!

We know you love this organization; now we all must show each other how important we all are to our organization in the work we do for it and for our veterans. Mentor, recruit and work the programs!

Winners VS. Losers The Winner — is always part of the answer.

The Loser — is always part of the problem.

We Are Winners

Page 15

Texas VFW News

Ladies Auxiliary CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Lynn Richards

Dancing With God When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing “dance” at the end of the word.

I remember reading that doing God’s will is a lot like dancing.

When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.

The movement doesn’t flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.

When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music.

One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.

It’s as if two become one body, moving beautifully.

The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.

When I saw “G: I thought of God, followed by “u” and “i”.

“God, “u” and “i” dance.”

God, you, and I dance.

As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life.

Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

My prayer for you today is that God’s blessings and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday.

May you abide in God as God abides in you.

Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.

This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached.

If God has done anything for you in your life, please share this message with someone else, for prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive.

There is no cost but a lot of rewards; so let’s continue to pray for one another.

And I Hope You Dance.

Presidents Homecoming Linda Henry March 14-16, 2008 Homecoming Book Full Page $100.00 ½ page $50.00 ¼ Page $25.00 Business Card $15.00 Signature $1.00

Deadline for all ads is March 5, 2008 Send all ads and payment to: Kim Phillips, 511 North Grant Odessa, Texas 79761 Phone # 432-580-7302 or 432-238-2209 Earmarked “Homecoming Book” Make checks payable to VFW Ladies Auxiliary #4372.

Jan/Feb/Mar 2008

Elect

Celia Koci

National Council Member, Area H 2008-2010

Elect

Melanie McConaghy Department Guard 2008-2009

Elect

Joyce Dalton Department Guard 2008-2009

Department President’s Homecoming

Have you made your reservation for the Department President’s Homecoming?

March 14-15, 2008, Odessa, TX Grande Hotel Fundome 1-866-362-2311 • www.mcmgrande.com 6201 E. Business 20 Odessa, TX 79762 PH 432-362-2311 – FAX 432-366-3965 Room Rates: Standard Exterior: $79.99* Standard Interior $89.99* Parlor Suite $119.99* Jacquzzi Suite $149.99* (*plus taxes) For the Group Rate, be sure to mention: “VFW Ladies State President Homecoming” Deadline for Reservations February 21, 2008

Page 16

Elect

Wayne DePute Jr Vice Commander 2008-2009

Texas VFW News

District Meetings

Elect

Ron Hornsby National Council Member 2008-2010

District 1 NMay 3-4 @ Post 9168, Lewisville District 2 District 3 Prairie May 3-4 @ Post 5076, Garland District 4 May 4 @ Post 581, Houston District 5 May 18 @ Post 4817, Gonzales District 6 March 8 @ Post 3904, Rockport May 17 @ Post 9170, Beeville District 7 May 10-11 @ Post 6797, Post District 8 May 17-18 @ Post 4136, Eastland District 9 May 3 @ Post 1475, Amarillo District 10 May 4 @ 8550, El Paso District 12 May 10 @ Post 1799, Tyler District 13 May 4 @ Post 1480, Kerrville District 14

Elect

Bill Bailey Jr Vice Commander 2008-2009

Elect

Rudy

Ostovich Jr Vice Commander 2008-2009

Re-Elect

Ken Burton State Judge Advocate 2008-2009

Elect

Larry

Velasquez State Surgeon 2008-2009

Elect

Russ

Richards

National Council Member 2008-2010

Elect Dan West State

Chaplain 2008-2009

District 15 Apr 27 @ Post 8878, Wichita Falls\ District 16 May 3-4 @ Post 2438, Bay City District 17 Apr 26 @ Post 4692, Bryan May 17 @ Post 4006, Navasota District 18 Mar 2 @ Post 9175, Hidalgo May 18 @ Post 7768, Zapata District 19 May 3 @ Post 3893, Nacogdoches District 20 May 3 @ Post 8541, San Antonio District 21 May 18 @ Post 5617, White Settlement District 24 May 4 @ Post 4146, Victoria District 25 May 10 @ Post 4372, Odessa District 28 May 17 @ Post 6115, Elgin District 29 May 4 @ Post 4819, West District 30 May 17-18 @ Post 4133, Trinidad

Elect Robert Dickerson State Chaplain 2008-2009

Elect B. J. Garrett State

Chaplain 2008-2009

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Jan/Feb/Mar 2008

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