2015 texas vfw winter news issuu
DESCRIPTION
The official magazine of the Texas VFW.TRANSCRIPT
Winter 2015
TEXAS VFW NEWS — 1st PLACE WINNER2014 National Publications Contest
New Texas Governor Greg Abbott makes his first Texas VFW speech at the mid-winter convention
insideVOD Winners
Patriot’s Pen WinnersVietnam Peace Accord
Legislative News
RVOSI N S U R A N C E
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Farms, and RanchesSince 1901
“Neighbors Helping Neighbors”
RVOS.com1-800-507-2174
Supporting Our Veterans
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3Texas VFW Winter 2015
CO
NTEN
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Serving Veterans Since 1899What Does The Texas VFW Offer You?Camaraderie with fellow Veterans • Community Networking & Involve-ment • Remembrance Programs • Full time support of today’s service members • Programs for families and youth • Full Time Watchdog on Capitol Hill & at the Texas Legislature • Free representation in VA claims • An award-winning magazine
Contributions: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials, or photographs are welcomed but cannot be returned unless sender provides SASE. Texas VFW News will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and drawings. Submission of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish all or in part.
Please send your comments, suggestions, ideas and Post activities to: Texas VFW P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761 or by email to [email protected]
Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and are not to be construed as those of the publisher nor as official views of the Texas VFW, the National VFW or any of its agencies, unless otherwise made manifest by writers or spokespersons acting on behalf of the foregoing.
Advertising of products and services herein does not imply endorsement or approval of the Texas VFW.
Advertising is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services are accurately described. Ads that contain fraudulent, deceptive or misleading statements or illustra-tions, or in the opinion of the Texas VFW News may be offensive, are not knowingly accepted. If you encounter noncompliance, please tell us.
For Information Regarding: Unit reunions, general orders, taps, seeking, District Meetings and other topics please visit www.texasvfw.org.
Congratulations to the 2014-15 Voice of Democracy
essay winner and recipient of a $10,000 scholarship Anna Becker.
Congratulations to the 2014-15 Patriot’s Pen essay
winner and recipient of a $2,000 scholarship Cassity Milton.
In the News 4 Commander’s Column
6 Veterans Legislative News
8 Texas VFW Foundation Receives
$300,000 Grant 10 Around the State with the Texas VFW
11 Welcome to the New Dept. Secretary
12 Around the State with the Texas VFW
14 Voice of Democracy Essay Winner
15 Voice of Democracy Scholarship Winners
16 Vietnam Peace Accord
18 Patriot’s Pen Winners
19 Citizenship Education Teacher Awards
22 Vietnam Peace Accord
23 Vietnam Peace Accord
25 Texas VFW Membership Application
28 Mid-Winter Conference Memorial Service
Upcoming Events 20 State Commander Homecoming
21 Texas VFW 95th Annual Convention
26 Officer Training Seminar
Voice of Democracy Essay Winner page 14
Patriot’s Pen Essay Winner page 18
The official publication of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars
www.texasvfw.org
Winter 2015
Texas VFW NeWs — 1st Place WiNNer2014 National Publications Contest
New Texas Governor Greg Abbott makes his first Texas VFW speech at the mid-winter convention
insideVOD Winners
Patriots Pen WinnersVietnam Peace Accord
Legislative News
ABOUT THE COVER
New Texas Governor Greg Abbott makes his
first Texas VFW speech at the mid-winter
convention in Austin, Texas to a crowd of
over 800 members of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars and its Auxiliaries. Pictured L-R State Sr.
Vice Commander Dan West, National
President of the Ladies Auxiliary Ann Panteleakos, State Jr. Vice Commander Peyton Lumpkin, Governor Greg Abbott, State Commander Joe Hayes,
National Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief John Biedrzycki and State Ladies Auxiliary president Dorothy Bennett.
Join us on facebook for up-to-date information, photos of VFW events and breaking news relevant to Veterans.
Flippable Online Version of this magazine is available at www.texasvfw.org.
The Official Publication of the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Texas VFW News (USPS 008-177). Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and additional mailing offices. Subscription price of $20.00.
Published Quarterly by the Department of Texas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 8503 North IH-35, Austin, Texas 78753
Volume LXVIV, Number 3, © February 2015. All rights reserved.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Circulation Dept., VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111.
Members Change of Address: Forward address changes to: Data Entry, VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. Be sure to furnish your old address, also your Post number, when requesting change to new address. To ensure accuracy, please clip and enclose your present address as printed on a recent copy of the Texas VFW News magazine.
Advertisers: Electronic Media Kit available at www.texasvfw.org, or request a printed Media Kit at [email protected].
STATE COMMANDER’S COLUMN
Roy Grona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EditorDan West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant EditorTerri Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Graphic DesignDEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (512) 834-8535
2014-2015 DEPARTMENT OFFICERSCOMMANDER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Hayes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761SR VICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753JR VICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peyton Lumpkin . . . . . . . . . . .2207 Blue Water Bay Dr., Katy, TX 77494JUDGE ADVOCATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1927 Mariner Point Ln., Katy, TX 77494SURGEON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Doc Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2517 Golden Oaks Dr., Garland, TX 75044CHAPLAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Norman Macey. . . . . . . . 16907 Caldwell Pointe Ct., Humble, TX 77346CHIEF OF STAFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lavern Terbl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Plantation Ave., Pottsboro, TX 75076INSPECTOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2406 Bellmeade, Brownwood, Texas 76801IMMEDIATE PAST CMDR. . . . . . . . . . Sylvia Sanchez . . . . . . . . 1906 Ashprington Dr., San Antonio, TX 78251COUNCIL MEMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry Velasquez . . . . . . . . . 4829 Golden Eye, Corpus Christi, TX 78413ADJ/QM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roy Grona. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753ASST ADJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8503 N IH-35, Austin, TX 78753ASST QM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carlos Sustaita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78753DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . Inge Conley. . . . . . . . . . . 17411 Ebeys Landing Ln., Humble, TX 77346DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . Rodney Raulston . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3901 McConnell, El Paso, TX 79904DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . Glenn James. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Primrose, Freeport, TX 77541DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . Glenn Heady . . . . . . . . . . . 6620 Summertime Ln., Watauga, TX 76148DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . Robert LaFleur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3528 Whippoorwill, Orange, TX 77630DEPUTY STATE INSPECTOR . . . . . . . John Lozanski . . . . . . . . . . . . .1215 Cedar Ridge Rd., Heath, TX 75032OFFICER OF THE DAY . . . . . . . . . . . . Lonnie Garza. . . . . . . . . . . . 1769 Jacobs Ct., New Braunfels, TX 78130
DEPARTMENT VETERANS COUNSELORSSERVICE OFFICER/WACO . . . . . .6008—Lloyd Coffman . . . . . . . . . 701 Clay St., Waco, TX 76799SERVICE OFFICER/HOUSTON . . . 3413—Julio Harros . . . . 6900 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030
2014-2015 DISTRICT COMMANDERSDISTRICT COMMANDER ADDRESS1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2205—Fred Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PO Box 695, Aubrey, TX 762272 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2775—James Seales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Gary, Bridge City, TX 776113 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5076—Mark Stein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1826 Meridian Way, Garland, TX 750404 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2427—Carl Arnold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10106 Mandolin Ct., Houston, TX 770705 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7110—Marvin Brietzke . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 311033, New Braunfels, TX 781316 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8931—Al Nunez, Jr. . . . . . . . . . 7221 S Staples St #115, Corpus Christi, TX 784138 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3278—James Masters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7800 Fm 2125, Brownwood, TX 768019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4818—Ronnie Lance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Oak St., Hereford, TX 7904510 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9173—Jo Ann Knight . . . . . . . . .415 S Mesa Hills Dr. Apt 1204, El Paso, TX 7991212 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1183—John Ashcraft, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385 Cairy Ln., Longview, TX 7560413 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1480—Tim Casey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1328 Ranchero Rd., Kerrville, TX 7802814 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4008—Roger DeWeese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404 Lake Road, Belton, TX 7651315 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8558—Randy Duckworth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 E Oak St., Nocona, TX 7630616 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3903—Brian Satsky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9830 Hein Rd., Richmond, TX 7746917 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4709—David Helton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15010 Coaltown Rd.,Willis, TX 7737818 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2410—Loren Pogue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 809, Donna, TX 7853719 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1836—Alfred Navarro, Sr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903 S First St., Lufkin, TX 7590120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12041—Larry Sanders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 457, Lytle, TX 7805221 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10454—Jon Lunkwicz . . . . . . . . . . .12245 Eunice St., Farmers Branch, TX 7523424 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3972—Harold Hartman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9511 FM 236, Cuero, TX 7795425 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6284—Mel Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5305 Clinton, Odessa, TX 7976228 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6115—Charles Swain . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Bandera Woods Blvd., Elgin, TX 7862129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6008—Roy “Bobby” Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Horton Dr, Waco, TX 7670530 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3366—Tom Cloy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 302, Purdon, TX 76679Texas VFW Winter 20154
COMRADES, I truly enjoyed visiting with each of you during our recently completed Mid Winter Convention. We were fortunate to have some excellent speakers. Texas Governor Greg Abbott took time out of his schedule to address our attendees and his remarks were well received. I believe we have a Governor who will truly advocate for the veterans of Texas. Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, a VFW Life Member, addressed the opening session concerning the Texas Veterans Land Board and the continuing efforts by that agency to take care of Texas veterans now and in the future. My sincerest thanks to our National Senior Vice Commander in Chief, John Biedrzycki, for attending the convention. I believe all of our comrades were very impressed by John and his ideas for the VFW in the future. The Voice of Democracy banquet was great. Congratulations to our State winner, Anna Becker, representing VFW Post 4008 in Belton, District 14. Our Patriots Pen winner was Cassity Milton, representing VFW Post 3278 in Brownwood, District 8. Additionally, we recognized our Teachers of the Year during the banquet. In the K-5 grade category, our winner was Mary Hanson, nominated by VFW Post 4692 in Bryan District 17. In the 6-8 grade category, the winner was Marianne Messinger, nominated by VFW Post 4709, Conroe, District 17 and in the 9-12 grade category, our winner was Kim Grosenbacher, nominated by VFW Post 688, Boerne, District 13. All of these winners were exceptional! For more information on our State winners, please see the special pages included in this edition. A special thanks to the Department staff for their efforts in making the convention successful. Many hours of work go in to the planning and execution of our conventions and our staff is second to none in making sure all of our attendees are taken care of. Thanks to the Department Officers and Chairman who presented seminars. All were well received and I had many comments that it was an outstanding convention. Comrades, we really need to focus on our membership program. As of this date, we are about 7,700 members short of where we were last year. We have many Posts in this state that have not recruited a new member in over two years. Many have not reinstated a previous member. In order for your Post to survive, you must recruit new members and then get those new members involved. In order to do this, it may call for some drastic changes in how you operate. If you do not change, then your Post will certainly face the possibility of closing and I do not want to see that happen. So I am asking each of you to place renewed emphasis on recruiting and additionally, retaining members. We have about four months remaining to get this done and I have faith that each of you will do your best to accomplish our goals. I would like to take the time to thank you for the cards and letters you sent to Tina as she underwent her surgery. It is at times like this that I truly appreciate the VFW and all of the friends we have made through that association. I hope that each of you takes the time to come to my Homecoming at Lake Texoma in April. Details are in this edition. As always, I appreciate all of the courtesies extended to me during my visits across this great state. I look forward to visiting you in the future and seeing everyone at my homecoming and the State Convention. n
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6 Texas VFW Winter 2015
L e g i s l a t i v e N e w s
Veterans Legislative NewsVFW STATEMENT ON MILITARY PAY COMMISSION REPORT
THE MILITARY COMPENSATION AND RETIREMENT MODERNIZATION COMMISSION released a 300-page report today that contained 15 specific recommendations regarding military pay and retirement compensation, health benefits and military quality of life programs. The following statement is from John W. Stroud, the national commander of the 1.9 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its Auxiliaries:
“The commission said from the onset that its mission was to preserve the long-term viability of the All-Volunteer Force, to maintain the quality of life of troops and their families, and to achieve fiscal sustainability for the military compensation and retirement systems going forward. The report does contain recommendations to increase military retiree Tricare fees, as well as to alter the military retirement program for future enlistees, but the devil is always in the details, and the VFW will now review the entire report in detail and address our concerns with the United States Congress.
“The VFW thanks the nine commission members and staff for staying focused on the reform of existing programs, and for not using the opportunity to merely cut programs or slash compensation.”
Download the MCRMC report at http://www.mcrmc.gov/public/docs/report/MCRMC-FinalReport-29JAN15-LO.pdf. n
POW/MIA MISSION REORGANIZATION MOVES FORWARD Mission accomplishment is what’s important to the VFW
THE NATION’S LARGEST WAR VETERANS’ ORGANIZATION is hopeful that the impending merger and realignment of several Defense Department organizations and functions will produce the necessary synergy to achieve the fullest possible accounting of missing service personnel from all wars.
“There’s always been strong unity of purpose when it comes to recovering, identifying and returning fellow Americans to their families,” said John W. Stroud, national commander of the 1.9 million-
member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its Auxiliaries, “but what’s been lacking is unity of command and direction, which is what the VFW is hopeful this reorganization will achieve.”
The decision to merge three organizations was made last year by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel after the accounting community came under intense congressional scrutiny.
Being merged are the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, and the Air Force Life Science Equipment Laboratory. The consolidation will include policy guidance, archival research and analysis, and worldwide field investigations and recovery operations. Also being realigned is the scientific element of the mission, which moves JPAC’s Central Identification Laboratory under the Armed Forces Medical Examiner. Included in the new look will be a centralized budget, a consolidated case management system, and expanded public-private partnerships.
The new organization has yet to be given a new name, but interim leadership was announced at a Pentagon meeting the VFW attended last week. Navy Rear Adm. Michael Franken will be the agency’s interim director. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kelly McKeague, JPAC’s current commander, will serve as deputy director. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Linnington, military deputy to the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, will be the agency’s senior adviser to Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Christine Wormuth, whose office will oversee the new agency.
“Mission accomplishment is what’s important to the VFW,” said Stroud, “and we look forward to working with the new leadership to help keep America’s promise to our military and all their families that we will not leave a fallen comrade on the battlefield.” n
ONLINE PRESCRIPTION TRACKER GIVES VETERANS 24/7 ONLINE ACCESS TO STATUS
VETERANS CAN NOW TRACK the status of most of their prescriptions online, thanks to an innovative idea by a Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) employee. The new 24/7 service allows online tracking for most prescriptions mailed from the VA Mail Order Pharmacy.
The Prescription Tracker was recommended by VA employee Kenneth Siehr, a winner of the President’s 2013 Securing Americans Value and Efficiency (SAVE) Award. Siehr’s idea focused on the use of technology as a way to save money and improve the services VA provides to its patients.
“Our nation’s Veterans deserve a first-class pharmacy and quality customer service as a part of the exceptional health care available from VA,” said Siehr, the National Director for Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacies. “It is an honor to be part of serving Veterans and to have been recognized for an idea that enhances our services to them.”
More than 57,000 Veterans are currently using the service through My HealtheVet, an online feature that allows Veterans to partner with their health care team. The number is expected to grow as VA starts to educate Veterans about the new feature. Later this month, the tracking feature will include images of the medication that dispensed. Over the next year, a secure messaging alert will be added so that Veterans know when a medication was placed in the mail.
“VA prescription refill online is an excellent example of how one employee looked at the process of VA prescription tracking through the eyes of our Veterans and came up with an idea that better serves Veterans,” said Interim Under Secretary for Health, Carolyn M. Clancy. “This idea is both innovative and transformative, and it is certainly one, when put into action, improves customer service for America’s Veterans.” n
7Texas VFW Winter 2015
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• The Texas VFW Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 Public Charity, Veterans Assistance Program is available to any Texas veteran with an honorable discharge, widow or immediate family member thereof, regardless of where or what time they served.
• Funds for this program come from individual donations from veterans and veteran supporters like yourself, and from charitable foundations.
• The Veterans Assistance Program is not an entitlement program and not all veterans who apply will receive a financial grant and those awarded a grant will not directly receive any funds.
• The applicant will have to work with a Service Officer from a Federal, State or Veterans Service Organization or with their local military command if still in the military before application can be processed.
• Applications can be found at the Featured Links section on the Texas VFW Web Site www.texasvfw.org; by emailing the Foundation at [email protected]; or by calling (512) 291-6850. Donations may be mailed to Texas VFW Foundation, P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761.
Your small donation makes a BIG difference.
I GAVE,WILL YOU?
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The Texas VFW Foundation accepts memorials in honor of your loved ones. Those funds are reserved for the family of the deceased. If the family declines assistance, the funds are utilized in the Veterans Assistance Program.
8 Texas VFW Winter 2015
Helping Veterans in Need
This is program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance, the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance provides grants to organizations serving veterans and their families.
www.tvc.state.tx.us
TEXAS VFW FOUNDATION RECEIVES $300,000 GRANTTHE TEXAS VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
FOUNDATION was approved for a grant of $300,000 from the Texas Veterans Commission, Fund for Veterans Assistance to assist veterans through the Texas VFW Foundation’s VETERANS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
The Veterans Assistance Program is available to provide one-time financial assistance to Texas veterans,
statewide, who meet certain qualifications and who have found themselves in a financial hardship through no fault of their own.
This grant runs from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015. The Texas VFW Foundation will be able to help over 100 veterans and widows of veterans and their households with a grant of up to $2,500 that will be paid to their creditors if approved.
Veterans of any generation needing assistance and who meet the qualifications as stated in the application can apply by mail, fax, or email on a first come, first served basis. Applications are available at www.texasvfwfoundation.org or at www.texasvfw.org.
Since 2007 The Texas VFW Foundation has assisted over 1,531 veterans, 2,328 family members and 36 surviving spouses with financial assistance grants totaling over $2,768,000.
For more information go to www.texasvfwfoundation.org or call (512) 291-6850 if you would like to make a donation to help a Texas veteran.
10 Texas VFW Winter 2015
A r o u n d t h e S t a t e w i t h t h e T e x a s V F W
AROUND THE STATE with the TEXAS VFW
Texas VFW Post 12075, Humble — John Heimburger, Post 12075’s Surgeon, an Eagle Scout,
graduate of the Air Force Academy and retired Air Force Colonel, was the featured speaker at Noah Tekulve’s “Eagle Scout” presentation. John represented the post and the VFW
in an outstanding manner—his presentation capturing the undivided attention of the audience. It should be noted that Noah, in addition to holding 29 merit badges, is a member
of the Order of the Arrow. Jim Haycraft, Post Adjutant, accompanied John and offered his congratulations to Noah
and his parents.
Texas VFW Post 7473, Elsa — Members of the ladies Auxiliary and members of the Post participated in a flag retirement ceremony on January 29.
Texas VFW Post 3895, La Joya — The City of La Joya Annual Christmas Parade. La Joya Police Department provided an Army 5-ton truck for Post to use in the Parade.
L-R: Jim Haycraft, Noah Tekulve, John Heimbuger.
11Texas VFW Winter 2015
W e l c o m e N e w E m p l o y e e
TEXAS VFW WELCOMES DEPARTMENT SECRETARY
GEORGE P. BUSH, Texas Veteran’s Land Board CommissionerNewly elected Texas Veteran’s Land Board Commissioner GEORGE P. BUSH, a life member of the Texas VFW and Afghanistan war veteran, speaks with over 800 members of the Texas VFW and its Auxiliaries at the Mid-Winter Conference.
JOHN BIEDRZYCKI, National Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief, accepts a $500 check from Texas VFW Post 5871, Huntsville Post Commander David Lanoue for the Texas VFW Homeless Veteran program. Commander Lanoue and other members of the Post spent a weekend living as a homeless veteran to raise awareness and funds for Homeless Veterans across the state.
WYONDA LAURENCE, Texas VFW Department SecretaryWyonda Laurence grew up in Austin, Texas and graduated from Wm. B. Travis High School in 1974. She attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, and St. Edward’s
University in Austin. She was employed at the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin for six years and is fluent in American Sign Language. Wyonda was also an EMT and volunteer firefighter for 8 years
in Caldwell County, Texas. She was involved with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in Lockhart, Texas for 13 years serving as a Cubmaster and Scoutmaster. She worked at the Texas Veterans Commission for 10 years and was the Executive Assistant to Jim Nier, past VFW State Commander and VFW National Commander-in-Chief. Wyonda is also a Lifetime Member with the Ladies Auxiliary at Post 9078, Round Rock. She has two sons, Eddie and Jesse Garrett, and recently moved back to her hometown of Austin, Texas.
Wyonda was hired as Department Secretary in September 2014.
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12 Texas VFW Winter 2015
A r o u n d t h e S t a t e w i t h t h e T e x a s V F W
AROUND THE STATE with the TEXAS VFW
Texas VFW Post 9182, Katy —
Sinking of the Maine slide presentation given by Mayde Creek NJROTC to a packed
house at the Katy post.
Texas VFW Post 8787, Austin — On MLK Day, January 19th, 2015, VFW Post 8787 observed the Civil Rights Movement in the United States Military. VFW members and Ladies Auxiliary
members were in attendance. Pictured L-R: Past Department of Texas Commander John Spar with Ladies Auxiliary member Louise Wright and Sr. Vice Bill Bennett.
Texas VFW Post 12024, The Woodlands —
Post and Auxiliary members distributed Buddy Poppies at annual Veterans Day ceremony in The Woodlands.
14 Texas VFW Winter 2015
V o i c e o f D e m o c r a c y
VOICE OF DEMOCRACY ESSAY BY ANNA BECKER 1ST PLACE WINNER
Why Veterans Are Important to
Our Nation’s Past and Future
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA was founded with
the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and
immediately, brave Americans volunteered to serve in the
Continental Army. Soldiers were again called upon to defend
the nation in the War of 1812, to preserve the Union in the
War Between the States, and shortly after the turn of the
20th century, to fight in World War I. The United States was
then called upon to lead the fight to defeat evil and restore
peace in World War II. The Wars in Korea and Vietnam followed. More
recently, our service men and women have been
bravely defending our freedom in places like Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Since the earliest days from the birth of our nation, through conflicts
large and small, men and women have volunteered to serve, and yes, sometimes men were drafted into military service. Many
brave service members gave the ultimate sacrifice, and for that we are forever grateful. Our hearts break for the families of those
missing or killed in action. But many others returned from war, and these veterans took their places as leaders in society, making a
difference in every walk of life.
These Veterans of the past are important to our nation—first and foremost because they stepped forward to serve, preserving
our liberties for generations to come. Veterans of the future are also important because, like an anchor that steadies a ship, keeping
it from going adrift, veterans are the leaders, and I would even say the anchors of our nation. They will be the ones who hold fast
to our Constitution and to our Republic.
What is it that makes a veteran different from others? Consider the values instilled in young men and women in all branches
of the military. Army soldiers are taught loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Navy sailors
and Marines are about honor, courage, and commitment. Air Force cadets learn integrity, service before self, and excellence in all
they do. And the Coast Guard, it’s about honor, respect, and devotion to duty.
Collectively, these are the qualities of leadership. Think of it…millions of service men and women over more than two
centuries of our nation’s history have been trained to be honorable, to be courageous, and to pursue excellence. The veterans
of our past came home from war with these values, and they contributed mightily in every part of society, helping to build this
nation into a great super power. Today, as soldiers, sailors and airmen return from duty from places around the globe, they are
poised once again to propel us forward as a nation. Do we have challenges? Sure, we do. Storms are pressing in on all sides in the
form of terrorism, economic worries, domestic strife, and even disease. But I am convinced that in the same way that the “Greatest
Generation” of World War II veterans led us through difficult times, so too will present day veterans lead us through to a better
day ahead.
Is this present generation of veterans up to the challenge? President Ronald Reagan said, “The future doesn’t belong to the
fainthearted; it belongs to the brave.” Let me tell you about US Army Captain Larkin O’Hern. I know of Captain O’Hern’s story
because he walked the same halls as I do now at my high school, and I have heard his story in his own words. On New Year’s
Eve 2010, Captain O’Hern was walking with his platoon in Afghanistan when an IED detonated, critically wounding him. He
survived, but he lost both legs and one hand. However, sustained by his faith in God and encouraged by his wife Rachel’s steadfast
love and support, Captain O’Hern has fought his way back from his injuries, and using advanced prosthetics, he walks tall once
again. That is bravery! He has demonstrated the values of the Army: loyalty, duty, honor, and personal courage. O’Hern continues
to serve in the Army, but one day he will join the long line of veterans who are the leaders, yes, the anchors of our ship of State. As
a young person, I admire the veterans of our past, and I am inspired by those veterans who will lead us into the future.
Pictured L-R: National Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief John
Biedrzycki, State Commander Joe Hayes, Anna Becker, State
Ladies Auxiliary President Dorothy Bennett and National
President of the Ladies Auxiliary Ann Panteleakos.
15
1,951 students participated in the Voice of Democracy Scholarship program and over $188,075 in scholarships were given and there was $38,088 in other costs. Total spent on this program was $226,163.
V o i c e o f D e m o c r a c y
2014-2015 VOICE OF DEMOCRACY SCHOLARSHIP W
INNERS
15Texas VFW Winter 2015
$2,500—Tri Star Insurance Scholarship in honor of State Commander Joe HayesLindsey Moreno, VictoriaSponsoring Post 4146, Victoria, D24
$2,000—RVOS Insurance ScholarshipFelicia Villalobos, El PasoSponsoring Post 8550, El Paso, D10
$1,500—VFW Post 6008 and Auxiliaries Scholarship James Payne, BrazoriaSponsoring Post 8551, Sweeny, D16
$1,000—VFW Post 10428 and Auxiliaries ScholarshipStaci Randall, TolarSponsoring Post 7835, Granbury, D21
$1,000—VFW Post 8550 ScholarshipCaitlynn Stone, FairfieldSponsoring Post 5872, Fairfield, D29
$1,000—E.G. Mudd Insurance Agency ScholarshipHaydn Denzlinger, Port NechesSponsoring Post 4820, Port Arthur, D2
$1,000—District 16 Ladies Auxiliary Memorial ScholarshipJonathan Davis, MidlothianSponsoring Post 3894, Waxahachie, District 30
$1,000—Jerome Henze ScholarshipKathleen Lochte, SeguinSponsoring Post 7110, New Braunfels, D5
$1,000—I.P. “Sarge” Bell Memorial VFW Post 3377 ScholarshipChristian Casto, Wichita FallsSponsoring Post 8878, Wichita Falls, D15
$1,000—VFW Post 9182, Katy, and Ladies Auxiliary ScholarshipLaurel Robinson, HuntingtonSponsoring Post 1836, Lufkin, D19
$1,000—VFW Post 8551, West Brazos, Ladies Auxiliary ScholarshipShelby Lyles, HumbleSponsoring Post 12075, Kingwood, D4
$1,000—VFW Post 1475 Motorcycle Group 6 ScholarshipTaylor Sharpe, MidlandSponsoring Post 7208, Midland, D25
$1,000—Frost Bank of Austin ScholarshipMacee Brotherton, FloydadaSponsoring Post 5616, Floydada, D9
$1,000—Texas VFW ScholarshipMelissa Singsing, BrownsvilleSponsoring Post 2035, Brownsville, D18
1st Place—$10,000Department of Texas VFW ScholarshipAnna Becker, BeltonSponsoring Post 4008, Belton, D14
2nd Place—$7,500Department of Texas VFW Foundation ScholarshipCheyenne Gordon, ZephyrSponsoring Post 3278, Brownwood, D8
3rd Place—$6,500 W.T. “Pete” Evans and Texas VFW ScholarshipRachel Webber, LongviewSponsoring Post 1183, Longview, D12
4th Place—$6,000 Post 2544, Veterans Memorial, Inc. and Past State Commander John Knapp ScholarshipRachel DeYoung, San AntonioSponsoring Post 4676, Universal City, D20
5th Place—$5,000 Stewart-Wendell Post 3904 and Texas VFW ScholarshipAna L’Antigua, Fair Oaks RanchSponsoring Post 688, Boerne, D13
6th Place—$4,000Texas VFW Motorcycle Group ScholarshipNoah Bittner, CaldwellSponsoring Post 4458, Caldwell, D17
7th Place—$3,750Francis Sullivan and Department of Texas VFW Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Zachery Falkenbury, PflugervilleSponsoring Post 8787, Austin, D28 $3,250—Camp Bowie Post 708 and Auxiliary ScholarshipWilliam Huggins, DallasSponsoring Post 8627, Richardson, D3 $3,000—Robert O. “Bob” Pugh and Texas VFW ScholarshipNadine Marshall, McKinneySponsoring Post 2150, McKinney, D1 $2,750—Pampa VFW Post 1657 and Auxiliaries Scholarship Katheryn Sweetman, SkidmoreSponsoring Post 9170, Beeville, D6
16 Texas VFW Winter 2015
VIETNAM PEACE ACCORD—JANUARY 27
Texas VFW Post 6899,
Trinity — The Commander
and President conducted a
Vietnam Peace Accord ceremony
with prayer provided by the
Chaplain.
Texas VFW Post
10429, Benbrook
— Post members gathered
to remember the Vietnam
Peace Accord at the Benbrook
Memorial Post.
Texas VFW Post 2059, Kirby — Post members observed the Vietnam Peace Accord.
Texas VFW Post 8558, Nocona — The Post remembered the Vietnam Peace Accord.
C e l e b r a t i o n s & R e m e m b r a n c e s
Texas VFW Post 12041, Lytle — Members and guests participated in a Vietnam Peace Accord celebration.
P a t r i o t ’ s P e n A w a r d W i n n e r s
by Cassity Milton
I RECALL ONCE SEEING that a veteran was someone,
living or dead, that at some point wrote a check to America
for up to, and including their life payable to the U.S.A. At
that time it seemed strange to me but the more I thought
about it, the clearer it became.
Members of the Armed Forces, past and present have
willingly gone where our leaders sent them, never knowing
whether they would return to their family and friends.
They do as our leaders ask without question. We are taught
in school that untold numbers of our military are wounded
or killed anytime they are sent into harm’s way.
This term leads me to thinking of a phrase I have
heard which is, “Freedom is not Free.” To me this means
in the history of the U.S.A. many veterans lives have been
willingly sacrificed so that the rest of the country can enjoy
the freedoms that were set forth in the Declaration
of Independence and the United States Constitution.
Throughout our country’s history men and women alike
have enlisted in our military voluntarily from the Revolutionary War to the present without fail. I for one
would like to think that they do so because those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat
it. To me this means if we do not fight for our freedoms we will lose them and be dictated to as we were
before breaking free of the tyranny by winning the Revolutionary War.
Knowing all the freedoms that I enjoy from freedom of speech, right to bear arms, freedom to
practice any religion I choose and countless others, I am truly in awe of all the sacrifices made by
our veterans.
To not appreciate what they have done for God and country as well as for you and me would, in my
eyes, do them a great injustice. All Americans should remember to not only appreciate and respect all
veterans past and present but to take the time to shake their hand, thanking them for their service to
our country. n
18 Texas VFW Winter 2015
2014-15 CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION TEACHER AWARDS
2014-15 Patriot’s Pen Winners
1st Place $2,000—Department of Texas VFWCassity Milton, Brownwood, TexasSponsored by Post 3278 and its Ladies Auxiliary, Brownwood, District 8
2nd Place$1,000—Department of Texas VFWDavid Newland, New Braunfels, TexasSponsored by Post 7110 and its Ladies Auxiliary, New Braunfels, District 5
3rd Place$500—Department of Texas VFWMallory Huggins, Orange, TexasSponsored by Post 2775 and its Ladies Auxiliary, Orange, District 2
This year 7,057 students participated in the program and over $63,740 in awards were given. Other costs were $15,250 for a total spent on the program of $78,990.
Why i aPPreciate america’s Veterans
Pictured L-R: National Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief John
Biedrzycki, State Commander Joe Hayes, Cassity Milton,
State Ladies Auxiliary President Dorothy Bennett and National
President of the Ladies Auxiliary Ann Panteleakos.
19Texas VFW Winter 2015
Pictured L-R, National Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief John Biedrzycki, State Commander Joe Hayes, Teacher Kim Grosenbacher, State Ladies Auxiliary President Dorothy Bennett and National President of the Ladies Auxiliary Ann Panteleakos.
Pictured L-R: National Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief John Biedrzycki, State Commander Joe Hayes, Teacher Marianne Messinger, State Ladies Auxiliary President Dorothy Bennett and National President of the Ladies Auxiliary Ann Panteleakos.
6-8th Grade—Marianne Messinger
9-12th Grade—Kim Grosenbacher
Pictured L-R: National President of the Ladies Auxiliary Ann Panteleakos, , State Commander Joe Hayes, Teacher Mary Hanson, State Ladies Auxiliary President Dorothy Bennett and National Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief John Biedrzycki.
K-5th Grade—Mary Margaret Hanson
2014-15 CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION TEACHER AWARDSSul Ross Elementary School, Bryan, TexasSponsored by VFW Post 4692 and its Ladies Auxiliary, Bryan, District 17 FOR THE LAST SEVENTEEN YEARS, Mary Margaret Hanson, an art teacher at Sul Ross Elementary School in Bryan, has been the driving force behind the schools “Valentine for Vets” program. This program is held in February of each year. It is designed to honor the veterans in the Brazos River Valley and to thank them for their service and sacrifice for our country. It is not only a favorite part of the school year for Sul Ross students and staff but also for the many community members whose lives this event has touched. All of this is done each year during a patriotic music program. In addition, the program provides Valentines for veterans in the VA hospital and our fighting soldiers overseas. Glenn G. Morgan, a survivor of the USS Indianapolis in World War II said of the program, “I believe such patriotic programs can help children understand what the future may hold for this great country by understanding what has happened in the past.” Mrs. Hanson is not only an incredible art teacher, she is also willing to go above and beyond to help out in a variety of ways at the school from sponsoring the Student Council and helping with UIL, among other activities. Kristina Brunson, the Principal of Sul Ross Elementary said of Mrs. Hanson, “She is a team player in every sense of the word and we are blessed to have Mrs. Hanson at our school serving our students each and every day.”
Knox Junior High School, Woodlands, TexasSponsored by VFW Post 4709, Conroe and its Ladies Auxiliary, District 17A TEXAS HISTORY TEACHER for the past eight years at Knox Junior High School in the Woodlands, Marianne Messinger’s priorities are student success and the love of learning. She tries to make history relevant to the students’ lives leading to informed, enquiring future citizens. She does this in a very unique and colorful way. Each year, Mrs. Messinger presents multiple lessons as a character. She uses a variety of sources: cartoon characters, celebrity characters and historical characters. Some of her characters that she has dressed as while teaching are Uncle Sam during Government classes; Indiana Jones while discussing Native American artifacts; Davy Crockett and the history of the Alamo; Cynthia Ann Parker while discussing the early settlers in Texas; Abraham Lincoln and Pancho Villa. She is currently working on a costume of Jackie Kennedy Onassis to speak about President Kennedy’s assassination. Mrs. Messinger believes that costumed characters engage the student. They remain focused on the material and retain more information. She attempts to show the students that history is not boring, that it is actually an amazing collection of personal stories. Angela Kyle said of Mrs. Messinger, “She is a patriotic role model to all the students at Knox Junior High School. She makes history and the learning of our great nation fun and exciting for all of her students.”
Boerne Champion High School, Boerne, TexasSponsored by VFW Post 688, Boerne, District 13
AS A U. S. GOVERNMENT TEACHER at Champion High School in Boerne, Texas, Kim Grosenbacher works with local attorneys to help her students prepare for a mock trial competition, which increases the students understanding of the judicial process. Working with the local community, Kim brings in guest speakers during the year to prepare her students for life after high school. These speakers include lawyers with the “Now You’re 18” program and the school Resource Officer who discusses due process, search and seizure, and other law enforcements topics. She strives to instill in her students the concept of civic responsibility and the need for every citizen to exercise their right to vote. Many of her students have volunteered to work at the voting sites in Boerne, expanding their knowledge of the political process in Texas. Kim was one of the twenty teachers selected to attend the Liberty and Security Program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She will be working with teachers from around the country to deepen their understanding of the Constitution as they discuss the increasing importance of the balance of liberty and security. Kim states that “teaching has created an enthusiasm in me for lifelong learning and nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing former students cast their ballot on Election Day and having them remember their Constitutional Rights.”
Winner of the Texas VFW, Elementary Teacher of the Year award and recipient of a $1,000 honorarium.
Winner of the Texas VFW, Middle School Teacher of the Year award and recipient of a $1,000 honorarium.
Winner of the Texas VFW, High School Teacher of the Year award and recipient of a $1,000 honorarium.
20 Texas VFW Winter 2015
HOMECOMING RESERVATION FEE—$10.00 $10.00 Reservation fee for Saturday Dinner & Program. Deadline is April 10, 2015.Make check payable to Texas VFW & mail to P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761
Name: __________________________________________________ Post#: ___________ Dist#: _________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________________
City: ___________________________________________________ State: ________ Zip: ______________
Phone #: (__________) _____________________________________________________________________
Tanglewood Resort 290 Tanglewood Circle, Pottsboro, Texas 75076
Mention or use group code “Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Texas” for re-duced room rate of $100.00 per night + taxes & fees.
There are limited number of rooms available at this price.
Phone: 1-800-833-6569 or online www.tanglewoodresort.com
State Commanders Homecoming Golf Tournament Friday, April 24, 2015 at Tanglewood Golf Course located at 290 Tanglewood Circle in Potts-boro. Shotgun start at 8:00 am. $70.00 includes Breakfast, Golf Cart, Lunch at Post, Prizes & Awards. Hole Sponsorships are $100.00.
Golf Registration form online at texasvfw.org. Registration deadline for Golf is April 3, 2015
Registration ($10 per person)
Total $
*How many will ride bus to casino
Schedule of Events Saturday 4/25/2015
9:00 am—? COA Meeting Hotel 2:00pm— 4:00 pm Happy Hour Post 7873 5:00 pm— Dinner/Program Post 7873
Friday 4/24/2015 7:00 am—1:00 pm Golf Golf Course 5:00 pm— 10:00 pm Casino* 1:00 pm—Close Hospitality Post 7873
21Texas VFW Winter 2015
Hotel Reservations - Phone: 888-627-8514 mention 2015 VFW State Convention or online at texasvfw.org > Upcoming Events Hotel room rate is $109.00 per night + taxes & fees.
95th State Convention Awards Banquet Ticket Sales NO REFUNDS AFTER MAY 23, 2015 * LIMITED TO FIRST PAID ONLY/RESERVATIONS NOT ACCEPTED* CUT OFF DATE IS MAY 23, 2015.
Name: _________________________________________Post/Aux #: _________ Dist #: _____ Phone #: (______) _____________________
Address: _____________________________________________________City: ______________________ State: ____ Zip: _____________ Function Quantity Price Amount
Awards Banquet ________ $50.00 _______
*Awards Banquet Table (seats 10) ________ $500.00 _______
Make checks payable to Texas VFW Total Amount _______ A $3.00 Credit Card Processing Fee will be added if paying by credit Card
Order tickets online at www.texasvfw.org or
MAIL/FAX Payment and Completed Form to:
Texas VFW P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761 Fax: 512 834-9232
Exp.Date
Visa , Mastercard, Discover
Last three numbers on back of card. For AMEX the four numbers printed on card front
Signature __________________________________ Date ___________ Amex
Join us in Houston this year for the 95th Texas VFW State Convention. Post Delegates will elect new State Of-ficers and pass or reject resolutions, By-Law changes, amendments and other such business as necessary and receive updates on all VFW programs from state level committee chairmen.
Attendee's will have opportunity to view Buddy Poppy entries, visit with vendors and meet with state elected officers and discuss matters of interest to all Texas veterans.
Joint Opening session on Thursday and the Friday night awards banquet will recognize All-State Honors for Districts & Posts, Commanders & Quartermasters as well as winners of State level Awards.
A great opportunity for camaraderie and networking with fellow VFW members from all over Texas.
Schedule of events is available online at www.texasvfw.org
22 Texas VFW Winter 2015
C e l e b r a t i o n s & R e m e m b r a n c e s
Texas VFW Post
8456, Seguin —
Vietnam Veterans were recognized
during an event held at Geronimo
Memorial VFW Post 8456.
Texas VFW Post 7473, Elsa — Vietnam Veterans in attendance at the Post’s Vietnam Peace Accord ceremony put names of friends and family on a welcome home banner to honor them.
Texas VFW Post 10351, Hemphill —
The Patriots’ Club met with five Veterans and three auxiliary members
to share their research on the Vietnam Peace Accord. Fifteen students
presented information on dog tags, Ho Chi Minh trail, and other aspects of the Vietnam War. There were four power
point presentations, two posters and a song about a soldier coming home.
Post Commander Tim Courtier thanked them all for their participation
and research efforts.
VIETNAM PEACE ACCORD—JANUARY 27
Texas VFW Post 9313, San Augustine — Post members Paul Lester, Lee Jarvis, and Frank Nance placed a wreath at Veterans memorial at the San Augustine Courthouse.County Judge Johnson and San Augustine High School students were also in attendance. Approximately 20 people attended the event.
23Texas VFW Winter 2015
C e l e b r a t i o n s & R e m e m b r a n c e s
Texas VFW Post 8788, McAllen — Post Sr. Vice Commander Mike Hood Sr. (not pictured), along with Comrades KinCannon, Brathwaite, Karabel, Russell, Carter, Enevoldsen, Remily, and Kressenburg assembled at the Post to honor those Veterans who served and died in the Vietnam Theater of Operation to secure Peace for the Ciztizens of South Vietnam. Photo by Post Sr. Vice Commander Hood
Texas VFW Post 12024, The Woodlands — Post 5 special recognition ceremony honoring Vietnam Veterans with challenge coins, refreshments, pamphlets and Buddy Poppies.
Texas VFW Post 3903, Rosenberg — Post members and ladies auxiliary held a Vietnam Peace Accords ceremony.
Texas VFW Post 5619,
Houston — The Post celebrated
the Vietnam Peace Accord by reading the history of the Accord.
Several members of the Post are Vietnam
veterans so interest was high. A interesting
discussion followed the presentation.
Members enjoyed chicken dinner, soup,
roasted vegetables and refreshments.
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25Texas VFW Winter 2015
I attest by forwarding this application that I am a citizen of the United States, that I qualify for the VFW and that my Campaign Service was honorable, and that I have never been discharged under other than honorable conditions or I am still serving honorably in the armed forces of the United States of America. I further give authority to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to verify my entitlement to membership in the VFW and that if no proof can be found or provided that I am subject to discharge from the VFW without refund.
Signature:___________________________________________________________________Date: _____________________________________________Include membership payment by check or money order (DO NOT SEND CASH) or pay by credit card.
p Mastercard p Visa p Discover p American Express Credit Card Number: ________________________________________________________
Exp. Date: ____ ____/____ ____ $_____________________
Mail to: Texas VFW • P.O. Box 14468 • Austin, Texas 78761 | For questions call: (512) 834-8535
Automatic Payment Plan Terms and Conditions: You authorize the VFW to initiate electronic debit entries or affect a charge by any other commercially accepted practice to your account set forth above for the payment of dues reflected on this application. You understand such charges may be made within 2-3 business days of payment due date. For installment payments, charges will be made on or around the 1st or 15th day of the month. This authorization will remain in full force until VFW has received notification from you of its termination or upon completion of the installment payments. Annual dues are subject to change. By completing this authorization, you acknowledge that you will only receive notice when the payment would differ by more than $10.00 from the most recent payment. Call VFW Customer Service at 1-800-963-3180 or write to VFW at: VFW, P.O. Box 119028, Kansas City, MO 64171 to inquire about or cancel a payment, or to report problems such as bank closures, lost or stolen account numbers, closed accounts, or unauthorized transactions. Cancellation requests must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Time ten business days prior to the scheduled payment date. If you are unaware of the charge date for your account, please contact VFW. If a pay-ment is returned by your financial institution (e.g., due to insufficient funds, incorrect account information, closed account, etc.) the VFW will contact you at the address we have on file for you, explaining why the payment could not be processed, and providing alternative payment options. The privilege of making payments under this agreement may be revoked by VFW if any item is not paid upon presentation. You may have additional rights and responsibilities under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act. Life Membership Installment Plan Terms and Conditions: The VFW Membership Installment Plan allows any VFW member/applicant to purchase a Life Membership by making an initial payment of $45.00 and (11) monthly payments. The member will be issued an Annual membership card at the time of enrollment. The member may elect to receive a monthly statement by mail or may set up a payment profile to make the monthly payment automatically using a credit/debit card or bank account. A payoff amount will be printed on each monthly invoice, allowing the member the option to pay in full. A permanent Life Membership card will be issued upon the completion of payments. The Life Membership fee is determined from the schedule using the applicant’s age on December 31 of the year in which the application is submitted. Delinquencies will be handled as follows: Up to 30 days – continue to bill; 31 to 120 days – delinquency can be corrected through make up payment(s) or plan end date pushed forward; More than 120 days – member is dropped from the Installment Plan, all monthly payments made to date, are applied to future years annual dues.
Lobbying for Veterans & MilitaryProviding Disaster Relief
Community VolunteerismFunding College Scholarships
Phone Cards for TroopsSupporting Youth Groups
Emergency Financial AssistanceSupporting Memorials
Assisting Veterans with Earned Entitlements
Yes, I am a war veteran and want to continue my Legacy of Service to America.Please fill out the VFW Membership Application below and mail in,
or sign up online at www.texasvfw.org > About > Membership and follow link.
Name: _________________________________________________Email: ________________________________________ First Middle Last (Suffix – Sr., Jr., etc.)
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
City:______________________________ State:____________ Zip:______________ Phone: ___________________________
Date of Birth: _____________________________ (MM/DD/YYYY)
Military Service: p Army p Air Force p Coast Guard p Navy p Marines
Current Status: p Active Duty p Veteran p National Guard/ReserveI served in: p Pre-World War II p Korean War 1950-54 p Desert Shield/Storm p Afghanistan 2001 p World War II p Korea 1955 p Bosnia/Kosovo 1995 p Iraq 2003 p WW II Occupation p Vietnam 1958-75 p Global War on Terrorism – Expeditionary 2001 p 1945-55 (Europe, Korea, Japan) p Expeditionary Operations 1958-2003 (Thailand, Grenada, Libya, Panama, Haiti, Somalia, etc.) p 1945-90 (Berlin)
Qualified recipient of: p Imminent Danger/Hostile Fire Pay p *SSBN Nuclear Deterrent Patrol*
*Period Covered: ______________________________________ (Required for applicants with no other reported qualifying service).
I would like to join the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars as a: p Annual Member ($45) p Life Member* p Life 12 Mo. Install* ($45 Initial payment)
L I F E M E M B E R S H I P F E E S C H E D U L EAGE as of DECEMBER 31st ONE-TIME PAYMENT Initial Payment 11 payments ofThrough Age 30 $425.00 $45.00 $38.6431 – 40 $410.00 $45.00 $37.2741 – 50 $375.00 $45.00 $34.0951 – 60 $335.00 $45.00 $30.4561 – 70 $290.00 $45.00 $26.3671 – 80 $225.00 $45.00 $20.4581 AND OVER $170.00 $45.00 $15.45
26 Texas VFW Winter 2015
Exp.Date
Visa , Mastercard, Discover
Last three numbers on back of card. For AMEX the four numbers printed on card front
Signature __________________________________ Date ___________ Amex
A $3.00 Credit Card Processing fee will be applied if paying by Credit Card.
Hotel Reservations for $99.00 per night + taxes and fees can be made by: Phone: 800-347-0330 use group code - VTF Online: www.texasvfw.org > Upcoming Events > Officer Training School
Beginning with seminars on Thursday, July 9, 2015 the 25th annual Texas VFW Officer Training Seminar will be conducted at the Doubletree Hotel North in Austin, Texas. All phases of VFW Post and District operations will be discussed during this seminar in-cluding new program initiatives and By-Law changes that affect every VFW Post statewide. All Participants must be registered toattend and attendance is limited to the first 300 registrants.
TENTATIVE AGENDA
Thursday, July 9, 2015 Noon Registration & Vendor Booths Open Canteen Operations & TABC Council of Administration Meeting Hospitality Open
Friday, July 10, 2015 7:00 AM Registration Open 7:30 AM Welcome & Start History of the VFW Commanders Seminar Lunch at Hotel for All Registered Quartermasters/Trustees Seminar Disciplinary Actions Hospitality Open
Saturday, July 11, 2015 Post Fundraising SOP/Awards Membership Recruiting Lunch at Hotel for All Registered Service Officer Seminar Post Inspections Post By-Laws Hospitality Open
WHO SHOULD ATTEND Any VFW Post Officer or mem-ber wanting to know more aboutsuccessful Post operations.
25th State Officer Training Seminar Registration Form NO REFUNDS AFTER JULY 3, 2015 * LIMITED TO FIRST 300 PAID ONLY * CUT OFF DATE IS JUNE 26, 2015.
Pre-register and save! $75.00 —Registration at door is $150.00 if space available.Registration includes program workbook, morning coffee and lunch for Friday & Saturday classes.If paying for multiple attendees please make additional copies of this form and submit along with payment by credit card or check.
MAIL or FAX Payment and Completed Form to: Texas VFW P.O. Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761 or Fax: 512 834-9232.
Name: _________________________________________Post/Aux #: _________ Dist #: _____ Phone #: (______) _____________________
Address: _____________________________________________________City: ______________________ State: ____ Zip: _____________
Email: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Past Texas and National Veterans of Foreign Wars Chaplain Bob Dickerson lays flowers of remembrance on the VFW alter at the Texas VFW Mid-Winter Conference Memorial Service.