gsw september 2011 web

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NEWSLETTER “UNITED WE STAND TO WIN, DIVIDED WE FALL - AND ARE FORGOTTEN” September 2011 Vol. 56 No. 3 P.O. Box 361986 Birmingham, AL 35236 Editor Corinna Gibson-Ashmead Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. A nonprofit national military widows service organization chartered by the United States Congress ...continued on page 2... TABLE OF CONTENTS 66th Annual National GSW Convention ....... Page 8 Around The Country ........................... Page 13 Board Chairman’s Report ..................... Page 3 Color the Hill Gold ..............................Page 19 Convention Chair ................................. Page 7 Government Relations Report ................ Page 4 National Chaplan ................................Page 17 National Veteran’s Day in Birmingham, Al ..Page 10 Region Updates ................................. Page 14 Registration is Open for Snowball VI .........Page 22 Service Officer ..................................Page 11 VAVA 50th Anniversary of the Spraying of Agent Orange................... Page 5 VAVS Notes ...................................... Page 18 Wreaths Across America ......................... Page 6 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE What an honor it was to be elected National President of Gold Star Wives of America at our National Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. I have been a member of Gold Star Wives for many years, but I will take this opportunity to introduce myself to you whom I have not met personally, and to those who would like to know a little more about me. I was born and raised in Mansura, Louisiana, a small town in central Louisiana. I am the sixth of seven siblings, four sisters (one deceased) and two brothers. I was educated in the Avoyelles Parish School System and later graduated from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Music Education. I taught music in Catahoula, Iberville and Avoyelles Parish school systems in Louisiana, also in the Houston Independent School District. I retired in 2005, as Administrative Assistant for the Civil Service Commission in Denver, Colorado. I currently live in Aurora, Colorado with my husband of six years, Arthur Blakely. I am a volunteer with the Denver Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association, actively involved in music and other church ministries, and pianist at Sable Care Nursing Center in Aurora. My first teaching position was in the small town of Jonesville, Louisiana where I met my husband, Howard Lee Early in September 1961. Howard was home on leave after a tour in Germany. We were married three months PURPOSES 7R DVVLVW LQ XSKROGLQJ WKH &RQVWLWXWLRQ DQG ODZV RI WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV RI $PHULFD DQG WR LQFXOFDWH D VHQVH RI LQGLYLGXDO REOLJDWLRQ WR WKH FRPPXQLW\ VWDWH DQG nation. 7R KRQRU WKH PHPRU\ RI WKRVH ZKR PDGH WKH VXSUHPH VDFUL¿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Page 1: GSW September 2011 Web

NEWSLETTER

“UNITED WE STAND TO WIN, DIVIDED WE FALL - AND ARE FORGOTTEN”

September 2011 Vol. 56 No. 3 P.O. Box 361986 Birmingham, AL 35236 Editor Corinna Gibson-Ashmead

Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.A nonprofit national military widows service organization chartered by the United States Congress

...continued on page 2...

TABLE OF CONTENTS

66th Annual National GSW Convention ....... Page 8

Around The Country ........................... Page 13

Board Chairman’s Report ..................... Page 3

Color the Hill Gold ..............................Page 19

Convention Chair ................................. Page 7

Government Relations Report ................ Page 4

National Chaplan ................................Page 17

National Veteran’s Day in Birmingham, Al ..Page 10

Region Updates ................................. Page 14

Registration is Open for Snowball VI .........Page 22

Service Officer ..................................Page 11

VAVA 50th Anniversary of the

Spraying of Agent Orange ................... Page 5

VAVS Notes ...................................... Page 18

Wreaths Across America ......................... Page 6

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

What an honor it was to be elected National President of Gold Star Wives of America at our National Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. I have been a member of Gold Star Wives for many years, but I will take this opportunity to introduce myself to you

whom I have not met personally, and to those who would like to know a little more about me. I was born and raised in Mansura, Louisiana, a small town in central Louisiana. I am the sixth of seven siblings, four sisters (one deceased) and two brothers. I was educated in the Avoyelles

Parish School System and later graduated from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Music Education. I taught music in Catahoula, Iberville and Avoyelles Parish school systems in Louisiana, also in the Houston Independent School District. I retired in 2005, as Administrative Assistant for the Civil Service Commission in Denver, Colorado. I currently live in Aurora, Colorado with my husband of six years, Arthur Blakely. I am a volunteer with the Denver Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association, actively involved in music and other church ministries, and pianist at Sable Care Nursing Center in Aurora.

My first teaching position was in the small town of Jonesville, Louisiana where I met my husband, Howard Lee Early in September 1961. Howard was home on leave after a tour in Germany. We were married three months

PURPOSES

nation.

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later, on December 24, 1961. We were at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky for four years during which my three sons were born. My sons, Fabian, and twins Alphonso and Alonzo reside in Houston, Texas, including sixteen grandchildren and two great-grands. Our last months together as family were during Howard’s assignment at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas where he received orders for Vietnam. In late summer of 1968, Howard boarded a bus out of Alexandria, Louisiana bound for his site of deployment.

On February 19, 1969, about 9pm, two gentlemen in military uniform delivered the dreadful message of their mission…My husband had been killed that day on active duty in Vietnam…my world stood still. I was blessed to have been with my parents at that time. I was advised that Howard spent the initial months of his tour in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne Division and later transferred to Advisory duty. Howard was with a Mobile Advisory Team aiming to repel a Viet Cong patrol when the team was caught up in a fatal ambush by the Viet Cong.

On July 4, 2003, I was honored to meet one of Howard’s comrades and very good friend, Retired MSG Murph Jack Marrow. Murph Marrow initiated and coordinated the erection of a SFC Howard Lee Early Memorial and subsequently a Memorial Dedication Ceremony in Jonesville, Louisiana. For an awesome, detailed article on their relationship as Army comrades, please visit website: ourheritagemagazine.com/sfc-howard-lee-early/

Shortly after Howard’s death, I received a letter informing me about Gold Star Wives. A few months later, I sent in application and attended my first GSW National Convention in 1972, in Columbus, Georgia. I shall never forget that convention, because it started a wonderful healing and bonding with caring and lasting friendships, including a memorable post-convention trip to the Bahamas. I am grateful for the persistence of our members who worked diligently until Congress approved legislation in 2003, allowing survivors who remarried after age 57, to retain their Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

other GSW’s as well. Again I say, thank you.

Each issue of concern within the organization may not pertain to all of us personally, but we must stand united in support of GSW legislation that impacts a fraction of us as well, because there is strength and louder voice in

numbers. There are dire economic issues facing our nation at this time, and we should be more vigilant than ever

on the table and be persistent or they will be brushed aside and forgotten. Much of my appreciation and respect for the organization has come through my involvement and participation in the following segments: National Chair for Community Service; Denver Chapter Secretary; Denver Chapter Vice President; Denver Chapter President; coordinator of SW Region Conference in Denver, 2007; and President of Southwest Region, 2008-2009.

I wish to thank President Emeritus Katherine “Kit” Frazer, for a job well done on behalf of Gold Star Wives. Thank you Kit, for mentoring and always encouraging me as I anticipated serving in this honorable position and for all you’ve done to make the transition as smooth as possible. I look forward to working with Vice President Harriet Boyden. I commend her as recipient of the Special Recognition Award. Harriet is a conscientious worker, and I plan to keep in close communication with her as Kit did so diligently with me.

A huge thank you to Convention Chair, Jamie Tomek and members of the South Central Region for hosting our 66th National Convention, which was well-organized. Besides successful business meetings, we had informative workshops; a riverboat dinner cruise; entertainment by Missouri Master Storyteller Gladys Coggswell; beautiful music provided by pianist Steve Sanderson, and humorous remarks by Ruth Miller, GSW from San Antonio, Texas.

of Survivor’s Assistance for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs; Kevin Secor, VA Department Liaison for Veteran’s Service Organizations.

Special thanks to the following sponsors who supported our convention and contributed to its success: TriWest Healthcare Alliance; Express Scripts; USAA; Spectrum Healthcare Resources; Delta Dental; Department of Veterans Affairs; Graphic Designer Jon Moran and Photographer Shelley Anderson of Cage & Aquarium.

St. Louis has taken on a new meaning with fond memories for me as the site of my election to GSW National President.

President, Jeanette Early (Aurora, CO); Vice President, Harriet Boyden (Aiken SC); Secretary, Leta McNair (Phenix City, AL); Treasurer, Betty Crawford (Chandler,

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BOARD CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Congratulations to our newly elected Board members – Judith Woodall, South East; Debra Kraus, South West; Sandra Robertson, South East; Nancy Gunn, New England; and Ruth Miller, South Central. Each member is to be thanked for the giving of their time to serve and represent you. I also want to thank the board members who attended the St. Louis 66th National Convention and met for almost 11 hours discussing the business of Gold Star Wives.

Jamie Tomek, Convention Coordinator, her committee and Willa Scott, South Central Region president, are also to be thanked for hosting the 66th National Convention. I enjoyed all aspects of the Convention and the guests representing the sponsors and donors (Express Scripts, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Spectrum Healthcare Resources, USAA, Delta Dental, and Cage Aquarium) who so graciously gave to our organization. There were many new and 1st time members in attendance and I hope they will continue to go to future Conventions.

Audrey Easterling, Midwest Region president, extended an invitation for the Midwest Region to host the National Convention in Dayton, OH, during the week of July 11 – 15, 2012 (put this date on your calendar). The invitation was accepted by the Assembly and I look forward to visiting there as well as seeing the museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. There is a memorial area for the 55th Wing in which my husband served for 8 years and a friend placed a brick with his name there. I know that many of our members have placed bricks at various memorial sites for their spouses so I know how meaningful it is to be able to visit and see the brick or memorial.

I am looking forward to working with Jeanette Early

Vice-president Harriet Boyden (South East), Secretary Leta McNair (South East), Treasurer Betty Crawford (South West), Parliamentarian Jaimey Steele (Middle Atlantic), Chaplain Janet Snyder (South West and president of the newly formed Las Vegas Valley

...continued on page 4...

AZ); Parliamentarian, Jaimey Steele (Crompond, NY); Historian, Veronica Mora (Perrysburg, OH); Chaplain, Janet Snyder (Las Vegas, NV). Congratulations to all of you, and thank you for taking on the responsibilities of

Midwest Region extended an invitation to host the 67th GSW National Convention in Dayton, Ohio – July 11-15, 2012. Thank you Midwest Region.

Convention Attendees: 69 members; 43 guests; and 12

Company reported GSW membership is currently 8,652. Our National Chaplain reported 253 deceased members in the past year.

GSW is a unique organization of undesirable membership; nevertheless, survivors who are unfortunately thrust into

ready to embrace and support those who join. I am looking forward to this new year with GSW’s as we work together and stand united in our efforts. There is always something each one of us can do to maintain the purposes of Gold Star Wives. I encourage all of our members to continue the great work you are doing in your communities and states, getting involved, being visible, and sharing your experiences as a Gold Star Wife. We represent GSW in many different events and activities, and we must begin to seriously “think local.” We must get to know as much as we can about our local legislative candidates for whom we are voting i.e., their views on major issues; and make every effort for them to know who we are and our concerns before they get on the Hill. And let us seek out their voting records after they reach the Hill – so we will know what bills they are supporting and which they are opposing. Our voice also works through our votes.

I look forward to meeting and communicating with as many of you as possible. Thank you again for your support and words of encouragement. I am a good listener, and want to hear from you.

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Thanks to Vivianne Wersel and Kay Witt for their service as co-chairs of the Government Relations Committee. As

and make our efforts with the executive and legislative branches as effective as possible we will explore past methods and new ones as well.

My past experience helping open the Washington

of government as well as the textbook version in the classroom will be of some help. I look forward to working with committee members to enhance our expertise and learn from their years of experience.

The Government Relations Committee is made up of Chris Chojnicki, Michelle Fitzhenry, Suzanne Gerstner, Rose Lee, Kathy Prout, Edith Smith, and Vivianne Wersel. Also helping are Jody Nyalko, Washington Liaison/Representative, and Charlotte Tsoucalus.

Our organization offers the Surviving Spouses Legislative Issues yahoo board for those who are interested. If you would like to learn about the issues we work with, please contact Kay Witt, our IT coordinator and message board person at [email protected] to become a member . When members are informed, we are a stronger organization and can have more impact on the outcome of the governmental process.

I look forward to working with you in the future.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT

Chapter) and Historian Veronica Mora (Midwest). We

support their efforts for us.

The Board approved returning funds from the disbanded Jacksonville, FL, Chapter to the South East Region. We also approved insurance policies for the Directors and

will continue as the Washington Representative for 2011-2012. Approval was also given for the cost of the busses for the Memorial Services held at the Soldiers Memorial in St. Louis as well as items above the

An In Memoriam column is now being placed in each newsletter so that our members who are unable to attend Convention will be able to read the names of our members who have passed. It is with much sadness to report the following members who passed after May 31st: Eunice Farris, Supplies Chair (a very good friend and wonderful supporter); Virginia Hurley, past New England Region president and board member; Marjorie Hubbard, South Central member who served in many capacities; and Eula Ruth Harris, Little Rock Convention Coordinator, who wore the Razorback headgear and could really give their “holler.” We will miss them.

If you have any questions or want to discuss any issue, please call me. Thank you for allowing me to be your Board Chairman for another year.

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13 million gallons of dioxin-contaminated Agent Orange herbicide was sprayed over vast sections of land and

civilians, American forces, and thousands of allies were exposed. Veterans from all forces are now suffering from cancers and illness. Dioxin has affected their children and grandchildren and many have been born with cancer and birth defects. Thousands of family members have been lost over the past 50 years. This toxic legacy brought together a delegation of friends from around the world to express their solidarity and support for those affected by Agent Orange. As an Agent Orange widow and social activist, I went to show solidarity to the victims. We came together to commemorate those we’ve lost and encourage those who have been effected.

While at the conference I met Heather Bowser, an America daughter of a GSW, who lost her father to Agent Or-ange. Heather, 38-years old, was born with serious birth defects that were just like younger Vietnamese victims attending the conference. She acknowledged their struggles and gave them hope for a better future. Rehabilita-tion and integration into the community has begun for many. Global resources are being mobilized to aid victims and their struggling families. The needs are great.

Congressman Bob Filner, 51st District of California and Ranking Democratic Member of the Committee on Vet-erans Affairs, will champion the bill, Victims of Agent Orange Relief Act of 2011 – H.R. 2634. He is committed

the American-Vietnamese and Vietnamese who were hurt. I ask you to join in the effort and urge your Congress-person to support this much needed bill. We must integrate our GSW purposes. We must help heal our world. We must end this toxic legacy. It is the right thing to do.

VAVA – 50TH ANNIVERSAR Y OF THE SPRAYING OF AGENT ORANGE

2nd International Conference of Victims of Agent Orange

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The American Legion Post 29 of Russellville, Kentucky asked for our help in obtaining donations for the Wreaths Across America, Inc. project. The wreaths were to be placed on the graves at the Kentucky Veteran’s Cemetery West in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. We started working around October 1, 2010 and continued almost every day until November 19, 2010. We were so grateful to be able to participate in this project. Our special thanks to all of the businesses as well as the individuals whose donations made all of this possible. We were able to place over 1,100 wreaths at the cemetery on December 11, 2010.

Thank you also to the military members, both active and retired, as well as the volunteers who placed the wreaths and the people who care for the cemetery. We are so very proud to have been able to be a part of all of this and be able to give something back to our veterans. We are looking forward to doing even better next year.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

Are you ready to put the fun and compassion in fall fashion?

Then celebrate Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) with Charming Charlie! (We’ve actually turned it into a week-

end long extravaganza) From September 8 -11, with your purchase of $40 or more, you will receive a

free tote with purchase and we will donate an accessory to Gold Star Wives of America, an organization of

military widows/widowers whose spouse died while on active duty or from service connected disabilities.

Hurray

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Four of our Las Vegas Valley Chapter members (Taunya, Nancy, Alberta and Janet) attended the GSW 2011 Convention in St. Louis. For three of us (Taunya, Alberta and Janet), it was our first GSW Convention, and it was a great learning experience, as well as fun, to meet new friends, enjoying the camaraderie of sister widows. The most emotional part was Friday, August 5th, when we took buses to the Memorial Service at St. Louis Soldiers Memorial. We wore our yellow jackets, caps and pins, and each recited our husbands’ names, rank and branch of service, mentioning if he was killed in wartime or later due to service-connected disabilities. On Saturday, August 6th, there was a Memorial Service for deceased GSW members during 2010 - 2011. Members from each region read the names. Although we could not vote, we sat on the sidelines of the Business Meetings and Board Meetings, so we could learn how the organization is run. The hotel was excellent: comfortable beds, spacious rooms, delicious gourmet food, fitness room, pool, good service. Jamie Tomek and her committee did a fantastic job with all the arrangements. Saturday evening was the Banquet and Installation.

These are newly elected National Officers for 2011 - 2012:

President: Jeanette Early (Aurora, CO)

Vice President: Harriet Boyden (Aiken, SC)

Secretary: Leta McNair (Phenix City, AL)

Treasurer: Betty Crawford (Chandler, AZ)

Parliamentarian: Jaimey Steele (Crompond, NY)

Historian: Veronica Mora (Perrysburg, OH)

Chaplain: Janet Snyder (Las Vegas, NV)

A huge honor - for all of us new members - was to meet Marie Jordan Speer, the founder of Gold Star Wives. At age 90, she is lovely, charming, intelligent, with a glowing personality.

Next year the 67th National Convention will be held in Dayton, Ohio (2012). Our chapter members (who attended the convention) discussed having the Las Vegas Valley Chapter hosting the 68th National Convention in 2013 in Las Vegas. Will check into some information, to present to our members at our October business meeting.

Going to the annual GSW National Convention is a wonderful experience, and opportunity to learn more about our organization. I highly recommend that all of you attend both your Region and National Conventions each year.

NATIONAL CONVENTION IN ST. LOUIS, MO

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Sixty six members recently attended the 66th annual national convention of the Gold Star Wives of America, Inc in St. Louis, Missouri. Members gathered to honor the memory of their spouses at a memorial service at the St. Louis Soldiers Memorial., in downtown St Louis near the Gateway Arch. “We were glad to welcome members of the organization to the St. Louis community,” says Jamie Tomek, convention chair. “Activities included a trip to the top of the Arch, and a riverboat dinner cruise.

In addition to the organization’s business meeting, speakers included Deborah Walker, director, Office of Survivor’s Assistance for the Department of Veterans Affairs and Kevin Secor who is VA Department Liaison for Veteran’s Service Organizations.

One role of the Gold Star Wives organization is to assist widows in obtaining benefits that they are entitled to receive. Tomek says that these conventions offer a time to gather and not only honor the memory of deceased spouses but also to share the struggles they have encountered and celebrate joys of overcoming difficulties in receiving benefits or dealing with life as a widow. We had many opportunities to share the good times and the harder ones says Marsha Bancroft Missouri member-at-large who helped plan the convention.

66TH ANNUAL NATIONAL GSW CONVENTION

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66TH ANNUAL NATIONAL GSW CONVENTION

Kit Frazier, President, of Altamont Springs, Florida presided over this year’s convention and was recognized for her two years of service. Jeanette Early, newly elected president was installed August 6. Harriet Boyden was elected and installed vice-president, Leta McNair secretary, Betty Crawford Treasurer, Veronica Morey historian, Jaimey Steele parliamentarian and Janet Snyder chaplain.

Other activities and entertainment included storytelling by Gladys Coggswell, Missouri Master Storyteller, pianist and Vietnam Marine, Steve Sanderson and humorous remarks by Ruth Miller, Gold Star Wives member from San Antonio, Texas.

Express Scripts of St Louis and USAA were first time sponsors of the convention. TriWest Healthcare is a continuing sponsor. Delta Dental and Spectrum Healthcare are also contributed to support the convention. “These donors allow us to make the convention one that widows, especially widows on fixed income can afford to attend,” says Tomek.

Jon Moran, a graphic artist working in Louisiana, Missouri at the Studio at Seventh has provided services for the convention. Photography was provided by Shelley Anderson of Chicago. She is the photographer for Cage and Aquarium.

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The Southeast Region and Birmingham Chapter extend an invitation for all Gold Star Wives to join us for the 63rd Annual Veterans Day in Birmingham, Alabama November 10th & 11th, 2011. Raymond Weeks is responsible for changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. This is the largest Veterans Day Event outside of Washington, DC. The National Organization of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc is a sponsoring organization of the event and is recog-nized as part of the Coordinating Committee. Join us for a wonderful Patriotic Flag-Flying Event!!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday November 10th, 201112 Noon, Southeast Region Luncheon ------------- $22.00 Honoring our National Vice President & Southeast Region President5:45 PM Weeks Memorial Service at Lynn Park6:00 PM Distinguished Guest Reception - Boutwell Auditorium All members are invited, dress is formal - Long or Short7:00 PM National Veterans Awards Dinner -------$25.00 Recipient of the National Veterans Award - Colonel Bill Voigt, Ret. Speaker: Rear Admiral Thomas Stephens, (Ret) Former Navy Seal, U.S. Special Operations Commander & Director of the Naval Anti-Terrorism Friday November 11, 20119:00 AM Memorial Service - Cathedral Church of the Advent Gold Star Mothers and Gold Star Wives are honored guests, wear yellow and your hat, if you have one.11:00 AM World Peace Luncheon ------------------ $23.00 Boutwell Auditorium Speaker: National Commander of the Disabled American Veterans1:00 PM National Veterans Day Parade - We will have vehicles in the parade and you are welcome to ride.

Hotel Information: Historic Tutwiler Hampton Inn and Suites 2021 Park Place North, Birmingham, AL - this is in walking distance of all the events.Complimentary Breakfast Served, also Complimentary Airport Service.Rooms are: $103.44 per night. This includes tax.I will make your room reservations for you, I do a rooming list. I just need to know your arrival and departure dates and if you are sharing the room and with whom. You make arrangements for payment when you check in. Just say you are on the GSW rooming list.

If you would like to attend only one of the events you will be welcome! If you are arriving on the 9th you are invited to attend a special program by Patriots in Action in the evening.

DEADLINE FOR TICKETS IS OCTOBER 10, 2011. AFTER THAT DATE I HAVE TO TURN IN ALL UN-SOLD TICKETS. MAKE YOUR CHECKS PAYABLE TO GOLD STAR WIVES, BIRMINGHAM CHAPTER.

Mail to:Rachel Clinkscale 205.672.7848PO Box 19 [email protected], AL 35178-0019

National Veterans Day In Birmingham 2011

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SERVICE OFFICER

“ICE” Your Cell Phone or “Set As Emergency” on Your Cell Phone When victims are unable to communicate, emergency responders often check their cell phone directory, hop-

important point of contact. You can create a contact in your telephone directory under the titles of “ICE” or “Set As Emergency” followed by the person’s name and telephone number. If you want, you can create more than one “ICE” or “Emergency” contact. By doing this, you can help emergency responders help you during the emergency. Note that some cell phone directories say, “ICE” and some say “Set As Emergency”. But both acronyms serve the same purpose.

VA Creates Women Veterans Call Center Major Outreach Effort LaunchedThe Department of Veterans Affairs has embarked on a major initiative to reach out to women Veterans in order to solicit their input on ways to enhance the health care the VA provides to them. The Health Resource Center representatives mak-ing the calls, which started on June 1, are informing women Veterans about the services VA offers. These in-clude general primary care, osteoporosis management, heart disease, mental health care, menopausal services and obesity-related issues, such as diabetes. Preventive screenings for breast and cervical cancer are also areas in which VA excels. Soon, all VA facilities will offer com-prehensive primary care for women from a single pro-vider. For more information about services for women Veterans, please visit: www.va.gov/womenvet and www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth or call 1-877-222-8387 to locate the nearest VA Medical Center for help with women veterans VA Health care services. ABANDONING PAPER CHECKS BEGINNING TO USE DEBIT CARDS The VA, through the Treasury Department, will soon be-

-tion to enroll in the Direct Express debit card program.

into a bank account and made accessible through a debit card. Direct Express cardholders have 24/7 access to their money at automated teller machines and can make purchases online and at any retailer that accepts Mas-

payments in the future. If you have questions, call Direct Express at 1-888-741-1115 or visit www.USDirectEx-press.com SOCIAL SECURITY has already begun using the

--

quired to receive their payments electronically. Those already receiving paper checks will need to switch by March 2013. If you don’t have a bank account, you can

-tercard. You can switch from checks to electronic payments at www.godirect.org . Or call the U.S. Treasury Processing Center at 1-800-333-1795 or speak with a bank or credit union representative or contact Social Security for help. Paper Social Security checks will no longer be an option after March 1, 2013.

WW II VETERANS FAMILIES TELL THEIR STO-RIESIn January a new genealogical society for relatives of World War II veterans began accepting applications to

America’s “Greatest Generation” - - the 16 million men and women who served in the armed services during the war. The new group will be overseen by the Admiral Nim-itz Foundation, which also runs the National Museum of

materials call 1-830-997-8600 Ext. 204.

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Snowball VIDec. 9-13, 2011 ~ Dallas, Texas

http://www.snowballexpress.org/

of the cost of travel will be on the volunteer who attends the event.

The Support Team is selected by the Co Chairs and there are guidelines. Here are three very important criteria:

a) be able to be patient, good listener, think on your feet, love children, stamina for 5 days 24/7 busy and high energy

b) helpful if you have had some type of training to be a Grief Facilitator it is easy to take a Hospice Course on Grief, Children and Grief, or the Peer Mentor Program for TAPS is helpful as well

c) have a computer and cell phone.

Nancy GunnSpecial Events GSWCo Chair of SBE VI207-865-4607 (home) EST207-319-3459 (mobile) [email protected]

Kathy UpchurchCo Chair of SBE VIGold Star Wives of America602-246-0240 (home/fax call first) MST602-799-0240 (mobile) [email protected] or [email protected] please put both emails in your address book

G o t o t h e website above, and pull down the “families” tab and click on

family registration. If you have previously registered with Snowball Express, enter your e-mail address and password, click on the small arrow. When your data appears, click on your id # and then on edit. In the “plan to attend box”, click on Snowball VI and save. Please repeat the process for each of your children.

If you are registering as a new family, instead of clicking on the arrow, click on register a fallen hero and follow the forms.

SBE is excited to see you in Dallas on December 9.

Families: please begin the sign up for SBE VI.

If you would like to volunteer with Gold Star Wives you must be a member in good standing.

Contact – as soon as possible – one of the Coordinators below if you wish to help “Family Coordinate” (working directly with Falllen Hero Families under SBE direction); or be a “Greeter”/ Point of Contact for one of the 28 American Airline Chartered Cities, Help at Non Chartered Cities to Greet a Family or two departing for SBE VI or be a part of the Support Team that Travels to the 5 day Event (two days of travel, 3 days at the Event, there are guidelines to follow for being a member of the Support Team and with budget cuts some

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AROUND THE COUNTRY

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REGION UPDATES

New England Region

The New England Region has begun this year with 4 members attending the 66th National Convention and having a wonderful and productive time in St. Louis, MO. It occurred to me at the Memorial Service that we are once again called upon to support our newer widows in more ways than we remember on a daily basis. My heart was drawn back to those early days when it was so

seemed like an effort. Our young members have a certain “spunk” that I don’t remember having, and I hope it is, in part, because we are here to help them and support them in their times of need. I hope that as individuals, we will continue to reach out to those new widows, whether from the Agent Orange war or the War on Terror.

Hampshire this past July. We had 3 Chapter Presidents, our Region President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain and Parliamentarian in attendance. Also, 2 Members At Large, one of whom missed us, but certainly made the attempt to attend. The other has been a member for many years

meet her. We had a great deal to talk about and agreed to meet again in Freeport, Maine on September 10 in order to participate in the 9/11 events there as a group. The Freeport Flag Ladies have a whole weekend of events planned and since they supported us at our last conference, we hope to support them in their endeavors. They actually brought in a piece of the metal from the Twin Towers and will be dedicating that Memorial on Sunday 9/11/11.

At Convention it was decided that we are able to sell the vases and scarves as fund raising events, so if anyone would like either the folding vase or the gold Pasmina with the Gold Star Wives Logo, please email [email protected]. The vases are $5.oo and the scarf $30.oo. New England Region also has a few noteworthy events coming up.

CT fallen Heroes Foundation is honoring GSW members in a Tribute to 7 New England Fallen Heroes on Sept. 24th at noon. Ronald William Cardona is one of the Honorees. Ronald Howard will also be remembered at that event. All are welcome to attend at no cost and lunch will also be free.

The Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor is sponsoring a Gold Star Wives Day on October 9, 2011. Gold Star Wives and their children/grandchildren will be admitted free to enjoy a trolley ride, the Pumpkin Patch event, face painting and games, lunch and then another trolley ride. Hopefully we will be eating in the dining car and there will be a volunteer to take children on the trolley rides while the mothers/grandmothers can sit together and chat if they so desire. This is Columbus Day weekend, so you will have an extra day to recuperate and travel home. We need RSVP notes to the above email asap in order to provide an accurate number for lunches. This is an all day event.

One of our goals for the New England Region is member retention. We are hoping to be able to make more frequent contact with our current members and hopefully increase membership as a result of increased activity. If you are a New England Region Member and have an email, please send it to me at the above address. We would love to contact you in your preferred manner.

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Southeast Region

Southwest Region

As the newly elected SW Region President I would like to thank all the members from the region who went to the National Convention in St. Louis. I understand they all

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had a wonderful time at the meetings as well as the City Tour and Hannibal, MO.

Congratulations to the following SW members who were

Crawford, Treasurer and Janet Snyder, Chaplain. Debra Kraus was elected to the National Board and will be the Public Relations and Historical Archivist. Chair.

SW would like to take a moment and remember the 77 members who died this year each were remembered at Convention. Yet right after conference one of our very active members who all of you know died end of June: Eunice Farris, San Diego Treasurer and National Chair of Supplies. There were 17 GSW members who attended her service. Eunice will be missed by all of us who knew her. The family asked if you would like to do an “In Memory to her “to please send a donation to Bonnie Craig President of San Diego Chapter. (See yellow directory for

be patient and give Judith Woodall (Birmingham Chapter) your cooperation, she will be up and running we hope by

possible.

On June 2, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Kit Frazer, Nat’l President

Outgoing SW President, Betty Crawford SW Region and Nat’l Treasurer, Carol Ellinger SW Region Historian and National Board Chapter/Region Liaison Chair and Ada McArthur SW Parliamentarian. See the Picture below of

the Installation Ceremony. They had an impressive array

Congressman Joe Heck, Congresswoman Shelly Berkley and State Senator Steven Horsford. Congratulations, Las Vegas Valley.

Six Gold Star Wives were invited to a MOAA luncheon

with special recognition to Kathy Upchurch, GSW and

also Tony Codero, President of the Sons and Daughter in Touch, for their extensive efforts in supporting the survivors of the fallen heroes.

Debra Kraus was invited present information on Agent Orange in Vietnam during our Convention look for her report in Region Newsletter.

Jenn Tullis (MAL North County) will be attending the TAPS Alaska trip along with Salina Jimenez (Golden State VP) end of August, the are both new TAPS Peer Mentors. Both are runners and will be running in the

Rock and Roll Marathon. Salina just returned from China running a race to “Remembering our Fallen Heroes”. If you are interested in Running with these ladies, please contact Salina ([email protected])

Phoenix Chapter still is selling 10” GSW Patches for Sweatshirts, Vests etc $15.00. Maize Polo Shirts w/logo @$31.00 plus mailing; Purple Hooded Sweatshirts w/logo $35.00 plus mailing. Contact Kathy Upchurch 602 799 0240, [email protected].

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NATIONAL CHAPLAIN

It is an honor to be elected as National Chaplain. My name is Janet Snyder. I am President and Historian of the Las Vegas Valley Chapter of GSW, which is part of the South West Region. My husband, Thomas Edison Snyder, US Army, passed away on October 23, 2010, due to effects of Agent Orange during

This is a photo of me. Several people have told me that I look similar to the Dalai Lama. What do you think? He has taught us the importance of laughter, and living simply and sincerely. One of my favorite quotes: “This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.” -- Dalai Lama

Although our beloved spouses and dear friends are no longer physically with us, their souls - the spirit that never dies - remain with us, to inspire all of us, so that we may heal ourselves, to go forth and heal the world.

The following members passed away since May 31, 2011:ALBANY: BETTYE L WHITEAZALEA: DIANE BRIGGSCASTLE: HENRIETTA CHAMPIONCHANNEL IS: PAULINE P OSKINSFLAMINGO: BETTY W COMBEEGREATER BOSTON: VIRGINIA M HURLEYGREATER BOSTON: MARGARET T HYDERHOLLYBUSH: MARY S CURRYHOLLYBUSH: GERALDINE HARRISONHOLLYBUSH: VIOLET K SMITHLA PETITE ROCHE: MARJORIE R HUBBARDMID ATLANTIC: EMILY W WILMOTMID WEST: MILDRED L FONTANAMID WEST: ILEAN WELCHMINNEAPOLIS: CAROLYN E LINNERNEW ENGLAND: VARGIE THOMPSONNORTH CENTRAL: PAULINE MCKITTRICKNORTH CENTRAL: OLGA A TIEMANNORTH WEST: HELEN V MCKILLIPNORTH WEST: BARBARA MECCAOMAHA: MARILYN M SLATTERYPALMETTO: KATHLEEN R HOLBERTPATRIOT: ANNA MCCARTHYPHOENIX: MAE I BERTRAMPHOENIX: MAE E ZYNDAPOTOMAC: MARY LACEY NOHRDEN

SAN DIEGO: PATRICIA A ALEXANDERSAN DIEGO: EUNICE C FARRISSOUTH CENTRAL: ESTHER R BONNARSOUTH CENTRAL: SUSANNA J ENGLISHSOUTH CENTRAL: CECELIA M HARVEYSOUTH CENTRAL: BETTY J NORVELLSOUTH CENTRAL: OPAL RUSSELLSOUTH CENTRAL: LILLIAN H ZARWELLSOUTH EAST: CLARA V DENNISONSOUTH EAST: FLORENCE M GIBSONSOUTH EAST: MARY J HUGHESSOUTH EAST: JANE S LYONSOUTH EAST: MILDRED E ROUSHIASOUTH EAST: MARJORIE A TRENTSOUTH WEST: JEAN L CIRIACKSSOUTH WEST: FLORENCE DE LA VALLIERESOUTH WEST: JOAN GOODNIGHTSOUTH WEST: FLORA LEVAUGHSOUTH WEST: LILLIAN A SARTORSOUTH WEST: JO ANNE WALTZSUNCOAST: CLEAVY D BRASSSUNCOAST: ETHELANNA B NEUERSUNCOAST: NANCY M TAYLORSUNCOAST: OLGA ZUKOWSKITUCSON: BEATRICE A ARCH

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Greetings ladies. I know those who went to St. Louis are exhausted from a wonderful time at convention. Jamie Tomek did an excellent job, and we all appreciate it.

One of the fastest growing services being developed throughout the VA is the “Baby Shower” for women veterans. The average age of veterans has dropped from 60 to 40. The 20 to 30 group is growing even faster. The post menopausal retired women are no longer the average veteran. Many of our veterans are in their reproductive time of life. Some pregnant veterans are single or part of a duel military couple, with the father stationed abroad. These women are usually below the income level, if they are coming to the VA to received services. Many times

resources.

I was informed that the VA in Dayton, Ohio will be starting their program this fall. There are 23 veterans that would be eligible between June and January 2012. It would be the veteran’s decision whether they would like someone to contact them during their pregnancy. The items for the shower, such as diapers, wipes, and other basics for a new born are donated by different organizations.

VAVS NOTES

I would like to thank all of you for your reports, and donating your time, money or goods. It is very important that we continue our donations. This year we increased our monetary value by $43,000. Great job!!

You can also contact your Voluntary Service at your VA to see if you can assist them by making calls. You can establish volunteer hours that way, without even leaving your home.

Once again I thank for your efforts.

As we move forward, I leave you with this quote; “We must scrupulously guard the civil rights and civil liberties of all citizens, whatever their background. We must remember that any oppression, any injustice, any hatred, is a wedge designed to attack our civilization” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

GSW SUPPLIES OFFICER

Her phone number is (205) 523-GSWS or (205) 523-4797.

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Name _________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________

City, State and Zip _______________________________________

Phone_________________________________________________

Chapter or Member-at-Large ______________________________

Change of Address Form

If your address has changed, or will be changing soon, please fill in your new address and send this entire page to: Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. PO Box 361986 Birmingham, AL 35236

Editor contact info: Corinna Gibson-Ashmead email: [email protected]

The Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. Newsletter is published each March, June, September, and December by Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., P.O. Box 361986, Birmingham, AL 35236. Annual Dues are $25.To submit articles or pictures: Information may be mailed to the above address, emailed to [email protected], or faxed to 205-823-2760. Articles may be edited and all articles may not be used. Pictures will not be returned unless a self-addressed and stamped envelope is included with your picture and “Please Return” is written on the back of the picture. Pictures should include a written (preferably typed) caption. Please include names in order from left to right.We ask that any article sent to us for publication be typed and make sure the content is in proper form. It is not our policy to correct grammar, spelling, sentence structure, etc. On oc-casion, we may ask that you shorten your article as we only

and articles in that amount of space. If you are quoting from another article please give credit to the original article.

GSW Email GroupsInformation Group — Receive messages from GSW for issues that affect members or the organization. To join, email [email protected] and include your name (to verify membership). This board is [email protected] 9-11-2001 Group — “Message board” that GSW sponsors for those whose spouses died on or after 9-11-2001. To join, email [email protected] and include your name and the circumstances of your spouse’s death. This board is [email protected] Group — “Message board” for all members. To join, email [email protected] and include your name (to verify membership).Notice to Family Members — Upon the death of a member, please send a notice to the address below or call 1-888-751-6350 or email [email protected] so that the chapter/region can be notified and the member can be included in GSW’s Memorial Service at the National Convention.Raise money for Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. (Military Survivors) by searching the Internet via GoodSearch at www.goodsearch.com — powered by Yahoo. Just enter Gold Star Wives in the “Who do you Search For” fieldbox.

COLOR THE HILL GOLD

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Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.PO Box 361986Birmingham, AL 35236

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GSW Thanks Our 2011 Convention Sponsors

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