VFW CA Post 1716 - Freedom

VFW Washington Weekly - November 13, 2009

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:54:00 -0500

In This Issue:
1. VFW / VA Members Among Fort Hood Victims
2. VFW Legislative Priority Goals for 2010
3. No Tricare For Life Changes
4. White House Employment Initiative Good for Veterans:

1. VFW / VA Members Among Fort Hood Victims: Last week's tragic shooting
at Fort Hood included VFW and VA members. Staff Sgt. Justin M. DeCrow,
32, was killed by Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, who allegedly murdered 13
and wounded dozens before being shot and apprehended by two civilian law
enforcement officers. DeCrow was a member of VFW Post 11016 in Songnam,
South Korea. He graduated high school in 1996 in Plymouth, IN, and
leaves behind a wife and daughter at Fort Gordon, GA. Two VA employees
also slain were identified as:
* Dr. Russell G. Seager, Ph.D., a 51-year old Army Reserve captain
who led a mental health team at the VA medical center in Milwaukee.
* Lt. Col. Juanita L. Warman, a 55-year-old Maryland National
Guardsman who was a nurse practitioner at the VA medical center in Perry
Point, MD. She was a former member of VFW Post 8276 in Delmar, MD.
VFW Commander-in-Chief Thomas J. Tradewell Sr. said, "No words can
properly convey our condolences to the wounded and families of those
murdered. The entire military family is grieving right now. I just
want them to know they do not grieve alone. Our hearts and prayers are
with them." Read the VFW press release at
http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5280.

Read more VFW Washington Weekly

VFW National Jr Vice DeNoyer Reports on Tour of Europe

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:50:00 -0500

(Via Dept of Wisconsin)

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2009 Europe Report -

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Veterans Day Message from VFW WebCOM

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:05:00 -0500

To all who have served and those who are serving now, we thank you for your service and remember those who have fallen in defense of our freedom.

- VFW WebCOM Network Staff

VFW: White House Initiative Good for Veterans

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:48:00 -0500

WASHINGTON, November 10, 2009 — The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is applauding the president's new executive order for helping more military veterans get federal and private employment.

"The president is serious about helping veterans get a job, and he is making sure the federal government is at the top of the hiring line," said VFW Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Richard L, Eubank, a Vietnam veteran from Eugene, Ore., who is in Washington to represent the organization at different national Veterans Day events.

According to the White House, approximately 480,000 veterans work for the government, about one-fourth of the total federal workforce. While the executive order places emphasis on hiring veterans for both public and private employment, it is specifically focused on hiring veterans for federal positions. It created a special Council on Veterans Employment to encourage federal agencies to recruit and train military veterans. The council will be co-chaired by the secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs.

Read more

Businesses Honoring Veterans With Discounts

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:37:00 -0500

During Veterans Day Weekend, several retail businesses are raising money for programs, while other businesses are offering various discounts to veterans. VFW received the following notices about Veterans Day Specials:

Sport Clips nationwide on Veterans Day, November 11, is supporting VFW Operation Uplink™ with "The Biggest Haircut Day of the Year." On that day, Sport Clips will donate a dollar for every haircut given in our 660+ stores. Show your support for troops and veterans by getting your next haircut at Sport Clips.
Burger King restaurants in select states across the country are raising money for VFW Unmet Needs through November 30. More than 800 Burger King restaurants are participating in the “buy a burger; donate a buck” fundraiser in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin.

Click here for the VFW's full list of participating businesses.

Home Depot offering Post Improvement Grants

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:32:00 -0500

The Home Depot has once again revised their grant program which is now entitled “Building Healthy Community Grants.“

VFW Posts are eligible to apply for up to $2,500 in Home Depot gift cards to be used for remodeling activities to their Post building.

Visit Department of Wisconsin to learn more.

Happy Birthday Marine Corps

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:28:00 -0500

Click here to read Marine Corps Birthday message from the VFW.

Honor Guard Change of Leadership

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 02:39:00 -0500

On October 12th, Cpt Kleinsmith stepped down and transfered his leadership of the team to Jack Kelly. Jack Kelly has been a member of the Post honor guard for over ten years. With the encouragement of Cpt Kleinsmith, the acceptance of the team, having more time available, and wishing to take a more active role with the Honor Guard, Jack was appointed by the Post Cmdr as Active Captain of the Post Honor Guard effective October 12, 2009. Cpt Kleinsmith has been searching for his replacement for the past two years because his volunteer time was becoming more and more limited due to family commitments. Comrade Kleinsmith has been performing military funeral honors for veterans on a VFW Honor Guard Team since 1991. Joe Kleinsmith is a two time All State Past Commander, a Past County Council Commander, and became the Active honor guard Captain over 5 years ago when Cpt Bill Rolls chose to step down and be placed on the teams "Advisor Retired Reserve List" with other Past Honor Guard Captains. Joe Kleinsmith will remain on the teams "Retired Reserve List" as Cpt and Advisor, available to answer questions, sharing his 20 plus years of funeral honors experience and knowledge (military & VFW), and share the detailed Honor Guard SOP he established. It is because of CPT Kleinsmiths comradeship, dedication to this team that this change of Leadership, the operation of the team, and mission requests has become a smooth transition. To request the participation of the Honor Guard or information regarding funeral honors, contact Cpt. Jack Kelly 831-207-9478 and Lt. Sal Beltran 831-566-9983 e-mail: SalomeBeltran@yahoo.com. For more information about military funeral honors, please visit http://vfwwebcom.org/ca/Post1716HonorGuard/

2009 Veterans Day Proclamation

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:12:00 -0500

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

We have a sacred trust with those who wear the uniform of the United States of America. From the Minutemen who stood watch over Lexington and Concord to the service members who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, American veterans deserve our deepest appreciation and respect. Our Nation’s servicemen and women are our best and brightest, enlisting in times of peace and war, serving with honor under the most difficult circumstances, and making sacrifices that many of us cannot begin to imagine. Today, we reflect upon the invaluable contributions of our country’s veterans and reaffirm our commitment to provide them and their families with the essential support they were promised and have earned.

Caring for our veterans is more than a way of thanking them for their service. It is an obligation to our fellow citizens who have risked their lives to defend our freedom. This selflessness binds our fates with theirs, and recognizing those who were willing to give their last full measure of devotion for us is a debt of honor for every American.

We also pay tribute to all who have worn the uniform and continue to serve their country as civilians. Many veterans act as coaches, teachers, and mentors in their communities, selflessly volunteering their time and expertise. They visit schools to tell our Nation’s students of their experiences and help counsel our troops returning from the theater of war.

These men and women possess an unwavering belief in the idea of America: no matter where you come from, what you look like, or who your parents are, this is a place where anything is possible. Our veterans continue to stand up for those timeless American ideals of liberty, self-determination, and equal opportunity.

On Veterans Day, we honor the heroes we have lost, and we rededicate ourselves to the next generation of veterans by supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as they return home from duty. Our grateful Nation must keep our solemn promises to these brave men and women and their families. They have given their unwavering devotion to the American people, and we must keep our covenant with them.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our servicemen and women have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation’s veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2009, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Holiday Mailing Deadlines for Military Delivery

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 08:47:00 -0500

Recommended Mailing Dates to APO/FPO Addresses

WASHINGTON — For military service members stationed around the globe, holiday gifts are a big morale boost. To help the families and friends of U.S. military personnel, the Postal Service offers a discount on its largest Priority Mail Flat Rate box.

The recommended mailing date for the most economical postage to overseas military installations, including Iraq and Afghanistan, is Nov. 13.

Mail sent to overseas military addresses is charged only domestic mail prices. The domestic mail price for the Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box is $13.95, but for packages to APO/FPO addresses overseas the price is reduced to $11.95. Additional discounts are available for customers printing their Priority Mail postage labels online at Click-N-Ship.

Flat-Rate boxes are free at any Post Office, or can be ordered online at shop.usps.com. Postage, labels and customs forms can be printed online any time using Click-N-Ship.

The Postal Service continues to show support to those serving in the armed forces by offering free Military Care Kits, designed specifically for military families sending packages overseas. The mailing kits can be ordered by phone by calling 1-800-610-8734 and asking for the Care Kit. Each kit includes two “America Supports You” large Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, four medium-sized Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, six Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and six customs forms with envelopes.

For online ordering of the Large Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate boxes featuring the “America Supports You” logo and APO/FPO addressing block, Click here. More information about mailing letters and packages to military destinations is available online at Supporting Our Troops.

“Mailing holiday gifts to service members early will help insure that a piece of home arrives in plenty of time to make the celebration complete," said Pranab Shah, vice president and managing director, Global Business.

To ensure delivery of holiday cards and packages by Dec. 25 to military APO/FPO addresses overseas, the Postal Service recommends that mail for service members be entered no later than the mailing dates listed below. Mail addressed to military post offices overseas is subject to certain conditions or restrictions regarding content, preparation and handling. APO/FPO addresses generally require customs forms. To see an online table of updated APO and FPO addresses and mailing restrictions by individual APO/FPO ZIP Codes, Click here, select “Pull-Out Information” and click on “Overseas Military/Diplomatic Mail.”

MILITARY MAILING DEADLINES

Military Mail Addressed To	Express Mail® Military Service (EMMS)1/	First-Class Mail® Letters and Cards	Priority Mail®	Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL) 2/	Space Available Mail (SAM)3/	Parcel Post®
APO/FPO AE ZIPs 090-092	Dec-18	Dec-11	Dec-11	Dec-4	Nov-28	Nov-13
APO/FPO AE ZIP 093	N/A	Dec-4	Dec-4	Dec-1	Nov-21	Nov-13
APO/FPO AE ZIPs 094-098	Dec-18	Dec-11	Dec-11	Dec-4	Nov-28	Nov-13
APO/FPO AA ZIP 340	Dec-18	Dec-11	Dec-11	Dec-4	Nov-28	Nov-13
APO/FPO AP ZIPs 962-966	Dec-18	Dec-11	Dec-11	Dec-4	Nov-28	Nov-13

New face on Canteen

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 01:20:00 -0400

Last month Art and Trella Bailey, our long time friends and managers of the canteen and kitchen have stepped down for health reasons. The Canteen now has a new face and new Club Manager - Bob Howell. You will not recognize the interior of the Canteen now. Come check it out!

September-October Checkpoint

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:58:00 -0400

VFW Checkpoint Magazine -

Past VFW National Commander Holt Dies at 85

Tue, 6 May 2008 04:56:00 -0400

Kansas City, Mo., May 4, 2009-Past VFW National Commander Cooper T. Holt passed away at his home on Friday, May 1, 2009. He was 85.

Cooper T. Holt was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1956. At 32, he was the youngest Commander-in-Chief in the history of the organization.

A World War II veteran, he joined VFW Post 1289, Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1945 after having been a member-at-large for a year. He served as Post Adjutant, Senior Vice Commander and Post Commander. He went on to become Third District commander, Department Junior Vice, and Senior Vice and Department Commander. In 1954, he was elected National Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief; in 1955, National Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief.

After serving as Commander-in-Chief, Holt was appointed Executive Director of the VFW Washington Office in August 1963, following the 90th VFW National Convention in Las Vegas and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1989.

Past National Commander Holt was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., and graduated from the Edmondson School of Business. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and served overseas with Company L, 164th Infantry, Americal Division. He earned the Asiatic-Pacific Theater ribbon, the Solomon Islands campaign battle star, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Bronze star.

He was a member of several civic and fraternal organizations. He and his wife, the former Betty Sivley of Chattanooga, have one daughter, Cynthia Pappas, one grandson and one great-grandson.

(via VFW.org)

VFW Washington Weekly - March 6, 2009

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 08:30:00 -0500

In This Issue:
1. VA Proposal Would Charge Disabled Vets for Care
2. House VA Committee Hearings
3. President Announces Troop Withdrawal
4. Don't Ask, Don't Tell

2. House VA Committee Hearings: The House VA Committee had a busy week of hearings.
Tuesday:
* Subcommittee on Health: VFW testified on several recently-introduced bills designed to expand healthcare options for veterans.� VFW supported all four bills with special emphasis on HR 1211, "The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act."� The legislation would expand access and improve upon VA's current services for female veterans.� With the number of female service members increasing, and those using VA after service on the rise, there is no better time for VA to begin enhancing access and improving its services for this unique group of veterans.
* Subcommittee on Disability and Memorial Affairs: An oversight hearing was held on a recent VA Inspector General report that investigated document mishandling at several VBA regional offices.� Belinda Finn, Assistant Inspector General for Auditing, discussed the vulnerability of veterans' claims and the accuracy of benefit claim dates.� Some of the new committee members questioned the need for duplicate documents being provided by veterans.� Chairman John Hall (D-NY) asked Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits Michael Walcoff about the status of VA's electronic medical file project.� Hall noted that moving quickly on implementation would help VA to move away from endless files, thus reducing the chance for loss.� The VSO panel discussed accountability, demands made on employees to finish claims quickly and overall lack of management at senior levels.
Wednesday:
* Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity: VFW presented testimony on a host of bills regarding employment, vocational rehabilitation, education benefits, USSERA, and VA's homeless program.� One of the bills, HR 950 introduced by VA Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA), did not garner the support of VFW or VA. The legislation would allow distance learning students to be eligible under the new GI Bill for the same stipend as those students attending regular college classes.� Under current law, the new chapter 33 education benefits will not pay living stipends to distance-learning students.� To qualify for the stipend, a person must have at least one class in a regular classroom and carry a credit load that makes them at least a half-time student.� VFW testified that Filner's bill would create an inequity by paying living stipends that are not based on actual costs that veterans would face while going to school.
To read VFW testimony and for more on the hearings, visit the House VA website at: http://veterans.house.gov/.

Continue reading VFW Washington Weekly

- Post Honor Guard -

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:33:00 -0500

The Honor Guard welcomes and salutes it newest member, Andy Telles. Andy recently joined our Post and is also retired military. Your Honor Guard is always looking for a few dedicated men and women, including Auxiliary who would like to join its ranks. Having the ability or strength to handle or carry a rifle is not necessary. We have positions and a need for flag bearers, flag folders, and riflemen, among other positions. We do more than just funerals and memorial services. One does not have to be retired to participate and be a member of the team, or have a vehicle. We have functions various days of the week including weekends, and receive requests with least a 48 hour notice. Are You Up To The Challenge? If your interested or need the services, contact Capt.Jack Kelly @ 831-207-9478, Lt Sal Beltran @ 831-566-9983 - or - SalomeBeltran@yahoo.com or visit http://vfwwebcom.org/ca/Post1716HonorGuard/

CHAPLAINs CORNER

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:08:00 -0500

Another year has gone by. Let us all take the time to remember and give thanks. Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks. Psalm 75:1. Keep active. Give us a call and let us know how you are doing. Our prayers and get well wishes for a speedy recovery to all who are under the weather. Our hearts and prayers go to all whom have lost friends and loved ones. We draped our charter and gave a final salute to Amandus (Joe) Roediger, Gordon Thomas, and Pete Valenzuela. If you know of any Comrade, Sister or family members sick, ill or in distress, please contact your Chaplain. Please try to remember, We can not send cards, prayers and get well wishes if we do not know who is sick, ill or in distress. 'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen. Wishing all of you a Happy Valentines Day and a Happy Easter. God Bless You & Our Troops, Billie Hand, Aux Chaplain (831) 724-6832 joe Kleinsmith, Chaplain (831) 588-5525 jkleinsmith@yahoo.com

Election of Post Officers

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:06:00 -0500

Per Sec 217 of VFW Manual of Procedure, our 1st nominations of post officers will be held at our regular March meeting on the 4th. Any nominee has the opportunity to decline nomination for the office to which he has been nominated. A member making a nomination of an absentee for any office shall have presented to the Adjutant, in writing, the consent of the member being nominated prior to the opening of nominations. Members are authorized to nominate themselves for office in person or in writing. Your Post CAN NOT survive without your participation. New members are asked to get their feet wet and take an active part in the Post as an elected officer. Experience is NOT required. Your Past Commanders will provide assistance and guidance to all officers, elected and appointed. 2nd nominations and election of Post Officers and Delegates will be held at our regular April meeting.

Election of Auxiliary Officers:

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:04:00 -0500

Per Article VIII and Sec. 801-804A of Auxiliary By-Laws, nominations and election of Auxiliary officers will be held at our April 1st meeting. Members can be nominated for more than one position. Any nominee has the opportunity to decline nomination for the office to which he has been nominated. A member making a nomination of an absentee for any office shall have presented to the Secretary, in writing, the consent of the member being nominated prior to the opening of nominations. Members are authorized to nominate themselves for office in person or in writing. Nominations do not require a second as in a motion. President Shirley has stated she would like to serve an additional year as your Commander. Your Auxiliary cannot survive without your participation as officers and chairmen. New members are asked to take an active part in the Auxiliary as an elected officer. To see the Duties and Obligations of Officers and Chairmen as identified in our By-Laws beginning @ Article VIII Sec 810 � please contact Secretary Alice Carreiro.

HOLIDAY FOOD BASKETS

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:03:00 -0500

We helped make both Thanksgiving and Christmas a little merrier for 11 veteran families and 30 veterans. All received food boxes and three received complete dinners. Everyone showed much appreciation. We thank all members who donated so many food items and those who gave monetary donations for our Auxiliary�s annual project. The Auxiliary purchased perishable items to round out the baskets � hams, eggs, margarine, fresh fruit, etc. Many hours were spent purchasing, sorting and making up the food boxes to be delivered. And Thanks go out to Alice Carreiro for chairing this project.

VFW Reverse Mortgage Services

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:59:00 -0500

The VFW has developed a new plan with Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation so our members can get reverse mortgages on their homes. This plan will allow our members to get the extra cash they need and can enable them to eliminate their mortgage payments. Members who are 62 years old or older may take advantage of these reverse mortgages. There are no income qualifications and our members will retain the title to their homes. For more information, you may call Financial Freedom at 1.888.258.0797 or visit www.vfwhomeandloan.com (Source: VFW National Bulletin Jan 2009)