Barred from canteen for Facebook post

[Chris Weber 5468]

That is some of the pitfalls of responding on 1 sided information.
If we read into it, apparently, there was resentment to his FB Postings and the powers to be got the Manager to Bar him. Now, if this is true, there can be a conspiracy of sorts. This could be Art 9 stuff.
What all the contributors given was sound info based on their own assessment on limited info.
As far as FB Posting goes, it can be construed that they are thinking of Art 7, putting the info out to embarrass Members or the VFW. Key note, just putting it out, does not matter what means. I was caught up in this last summer myself and publicly on FB acknowledged my mistake and resolved that issue. Always remember, what you Post can bite back bigger than you thought you bit.

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[DoggyDaddy]

What you post on FB,  can you delete it??

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[IJK3770]

DD,
    Yes, it can be deleted.
Cheerily
IJK

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[Chris Weber 5468]

It can be deleted, but apparently the damage was done. Time to reassess the the origional statements and possibly offer apologies.

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[John La Rochelle]

Oh, ever so glad I transferred from a post that had a canteen to a post that long ago gave theirs up.

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[DoggyDaddy]

ATHASKE, Can you inform us as to what the latest doings are regarding being
Barred from canteen for Facebook post [/font]

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[dnkldorf]

Facebook is public domain. The post can delete your comments, and turn you off as a friend, so you can't post anymore on their site.

You are free to post anything you want on your site. Complain about anything you want.

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[C_Hunter]

@dnkldorf:  Yes, but regardless of the venue, a member is still bound by his oath and subject to sanctions IAW Sec 902.9 of the National By-Laws.

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[dnkldorf]

@dnkldorf:  Yes, but regardless of the venue, a member is still bound by his oath and subject to sanctions IAW Sec 902.9 of the National By-Laws.

I am treading very lightly here at this forum. Posting things here, could get anyone of us charged with that.

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[USAFAirdale]

1.  We don't know the particulars of the FB post.

2.  Canteen rules are reviewed, improved and approve by the Membership (or SHOULD BE). Most address grounds for immediate (that day) removal due to intoxication, being disrespectful, fighting, swearing and the like, giving removal authority to the bartender on duty, Canteen Manager (on duty) or a Post Officer who have NOT consumed alcohol.

Having said that, the House Cmte. is normally charged with addressing, investigating and resolving 'complaints and disciplinary' actions with recommendations to the General Membership for the penalty unless otherwise specified in their charter.

A Post MAY have approved suspension limitations allowed by the HC/Post Cmdr (2 weeks, 30 to 60 days) without going before the membership.  One has to read their Post By-Laws and Canteen rules, which MAY NOT supersede Department or Nation guidance.

Also, each Comrade takes an oath to keep the issues and workings of our organization "private". 

MEMBER'S OBLIGATION

[/b]

In the presence of Almighty God—and the members of this order here assembled—I,____ (name) _____, do of my own free will and accord, solemnly promise and declare that:

I will bear true allegiance—to the Constitution of the United States of America—and I will always be loyal thereto.

I do further solemnly promise and declare—that I will comply with the Congressional Charter—By-Laws and Ritual of this order—and I will always be loyal thereto—that I will never wrong or defraud this organization—nor a member thereof—nor permit any wrong to be done to
either—if in my power to prevent it.

I will never propose for membership—any person not eligible—nor one whom I know to be unworthy.
 
I will never make known to anyone—not authorized to receive it—any of the work of this order.

Should my affiliation—with the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States—cease in any way—I will consider this pledge—as binding outside of the order—as though I had
remained a member of same.

All this I promise and pledge—upon the honor of a true comrade—and a citizen of our great republic. .

Going to the press or social media with bitches, complaints or derogatory comments IS A VIOLATION of Sec. 902 of our National By-Laws:

Divulging any of the private business of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States with the intent or effect of embarrassing the Veterans of Foreign Wars or members thereof.

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[dnkldorf]

Going to the press or social media with bitches, complaints or derogatory comments IS A VIOLATION of Sec. 902 of our National By-Laws:

Divulging any of the private business of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States with the intent or effect of embarrassing the Veterans of Foreign Wars or members thereof.

There has to be intent. Just posting or excersizing your rights, isn't intent. The VFW can be sued, just like any other organization.

From your postings I have read, you seem to believe that anyone who even mentions anything related to the VFW, in a light other than outstanding. should be brought up on Sect 902 charges somehow?

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[Chris Weber 5468]

The intent would be discovered during a proper investigation once the process starts,

Now, what sort of information should not be made public? Detailed financial info, (Reports, Budget, etc), Meeting Minutes (Post and Committees), Quartermaster Reports.
Letting the Public know what the Post does is needed and encouraged. There is a Public Relations Guide available in the VFW OMS page under the Leadership Reference tab.

One must use common sense when Posting things. In the early days on the VFW Webcom System, we had many Post Meetings posted and it was an educational process learning this new tool. Newsletters posted on line are great. The thin line is the 'Need to Know' point.

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[USAFAirdale]

The intent would be discovered during a proper investigation once the process starts,

Now, what sort of information should not be made public? Detailed financial info, (Reports, Budget, etc), Meeting Minutes (Post and Committees), Quartermaster Reports.
Letting the Public know what the Post does is needed and encouraged. There is a Public Relations Guide available in the VFW OMS page under the Leadership Reference tab.

One must use common sense when Posting things. In the early days on the VFW Webcom System, we had many Post Meetings posted and it was an educational process learning this new tool. Newsletters posted on line are great. The thin line is the 'Need to Know' point.

Well said Chris. 

I would add that MOST of us take our oath seriously and would not air 'dirty laundry or derogatory remarks' to the public. Some loose sight of that and are surprised when they get busted for failing to live up to that oath. 

I believe that young Marine who posted on FB and is now a civilian, regrets he didn't follow the rules and oath he took.

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[IJK3770]

I agree with the need to suppress derogatory remarks but the dirty laundry needs aired.  Far too much of it is covered up and not dealt with.  If there is a problem it needs fixed then there would not be any dirty laundry like this comrade is going through.  If one is not part of the solution then one is part of the problem.
Cheerily
IJK

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[Chris Weber 5468]

And yes, cleaning the dirty laundry. How is it to be cleaned. Is it to be done by unloading onto the public in open venues without first trying to deal with the issues in the Post Meetings under 'Good of the Order"? I once had to deal with this on a personal note at District Level when I was District Sr Vice. I had some supporters of mine who wanted me to take on the discussion before the Meeting. I chose to remain quiet on it until that Meeting. I came fully prepared with all my facts and presented my case in correct timeline of the chain of events. I found that by remaining professional in my delivery, I gained respect from most of the assembly and quenched the drive to oust me. It was a great learning experience for me as it taught me how to truly use the By Laws.

So, it is best to air out the laundry in a Meeting and come prepared.

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