VFW NC Post 9281 - Bryson City

VFW POST 9281 NEWS AND VIEWS/Sr. Vice Commander Marvin Cable, Editor /FALL 2008

Posted at 11:55 AM on Monday, October 13, 2008 by post9281

NEWS & VIEWS is a publication of Omar Buchanan VFW Post 9281. It is published Quarterly in March, June, September, and December. We welcome comments and suggestions of all our members. Send them to: Attention Commander Grant, P.O. Box 1882, Bryson City NC 28713 

 

Next quarter meetings for Post 9281. Mark your calendar now.

Upcoming meetings of Post 9281 will be held on October 21st, November 18th, and December 16th. Meetings begin at 1930 with a pre meeting, pot luck dinner at 6:30 PM. Every member is encouraged to attend. Your participation is important in order to "Honor The Dead By Helping The Living". Your post home is located beside the Drivers License Examiners Office on Hwy, 19 North of Bryson City. Post phone number: 488-3547.

Upcoming events of Post 9281.

October 3 through 31: Every Friday and Saturday in October from 1900 hours until 2200 hours: Our post will hold a Turkey Shoot at Darnell Farms. All ammo is provided for 410, 20, 16 and 12 gauge shotguns. Bring your own shotgun or use our 410 or 12 gauge.

October 4 At 1400 hours: VET FEST will be held at he Macon Middle School in Franklin sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America. This years VET FEST is honoring our troops and veterans serving and having served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Post 9281 color guard will be participating. All veterans organizations in the area are invited to attened.

October 11 At 1000 hours: Representatives of the NC National Guard will be at Post 9281 to discuss the possibility of veterans organizations in Western North Carolina joining with them in conducting military funerals. We need every Post 9281 Honor Guard member to be present. All veterans organizations in the area are invited to attend.

October 18 From 1200 hours until 1500 hours: Post 9281 will be hosting our Fourth Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. This years event will be held in Cherokee at Island Park. We will be serving steak dinners with all the trimmings to the public for only $10.00. The same dinner will be served FREE to our Swain County volunteer fire, rescue, and emergency responders, and to our public service officers; police, sheriffs department, state troopers, and park rangers. We invite everyone to come out and meet your public service officers and volunteers, see their equipment on display and enjoy a ride on a fire truck, or perhaps in the back seat of a patrol car.

November 10 At 1300 hours: All veterans are invited to attend the Veterans Day Ceremony hosted by East Elementary School. If you have not attended previously, you will be astonished at the fabulous program the children present.

November 11 At 1300 hours: Our honor guard will conduct a Veterans Day program at the Veterans Monument on town square in Bryson City.

November 11 At 1200 hours: We will have OPEN HOUSE at our post home. Please bring family and friends and come out to see the memorabilia on display. Also enjoy refreshments with us.

November 23 At 1300 hours: The VFW District meeting will be held in Glenville at Post 10685. Please plan to attend.

December 6 At 1400 hours: our post will participate in the Bryson City Christmas Parade with our color guard leading with the colors, as well as entering a float. Line up for the parade will be at 1300 hours.

December 15 At 1200 hours: In conjunction with the Civil Air Patrol's "Wreaths Across America" program, our post will conduct a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Veterans Monument on the Bryson City town square.

 

Accomplishments and past events of Omar Buchanan Post 9281

                      "Honoring the Dead by Helping the Living"

A substantial gift has been sent to the VA Rest Home in Oteen, to help with Christmas gifts for our comrades residing there.

Post 9281 attained over 100% membership retention this year. District Commander Bird Acknowledged our post and membership chairman, G. T. Adams in attaining this important goal. Thanks to each and every member for making this a reality.

Post replaced US Flag and Post Flag. Our previous flags that served us so well for many years were retired and a beautiful bright new flags now graces our post home and will be carried proudly by our color guard in upcoming events.

June 29 Our color guard conducted a Colors Ceremony at Midway Baptist Church.

July 4 Post 9281 opened Freedom Fest with a Presentation of the Colors, a three round volley, The Star Spangled Banner, and patriotic readings.

July 25 Post 9281 joined forces with the Civil Air Patrol in a "Pennies for Pearl Harbor" campaign to raise money to improve the Pearl Harbor Memorial and make repairs to the USS Arizona.

July 29 The yellow ribbons on Veterans Blvd. and Main St. were replaced. It is our intention to keep the ribbons up until all of our troops are back home.

August 3 Congratulations to our post commander Jesse Grant, who was also elected District Sr. Vice Commander, and has also been appointed District Membership Chairman.

August 16-23 Commander Grant attended the VFW National Convention in Orlando Florida. He enjoyed all the great weather that Hurricane Fran brought to the Sunshine State.

August 19 A dedication service was held for the new VA clinic located in Franklin. Several of our members along with hundreds of other veterans and citizens attended the ceremony. We are fortunate to have a clinic this close by, especially with the present cost of gasoline.

September 5 New United States and North Carolina flags were presented to Swain County Middle School.

September 11 A Missing Man Ceremony was held in memory of POW's and MIA's by our Honor Guard. Additionally a rememberance ceremony was conducted in recognition of Patriots Day. The ceremonies were both held at the Veterans Monument in Bryson City.

September 11 New United States and POW-MIA flags were placed in service at the Veterans Memorial on the town square in Bryson City.

September 25 Post 9281 presented a new United States flag to Grace Christian Academy.

September 25 Post Commander Grant and Sr. Vice Commander Cable addressed the students at Grace Christian Academy to encourage participation in the VFW's Patriots Pen essay contest. Two years ago a Grace student advanced to the state level where she took second place.

 

Ladies Auxiliary News  By Auxiliary President, Barbara Barker

Hello to everyone from the Ladies Auxiliary. As of August 24, 2008 we are at 85% if our membership. One of our charted members, Fritts Cope has passed away. Care packages to our troops overseas have not been forgotten. Thanks to everyone in helping with this need. A time will be set soon to finish this project and get the packages shipped. Our last three months of this year will be quite busy for all of us.

October: Just a reminder that Breast Cancer Awareness is coming and National Mammography Day. Wear your pink ribbons during this time to show your support. Make A Difference Day is October 28th. The 122nd anniversary of the Statue of Liberty is also October 28th. At our next mounthly meeting on October 21st plans will be discussed about our Christmas Parade. Also we will be making our plans and setting dates for our trips to Mountain View Manor and Bryson City Living center for our Christmas distribution. Remember our seniors are always in need of assistance.

November: Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen entries are due back to us on November 1st. We will be having our Thanksgiving Dinner together at the Post. November 4th is election day. Every vote counts! November 11th is Veterans Day so be sure and remember to fly your Flag.

December: The first Saturday in December is our Christmas Parade.

It's wonderful to be working with such a great group of ladies as you are. Your kindness and caring is very much appreciated!

                                                    Barbara Barker, President

 

Patriot's Pen Essay Contest  Entry Deadline: Nov. 1, 2008

Patriot's pen gives 6th, 7th and 8th grade students the opportunity to express their opinion on a patriotic theme. This year's theme is "Why America's Veterans Should Be Honored".

The first-place winner receieves a $10,000 savings bond and an all-expence-paid trip to Washington, D. C. The top national winners each receive a savings bond anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000.

Voice Of Democracy Audio Essay Scholarship Contest  Entry Deadline: Nov. 1, 2008

2008 - 2009 Theme Service and Sacrifice by America's Veterans Benefit Today's Youth by ........"

Entry Deadline:  Nov. 1, 2008 Created in 1947, the Voice of Democracy (VOD) scholarship program is an audio - essay contest for high school students in grades 9 - 12 that annually provides more than $3 million in scholarships.

 

Three Round Volley vs. Twenty One Gun Salute

From time to time there is some misunderstanding between the terms "Three Round Volley" and "A Twenty One Gun Salute". The following is offered in order to help us know the difference and to know a little of the history of how each tradition came into existance.

 

Firing Three Rifle Volleys over the Grave

Graveside military honors include the firing of three volleys each by seven service members. This comonly is confused with an entirely seperate honor, the 21-gun salute. But the number of individual gun firings in both honors evolved the same way. The three volleys came from an old battlefield custom. The two waring sides would cease hostilities to clear their dead from the battlefield, and the firing of three volleys meant that the dead had been properly cared for and the side was ready to resume the battle.

Twenty-One-Gun Salute

The 21-gun salute traces it's roots to the Anglo-Saxon empire, when seven guns constituted a recognized naval salute, as most naval vessels had seven guns. Because gunpowder in those days could be more easily stored on land than at sea, guns on land could fire three rounds for every one that could be fired by a ship at sea. 

Later, as gunpowder and storage methods improved, salutes at sea also began using 21 guns. The United States at first used one round for each state, attaining the 21-gun salute by 1818. The nation reduced its salute to 21 guns in 1841, and formally adopted the 21-gun salute at the suggestion of the British in 1875.

Arlington National Cemetery follows an "order of arms" protocol to determine the number of guns to be used in a salute. A president, ex-president or foreign head of state is saluted with 21 guns. A vice-president, prime minister, secretary of defence or secretary of the Army receives a 19-gun salute. Flag officers receive salutes of 11 to 17 guns, depending on their rank. The rounds are fired one at a time.

A U.S. presidential death also involves other ceremonial gun salutes and military traditions. On the day after the death of the president, a former president or president-elect (unless this day falls on a Sunday or holiday, in which case the honor will rendered the following day) the commanders of Army installations with the necessary personnel and material traditionally order that one gun be fired every half hour, beginning at reveille and ending at retreat.

On the day of burial, a 21-minute gun salute traditionally is fired starting at noon at all military installations with the necessary personnel and material. Guns will be fired at one-minute intervals. Also on the day of burial, those installations will fire a 50-gun salute, one round for each state, at five second intervals, immediately following lowering of the flag.

 

A final salute to our recent fallen comrades:

Roy Mathis, Former Commander of Post 9281, US Army, Sept.21, 2008

Carl winchester, US Air Force, July 2, 2008

Honor Guard services were provided for:

Joseph P. McIntosh, US Air Force, August 24, 2008

Zeb Brendle, US Army WWII, June 20, 2008

 

BINGO Every Saturday night!

Early bird at 5:30, Regular bingo at 7:00. Fun, food, soft drinks, and cash prizes. We still need volunteers to assist with bingo. If you are willing to give a couple of hours of your time please contact our Bingo Chairman, Jason Pummer at 828-736-8277. 

 

 

 

 

A Final Salute / VFW Magazine, September/ October 2008

Posted at 11:02 AM on Monday, October 13, 2008 by post9281

IRAQ

May 26, 2008 - July 5, 2008

*Deaths to Enemy Action*

ARMY

21 Deaths

 

MARINE CORPS

4 Deaths

 

NAVY

0 Deaths

 

AIR FORCE

0 Deaths

*Deaths to Accidents & Disease, etc.*

ARMY

5 Deaths

 

AIR FORCE

0 Deaths

 

NAVY

0 Deaths

 

MARINE CORPS

2 Deaths

 

AFGHANISTAN

May 29, 2008 - July 4, 2008

*Deaths to Enemy Action*

ARMY

15 Deaths

 

MARINE CORPS

9 Deaths

 

AIR FORCE

0 Deaths

 

NAVY

3 Deaths

 

*Deaths to Accidents & Disease, etc.*

AIR FORCE

0 Deaths

 

ARMY

6 Deaths

 

NAVY

0 Deaths

 

MARINE CORPS

0 Deaths

DoD Healthcare Feedback Deadline Extended

Posted at 07:05 AM on Monday, October 13, 2008 by post9281

Falls Church, Va – Wounded, ill or injured service members and their families now have until November 28, 2008, to help Military Health System (MHS) leadership better understand the needs and expectations of warriors in their care. The deadline for participating in the MHS questionnaires has been extended due to overwhelming response.

The questionnaires—one for wounded, ill or injured service members and one for family members—are available on the Military Health System Web site at http://www.health.mil and will remain open through November. November has been designated as Warrior Care Month.

The questionnaires ask for feedback concerning a service member’s experience and satisfaction with the care he or she has received since becoming wounded, ill or injured. 
  
All questionnaire responses are anonymous to encourage honest and specific answers that will lead to positive changes in how the MHS handles care for wounded, ill or injured service members.

The questionnaires are part of Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ commitment to supporting wounded, ill and injured service members—ensuring that their care is the Department of Defense’s top priority. Care is continually improving but MHS leaders recognize that there is still more to be done. By listening to the opinions of wounded, ill or injured service members and their families, the MHS will be in a better position to meet their needs and expectations. The online questionnaires are available directly at http://www.health.mil/Pages/Page.aspx?ID=18.

VA News - Week of October 6, 2008

Posted at 10:31 PM on Friday, October 10, 2008 by post9281

NC VFW Extends Invitations to Candidates to Connect

Posted at 01:19 PM on Friday, October 10, 2008 by post9281

The Department North Carolina: Veterans of Foreign Wars and Choices of Democracy are extending this open invitation to the Candidates seeking to represent NC in the elections to participate in our:

2008 VFW NC
Online Video Forums
These neutral, non-partisan, not-for-profit forums are part of  an ongoing effort to engage our membership, our deployed military community and our state's voters in the democratic process .
The VFW NC will be asking questions of the Candidates on behalf of our membership over the course of the 2008 Elections.

To view Invitations and Questions for the Candidates click on links below:

2008 VFW NC US Senator Video Forum
2008 VFW NC US Congress Video Forums
2008 VFW NC Governor & Lt Governor Forums
2008 VFW NC State Senate & State House Video Forums

VA Washington Weekly - October 9, 2008

Posted at 11:25 AM on Friday, October 10, 2008 by post9281

110th Congress Wrap-Up

In This Issue:
1. President Signs VA Funding Bill
2. Congress Clears Veterans' Health and Benefit Bills
3. Vet Accomplishments for 110th Congress
4. Election Day Coming - Get Out the Vote

1. President Signs VA Funding Bill
President Bush signed the FY 2009 VA funding bill which is $4.5 billion more than last year. Some of the highlights in the VA funding package, which was passed as a part of the $634 billion Continuing Resolution, include $3.8 billion for mental healthcare, $584 million for substance abuse programs, $510 million for medical and prosthetic research, and additional funding for homeless grants. It allows the Veterans Benefits Administration to hire 2,000 additional claims adjudicators to help reduce the disability claims backlog, raises the mileage reimbursement rate to 41.5 cents per mile, and provides an additional $750 million in funding for the construction of VA medical facilities. It was the first time in well over a decade that the VA was able to begin a new fiscal year with an on-time budget. VFW national commander Chief Glen Gardner thanked Congress and the president, and said, "We hope the delivery of an on-time budget is the start of a trend that will continue into the next administration and Congress."
Read the VFW Press Release at: http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=4772. For a summary of the bill, visit the House Appropriations Committee website at http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/MCFY09CONFSummary09-22-08.pdf.

Read more

DoD Revises Purple Heart Policy

Posted at 01:11 AM on Friday, October 10, 2008 by post9281

The Department of Defense announced today (6 OCT08) it has expanded the Purple Heart eligibility criteria allowing prisoners-of-war who died in captivity to receive the award. 

The revised department policy presumes, for service members who die in captivity as a qualifying prisoner-of-war, that their death was the "result of enemy action," or the result of wounds incurred “in action with the enemy” during capture, or as a result of wounds incurred as a “result of enemy action” during capture, unless compelling evidence is presented to the contrary.

The revised policy allows retroactive award of the Purple Heart to qualifying prisoners-of-war since Dec. 7, 1941. Posthumous award will be made to the deceased service member’s representative, as designated by the secretary of the military department concerned, upon application to that military department.

Each military department will publish application procedures and ensure they are accessible by the general public. Family members with questions may contact the services:  Army: Military Awards Branch, (703) 325-8700; Navy: Navy Personnel Command, Retired Records Section, (314) 592-1150; Air Force: Air Force Personnel Center, (800) 616-3775; Marine Corps: Military Awards Branch, (703) 784-9340.  For further information, media representatives should contact Eileen Lainez, (703) 695-3895

Source: Defense Link

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