VFW Washington Weekly - November 13, 2009

Posted at 08:54 PM on Sunday, November 15, 2009 by post9488

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.

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VFW National Jr Vice DeNoyer Reports on Tour of Europe

Posted at 08:50 PM on Sunday, November 15, 2009 by post9488

(Via Dept of Wisconsin)

2009 Europe Report -

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VFW: White House Initiative Good for Veterans

Posted at 09:48 AM on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 by post9488

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.

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Businesses Honoring Veterans With Discounts

Posted at 09:37 AM on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 by post9488

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

Posted at 09:32 AM on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 by post9488

Holiday Mailing Deadlines for Military Delivery

Posted at 08:47 AM on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by post9488

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

Post 9488 November Newsletter

Posted at 10:56 AM on Monday, October 26, 2009 by post9488 in Local Post News

 

VFW OFFICERS Commander – Jeff Friar             Trustee – Alvin Jones Sr. Vice - Terry Beaver             Trustee – Earl Sechler Jr. Vice – David Watts               Trustee – Jack Kerns Quartermaster – Leo Long          Chair. House – Ken Lee Chaplain – Jerry Overman         House – Jim Hopkins Judge Advocate – Dallas Hudson House –  Butch Langley Surgeon – Skip Hunt	LADIES AUXILIARY OFFICERS President –   Colleen Sakala     Guard –  Karene Sakala Sr. Vice –  Deanna Long          Trustee – Mary Ann Richardson Jr. Vice –  Betty Morris            Trustee –  Teri Thompkins Treasurer –  BJ Rape’              Trustee –  Debbie Fox Chaplain –  Christy Railey       Patriotic Inst. –  Erin Fox Conductress –                        Secretary –  Elaine Friar

Commanders Corner:

 

Thank you to all the folks who have helped with the many recent events, from Bar-B-Q to post clean-up to decorating the post, we would not survive and thrive without our volunteers.  A special thanks to Shelia Nash who routinely feeds and entertains the usual suspects at the horseshoe.  I am proud to count you all as a part of my extended family.

 

 November will be another busy month at the post.  November 7th we will participate in the Veterans’ Day Parade.  Please meet at the post by 9:30 am to carpool to the parade.  November 11th is Veterans’ Day; at 10:30 am there will be a celebration of the 20^th Anniversary of the Mecklenburg County Viet Nam Veterans’ Memorial at Thompson Park.  Then at 11:45 am there is a wreath laying downtown at the Square.  November 14th we will host the Farewell Party for 1^st Platoon of the 678^th Battalion at our Post.  November 28th we will participate in the Farewell for 2^nd Platoon at the 108^th Armory.   See the calendar for more events.

 

In November we turn our thoughts to Thanksgiving and the coming holidays.  Please come and help us support our troops as they deploy to Iraq.  Also please remember those less fortunate than we are by bringing food and school supplies to fill our donation barrels in the Canteen.

 

Please also join me in congratulating Dave Watts for his election to the position of Junior Vice Commander in our post.  Dave is very active in the events of our post and he is our future.

Jeff Friar, Commander

 

Quartermaster:

                             

If you are one of our few members who have paid your 2010 dues, congratulations and please disregard the following.  The $30 dues for year 2010 are now payable.  All VFW and Men’s Auxiliary members are required to pay dues before December 31, 2009.  It is a good idea to pay now rather than waiting until the last minute and if late, having your door card deactivated and paying an additional $5.  Consider being an active member and participate in the Post meetings, decisions and activities.

 

November 15^th is the District 13 meeting at the Monroe Post at 2:00 pm. The address is 712 VFW Road, Monroe, NC.  We hope to see many of you at the meeting.   If anyone needs transportation, contact someone or the post by Saturday afternoon. 

 

Leo Long, Quartermaster

 

House Committee:

 

We wish to give a tremendous thank you to:  Willie Barbee, David Conrad, Dallas Hudson and Bill Holloway for their hard work at the Post clean up last month.  Of course, many thanks to all who assisted with the BBQ. 

 

Our Post will again have a float entry into the Veterans Day Parade November 7^th in downtown Charlotte.  If you wish to be in the parade, arrive at the Post by 9:30 am for carpooling to the site.  At 1:00 pm we will be serving hot dogs and hamburgers to all at the Post.  At 3:00 pm join us to hear live blue grass and country music

 

November 26^th, Thanksgiving Dinner will be served at 1:00 pm for those who do not a dinner to attend.  Join your extended VFW family for outstanding food and fellowship.

 

Remember to check the calendar for many activities at the Post such as Karaoke and Movie Night; as well as other locations.  As November is the month for recognizing veterans, many things are available to veterans presenting proper ID or proof of service.  Lowe’s and The Home Depot offer discounts to vets between November 6 and 12^th.  November 8^th, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant and Applebee’s offers a special menu.  November 16^th, Golden Corral offers a special dinner meal.

 

Ken Lee, Chairman

 

Ladies Auxiliaries:

 

Thanks, thanks, thanks to all who furnished the delicious desserts for the BBQ.  It was a good fundraiser for the Auxiliary and everyone enjoyed the Great Taste!!!!!!!!

 

Ladies, prepare your favorite dessert and share it with everyone at the Post for Veterans Day lunch on November 7^th.  We hope many of you will be here at 9:30 am to be part of the parade and/or ride on our float. 

.

We have been asked to assist with the deployment party on November 14^th through service and food.  Please provide munchies such as donuts, cookies, cakes, etc.  The event starts at 10:00 am through 2:00 pm with a lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs.  We need help during these hours for serving as well as providing food.  Please call if you have any questions.

 

November 15^th at 2:00 pm is the District 13 meeting at Monroe Post, 712 VFW Road, Monroe, NC.  Our Department Representative is Lynn Jones and we would like to have a large number of members representing our post at the meeting.  If you need transportation, contact someone by Saturday afternoon to make arrangements for car pooling.

 

The Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen entry judging for District 13 will be at our Post on November 24^th, starting at 5:00 pm.  Anyone is welcome to hear the marvelous patriotic essay entries by our youth.

 

We hope everyone has taken advantage of their right to vote and elect candidates for many local positions.  Many of you may have voted early and avoided the lines on November 3^rd.   Don’t let others make selections for you GET OUT AND VOTE.

 

Colleen Sakala, President

 

Military Order of the Cootie Auxiliary:

 

November 8^th, the MOC and MOCA will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery.  This is just one of many ways to show our respect to veterans who served our country. 

 

We served the VA hospital patients’ dinner in October and their next dinner is December 9^th at 6:30 pm.  Plan on joining us at that time and showing appreciation to our veterans. 

 

B J Rape’, MOCA President

 

 

VA Extends Agent Orange Benefits to More Veterans

Posted at 05:41 PM on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 by post9488

WASHINGTON (Oct. 13, 2009) - Relying on an independent study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM),  Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki decided to establish a service-connection for Vietnam Veterans with three specific illnesses based on the latest evidence of an association with the herbicides referred to Agent Orange.

The illnesses affected by the recent decision are B cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia;  Parkinson's disease; and ischemic heart disease.

Used in Vietnam to defoliate trees and remove concealment for the enemy, Agent Orange left a legacy of suffering and disability that continues to the present.  Between January 1965 and April 1970, an estimated 2.6 million military personnel who served in Vietnam were potentially exposed to sprayed Agent Orange.

In practical terms, Veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have a "presumed" illness don't have to prove an association between their illnesses and their military service.  This "presumption" simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits.

The Secretary's decision brings to 15 the number of presumed illnesses recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

"We must do better reviews of illnesses that may be connected to service, and we will," Shinseki added. "Veterans who endure health problems deserve timely decisions based on solid evidence."

To read more and visit links to more information click here.

Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Legislation Needs Your Help!

Posted at 09:36 AM on Monday, October 12, 2009 by post9488

Your action is urgently needed to help pass this important legislation authorizing a commemorative coin to honor our nation's Medal of Honor Recipients.

Visit the Department of Wisconsin for more information.

VFW Applauds VA GI Bill Check Authorization

Posted at 07:48 AM on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by post9488

KANSAS CITY, Mo, September 29, 2009 —The national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. has voiced support on the decision by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs authorizing checks for up to $3,000 to students who have applied for educational benefits and who have not yet received their government payment. The checks will be distributed to eligible students at VA regional benefits offices across the country starting Oct. 2, 2009.

"We are extremely pleased with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki's announcement that VA is moving positively in response to recent reports of veterans experiencing financial difficulty or problems enrolling for college classes since the implementation of the Post-9/11 GI Bill." said VFW National Commander Thomas J. Tradewell Sr. "This clearly demonstrates Secretary Shinseki's concern and willingness to take action on behalf of the student veteran community." The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. will continue to dialogue with the secretary and the Department of Veterans Affairs in order to ensure college-bound veterans receive the education entitlements they have earned."

Starting Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, students can go to one of VA's 57 regional offices: www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/offices.asp with a photo ID, a course schedule and an eligibility certificate to request advance payment of their housing and book allowance. Because not all these offices are located near students, VA expects to send representatives to schools with large veteran-student bodies and work with Veteran Service Organizations to help students with transportation needs.

Subsequently, VFW National Commander Tradewell has issued a ‘call to action' by asking VFW Posts nationwide to mobilize their resources on behalf of student veterans and assist those needing transportation to a VA regional office or college campus.

"Today, I urge every VFW Post to reach-out to their respective student veteran communities. One easy way to do this is to first determine if there is a Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter on campus. The SVA has a chapter locator that can be accessed by going to their website: http://www.studentveterans.org/chapters/chapterlocator.php and makes it easy to contact the student group and offer assistance. Since one of the SVA's primary goals is to connect with groups with resources from outside their campuses to help meet the common needs of student veterans, they can help coordinate with VFW Posts and students needing transportation assistance. Otherwise, I encourage any VFW Post with a college campus anywhere in their in their vicinity, to contact the campus veterans representative or Dean's office to help facilitate assistance."

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