Veterans of Foreign Wars Department North Carolina Table Rock Post http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/ en-us Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:10:23 -0500 Policlicks LLC 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 http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/112921/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:54:00 -0500 http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/112921/ (Via Dept of Wisconsin) " + __flash__argumentsToXML(arguments,0) + "")); }" scrolldown="function () { return eval(instance.CallFunction("" + __flash__argumentsToXML(arguments,0) + "")); }" print="function () { return eval(instance.CallFunction("" + __flash__argumentsToXML(arguments,0) + "")); }" gotopage="function () { return eval(instance.CallFunction("" + __flash__argumentsToXML(arguments,0) + "")); }" changefullscreenbutton="function () { return eval(instance.CallFunction("" + __flash__argumentsToXML(arguments,0) + "")); }" zoomtocoordinate="function () { return eval(instance.CallFunction("" + __flash__argumentsToXML(arguments,0) + "")); }" scrolltocoordinate="function () { return eval(instance.CallFunction("" + __flash__argumentsToXML(arguments,0) + "")); }" getpage="function () { return eval(instance.CallFunction("" + __flash__argumentsToXML(arguments,0) + "")); }" getzoom="function () { return eval(instance.CallFunction("" + __flash__argumentsToXML(arguments,0) + "")); }" getscrollxpercent="function () { return eval(instance.CallFunction("" + __flash__argumentsToXML(arguments,0) + "")); }" getscrollypercent="function () { return eval(instance.CallFunction("" + __flash__argumentsToXML(arguments,0) + "")); }" togglefullscreen="function () { return eval(instance.CallFunction("" + __flash__argumentsToXML(arguments,0) + "")); }"> 2009 Europe Report - Press the "Full Screen" button to see a larger image and/or print the document. If the document above does not appear, you may need to update your Flash Player. Click here to update it. http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/112715/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:50:00 -0500 http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/112715/   The members of the Table Rock VFW Post 5362 and their Ladies Auxiliary provided a free lunch following the Burke County Veteran’s Day Ceremony that was held at the Patton High School on Veteran’s Day, 11 November 2009.  More than 300 attendees enjoyed Hotdogs with homemade chili, coleslaw, onions, and condiments, along with Potato Chips and soft drinks.  The Morganton Elks Club also served pastries and cookies for dessert.   Special thanks to Food Lion Groceries and Ashley’s Donuts and Bakery for their generous donations that made this event a tremendous success!  Then  The Ladies Auxiliary of the Table Rock Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5362 conducted their annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony at the post located at 519 Hopewell Road here in Morganton.  Over 40 people attended the ceremony, which was opened with the posting of the colors (bringing in the U.S., NC and POW/MIA flags) by the East Burke High School JROTC Color Guard.  The ceremony, which focused on all those who have served in our armed forces and the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans, culminated by the playing of taps by a representative of the American Legion Post 234.  Immediately following the ceremony, the Ladies Auxiliary served a free dinner of spaghetti, salad, breads, and numerous dessert items.  Special thanks to Major Lowe and the East Burke JROTC Program and American Legion Post 234 for their assistance with this year’s ceremony.       Then  The Table Rock Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and their Ladies Auxiliary presented a check for $50.00 to the East Burke JROTC Program at the post’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony and Dinner.  The Table Rock VFW Posts 5362 and East Burke High School JROTC enjoy a partnership over many years and look forward to many more!   http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/112603/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:27:00 -0500 http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/112603/ 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 http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/112297/ Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:48:00 -0500 http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/112297/ Members of the Table Rock Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5362, along with members of the Freedom High School JROTC program, placed flags on the graves of veterans buried at the Burke Memorial Cemetery on 9 November 2009.  In addition, three women; Margie Bower, Margie Patton, and Diane Wilson, who were walking in the area volunteered on the spot to assist!  The flags, which numbered well over 1000, were emplaced in preparation of the observance of Veterans Day, which is observed on the 11th day of November.   Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans. However, most Americans confuse this holiday with Memorial Day, reports the Department of Veterans Affairs.   Memorial Day honors service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle. Deceased veterans are also remembered on Veterans Day but the day is set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. Pictured left to right front row are Margie Bower, Margie Patton, and Diane Wilson.  These three women volunteered on the   spot to assist with the flag emplacement at the Burke Memorial Cemetery.  Pictured left to right back row are Jack Icard – VFW Post 5362 House Committee Chairman and Jim Metcalf- VFW Post 5362 Commander.          Pictured are members of the Freedom High School JROTC Program and members of the Table Rock VFW Post 5362.   http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/112181/ Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:01:00 -0500 http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/112181/ 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. http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/112085/ Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:37:00 -0500 http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/112085/ 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. http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/111862/ Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:32:00 -0500 http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/111862/ 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 http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/111221/ Tue, 3 Nov 2009 08:47:00 -0500 http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/111221/ 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. http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/110165/ Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:41:00 -0400 http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/110165/   The Ladies Auxiliary of the Table Rock Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5362 would like to in invite all veterans and their families for our annual Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony to be held on Veterans Day, 11 November 2009 at 6:00 pm.  Upon completion of the ceremony, a free spaghetti dinner will be served to all veterans and their families.  This event is being held at the post located at 519 Hopewell Road in Morganton.  Anyone with questions may call the post after 4:00 pm Monday thru Friday or e-mail your questions to VFWPOST5362@yahoo.com. http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/110052/ Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:31:00 -0400 http://www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post5362/110052/