Happening Now in the Forum
Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 02:18 PM
by State Blogmaster
A sample of what's being talked about today in the
VFW WebCOM Membership Forum:
These discussions and more are going on right now in the
VFW WebCOM Membership Forum.
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VFW Goes to the Races
Friday, July 4, 2008 at 09:33 AM
by State Blogmaster
On May 24, 2008, the VFW National and NC State arrived in force at Charlotte NC’s Lowe’s Motor Speedway to watch Cale Gale race the VFW #77 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS in NASCARS
Carquest Auto Parts 300.
VFW National Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Glen Gardner, NC State Commander John Shelander, the State Color Guard, and many others met with Retired Redskins coach and NASCAR owner Joe Gibbs at the speedway.
Because of an oil pan puncture, VFW’s #77 finished a disappointing 30th.
Below are some of the photos taken at the speedway. (Click on the pictures to enlarge them.)
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National Announces All-American Departments, Districts, and Posts
Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 11:48 AM
by State Blogmaster
Congratulations to the entire membership of the Department of North Carolina. We are an All-American Department with an 11th Place membership total of 102.49 percent.
Additional congratulations are given to the following Districts and Posts who earned the distinction of being awarded "All-American" status for membership for the 2007-2008 membership year.
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ALL AMERICAN DISTRICTS |
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District |
Percent |
Place |
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| 4 |
District 8 |
112.97 |
#1 |
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| 4 |
District 5 |
105.35 |
#7 |
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| 5 |
District 10 |
107.67 |
#7 |
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ALL AMERICAN POSTS |
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| Div |
Post/City |
District |
Percent |
Place |
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| 2 |
Post 6018 Fayetteville |
Dist 8 |
111.96 |
#5 |
| 4 |
Post 7318 Southern Pines |
Dist 9 |
117.04 |
#20 |
| 4 |
Post 2031 Statesville |
Dist 14 |
115.86 |
#26 |
| 4 |
Post 670 Fayetteville |
Dist 8 |
115.56 |
#30 |
| 6 |
Post 10630 Hope Mills |
Dist 8 |
150.5 |
#2 |
| 6 |
Post 2423 Indian Trail |
Dist 13 |
135.8 |
#5 |
| 7 |
Post 2972 Gibsonville |
Dist 10 |
212.58 |
#1 |
| 7 |
Post 7031 Boone |
Dist 15 |
127.74 |
#8 |
| 10 |
Post 8073 Whiteville |
Dist 5 |
228.57 |
#2 |
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Again-Congratulations!
Larry Flood, State Commander
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Posts and Districts, Claim Your Space
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 06:04 PM
by State Blogmaster
Post and District Commanders,
As of 1 July 2008 only 50 Posts and 4 Districts in North Carolina have started active WebLogs (Blogs). That leaves 155 Posts and 13 Districts that have not. 90 percent of the younger, eligible, and prospective members are computer literate. They scan the internet at least weekly if not daily. (After all, it was the military who invented the internet). Post/District Commanders, Post/District Quartermasters, or Post/District Blogmasters wishing to claim their blogs or anyone wishing to offer articles or photos for submission of State interest, or any one with questions may contact me at: blogmaster@nc.vfwwebmail.com .
"Snail Mail" can be sent to: VFW, Department of NC, P.O. Box 25337, Raleigh, NC 27611-5337.
Office Phone: 919-828-5058, Office Fax: 919-261-6771
1. WHO READS THESE BLOGS?
You do! The Blog you are reading is part of the VFW WebCOM system. The state of North Carolina, VFW, and its posts are the most read blogs in the US. We have a large daily readership. Keep up the good work and keep passing the word to your friends.
The following is a sample of readership for the months of April, May, and June 2008:
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Page |
Unique |
First Time |
Returning |
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Loads |
Visitors |
Visitors |
Visitors |
| April 2008 |
10,415 |
4,333 |
3,316 |
1,017 |
| May 2008 |
11,590 |
4,682 |
3,626 |
1,056 |
| June 2008 |
10,345 |
4,277 |
3,229 |
1,048 |
| Daily Average |
Apr 324 |
May 386 |
Jun 369 |
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Visitor data is based on "cookie" information.
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Current VA News
Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 05:58 AM
by State Blogmaster
For current VA News, go to
www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/vahospitals
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VFW Washington Weekly - June 27, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008 at 11:31 PM
by State Blogmaster
In This Issue:
1. New GI Bill Ready for President's Signature
2. House VA Committee Hearings
3. Senate Moves Vet Bills
4. Congress on 4th of July Recess
1. New GI Bill Ready for President's Signature: One of VFW's top legislative priorities has become a reality. The Senate, in a late night vote (92-6), passed a new GI Bill for the 21st Century. The House had passed their version June 19 by a vote of 416-12. President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law next week. This legislation is a major victory for the VFW, who has been lobbying for a new GI Bill for the 21st Century for the past 10 years, and who led all veterans' service organization to ensure the passage of the legislation that Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) proposed on his first in office in January 2007.
The new GI Bill will pay the highest in-state public tuition rate, and provide for books, fees, and a living stipend. It eliminates the $1,200 enrollment fee, extends the use-or-lose benefit requirement from 10 to 15 years, and greatly enhances the amount paid to Guard and Reserve members. The new GI Bill automatically adjusts itself as tuitions increase, and provides a dollar-for-dollar tuition match for private colleges and universities who choose to participate in the program. A new provision added to the bill allows reenlisting servicemembers to transfer their educational benefit to their spouse and/or children. VFW wants to thank every National Legislative Committee member and the entire Action Corps for helping us bring this long-term goal to fruition.
To read VFW's Press Release, go to: http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=4614
Read more Washington Weekly
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VFW Says 'Thank You!' for New GI Bill
Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 01:49 PM
by State Blogmaster
WASHINGTON, June 26, 2008 – The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is saluting Congress for the overwhelming passage of a new GI Bill for the 21st Century. The bill, S. 22, the "Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act," was attached to the war funding supplemental that the House passed June 19 and the Senate is predicted to approve this evening. President Bush is expected to quickly sign it into law.
"This is a tremendous victory for America's veterans, military, and their families," exclaimed VFW national commander George Lisicki, a Vietnam combat veteran from Carteret, N.J., "and we have Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia to thank for his rock-steady determination to get this bill passed."
S. 22 captured the VFW's immediate attention when Webb introduced it on his first day in office, Jan. 4, 2007. His bill – which increases college assistance for veterans – was overshadowed last year by increased calls to end the war in Iraq and the administration's sudden announcement to surge 30,000 additional troops into Iraq. But Webb, the former Secretary of the Navy under the Reagan Administration and a Marine Corps infantry officer who received the Navy Cross for heroism during the Vietnam War, pressed on, fortified by the challenge to get his bill heard.
He worked for more than a year to build a coalition of allies, not only within his own Democratic Party, but from across the aisle and within the House. These allies include 57 other Senate cosponsors, to include five fellow GI Bill beneficiaries: Vietnam veteran Chuck Hagel (R-NE), World War II and Korean War veteran John Warner (R-VA), and World War II veterans Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Daniel Akaka (D-HI) and Daniel Inouye (D-HI).
S. 22's companion bill in the House, H.R. 5740, was introduced by Harry Mitchell (D-AZ) and Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL), and it garnered 302 bipartisan cosponsors, to include Korean War veteran Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Sam Johnson (R-TX), a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, who was held as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam for nearly seven years.
Read more
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Eagle Scout of Year Announced
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 11:19 PM
by State Blogmaster
Eagle Scout Ian W. Berdeau, Troop 447 in Laurinberg, NC was announced as the VFW North Carolina Eagle Scout of the Year. Ian received his award from State Commander John Shelander during the State Convention in Greensboro on June 14th, 2008. Ian was accompanied by his parents and brothers.
Post 10 in Raeford is the sponsoring post of Eagle Scout Berdeau.
Shown left to right- Terry Middleton, State Chairman for Scouting Activities, Mrs. Berdeau, Ian Berdeau, Mr. Berdeau and State Commander Shelander
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Special Awards at Department Convention (Click to Enlarge)
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 01:18 PM
by State Blogmaster
The following special awardds were presented at the Department Convention
1st place State and National: Employer of the Year, Small Company-Prologistix of Sanford; 1st place State:James C. Gates Distinguished Service Award -Mac Edmundson, DVOP Specialist of Fayetteville; Employer of the Year, Large Company - HandCrafted Homes of Henderson; Employer of the Year, Large Federal Contractor-U.S. Security of Raleigh; Local Office of Public Employment Services-Durham JobLInk of the EMployment Security Commission. Also Gold National Military Services Award to the Department of NC, Bronze National Military Services Award to Post 10001 and Post 10226.
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Newspaper Fund Raffle Winners Announced
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 12:41 PM
by State Blogmaster
Winners of the 2008-2009 Newspaper Fund Raffle (The Leader) drawing held on June 14th at the Sheraton Four Seasons in Greensboro are:
1st Place-Richard Alexander, Spring Lake, NC
2nd Place-James Stueve, Calabash, NC
3rd Place-Clarence Willoughby, Tabor City, NC
4th and 5th Place- Mark Summer, Chapel Hill and Christopher Rouse, Kenansville
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VA Demands Accountability Over Chantix Issue
Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 04:36 PM
by State Blogmaster
WASHINGTON (June 19, 2008) - "Enough is enough," said George J. Lisicki, the national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., in response to today's Washington Times article that provides additional information about the potential lethal effect a prescribed drug is having on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder-diagnosed veterans who volunteered for a Department of Veterans Affairs smoking cessation program.
"Those in the VA who failed to properly serve America's veterans must resign their positions," said Lisicki, a Vietnam veteran from Carteret, N.J. "If not, then the VA secretary must take decisive action to terminate them."
The smoking cessation research program uses the drug Chantix, which Food and Drug Administration officials say helps people to stop smoking, but according to a Washington Times/ABC News investigative report on Tuesday, Chantix has also been linked to almost 40 suicides and more than 400 incidents of suicidal behavior. The drug's manufacturer and the FDA have recently cautioned healthcare providers about adverse side effects that could produce changes in behavior ranging from anxiety and depression to suicide.
All 940 veterans enrolled in the VA's smoking cessation program have PTSD. A test group of 143 of them were prescribed Chantix, which is also known as Varenicline.
Lisicki questions why VA clinicians who knew of Chantix's hazardous side effects would allow veterans suffering from PTSD to continue taking it, because "professional ethics and common sense just dictates that clinicians would stop their patients from taking the drug just to err on the side of safety for the veterans and their families," he said. As of May 21, the Federal Aviation Administration banned the use of Chantix by airline pilots and air traffic controllers.
The VFW national commander also questions the leadership ability of those who oversee these types of medical research programs, asks why it took the VA two more days before revealing additional details of those in the study; and wonders what other information has yet to be uncovered. Aside from Chantix, other drugs that are were reported to currently being used to treat veterans with PTSD are the anticonvulsant Divalproex, and the antidepressants Paroxetine, Mirtazapine and Citalopram, all of which carry warnings of potential suicidal side effects.
"The VA is known for quality healthcare that is delivered by highly trained and educated medical professionals and staff, but in recent weeks, the American public has read stories accusing the department of not properly taking care of veterans with mental health problems, to include veterans attempting suicide under VA care. These stories, to include the well-documented veterans' claims backlog, are having a negative cumulative effect on the overall image of the VA," said Lisicki.
Read more
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VA Reaching Out to Vets with Mortgage Problems
Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 09:21 AM
by State Blogmaster
WASHINGTON – Many home owners have found it difficult recently to pay their mortgages, but quick intervention by loan counselors at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has actually reduced the number of veterans defaulting on their home loans.
“VA is reaching out to veterans -- both those who use our home-loan guaranty program and those who don’t take advantage of our guaranties -- to keep people in their homes,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “I’m proud of our solid record of success in helping veterans and active-duty personnel deal with financial crises.”
Accounting for much of this success are VA counselors at nine regional loan centers who assist people with VA-guarantied loans avoid foreclosure through counseling and special financing arrangements. The counselors also can assist other veterans with financial problems. VA counselors have helped about 74,000 veterans, active-duty members and survivors keep their homes since 2000, a savings to the government of nearly $1.5 billion.
Depending on a veteran’s circumstances, VA can intercede with the borrower on the veteran’s behalf to pursue options -- such as repayment plans, forbearance, and loan modifications -- that would allow a veteran to keep a home.
To obtain help from a VA financial counselor, veterans can call VA toll-free at 1-877-827-3702. Information about VA’s home loan guaranty program can be obtained at
www.homeleans.va.gov
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General Order #11, 2007-2008 Series
Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 10:00 AM
by State Blogmaster
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA
GENERAL ORDER NO.11 JUNE 2008
1. Green Expense Reports: All officers using green expense reports for travel reimbursement are cautioned that they must have them arrive at Department Headquarters no later than 31 May 2008 if they wish to be paid for expenses incurred during the 2007-08 fiscal year.
2. State Convention: The State Convention will be held in Greensboro at the Sheraton Inn-Four Seasons Convention Center, June 12-15 2008. The telephone number for reservations is 16556 or 1-336-292-9161.
3. State Convention Delegate Fees: Attention is called to Article VIII, Section 4: "Each member of the Department (State) Convention entitled to vote shall pay a registration fee not to exceed $3.00. Each Post shall pay a registration fee not to exceed $3.00 for each Post delegate to the Department Convention." Delegate credential forms to the Department Convention were mailed in April to all Post Quartermasters according to the number of delegate votes to which they are entitled. Posts must register ALL delegates or the Posts may not vote any of them. Also, Posts must pay the Delegate Fees whether or not any delegates attend the Convention.
4. 78th Convention Committees: The following committees are appointed for action at the 78th Annual Department Convention:
BUDGET: Mike Burris, Chairman (2615), James C. Goins (9488), Roy C. Meares (10400), John Shelander (670), Ernie Allis (9488), Doug Hammel (9103), Mark Sandmann (9133).
BY -LAWS: Gene Kent, Chairman (7034), William c.-Cox (7383), Michael Ayscue (2417), Oliver Nicholas (7315), William Dean (4286).
CREDENTIALS: M. Bruce Edwards, Chairman (9488), Donald Webb (3006), Jack Brimhall (9488), Richard Easingwood (670).
COLOR GUARD: Eddie Banther, Captain (4309), David Holm (4309), Carl Cox (891), James Cacoulidis (10400).
HEADQUARTERSIDISTINGUISHED GUESTS: Frank J. Watley, Chairman (5574), Roland Rochester (6018), Donald Home (10607), James Eason (2057).
LONG RANGE PLANNING: Michael Burris, Chairman (2615), Harlan Cornell (9100), James Workman (10), Chuck Wright (7031), George Balch (10), Donald Thompson (6724), William Dean (4286).
OFFICERS' REPORTS: Homer Gene Edwards (891), Betty Rowland (9100), William DohI4309), David Joe Duncan (1160).
RESOLUTIONS: William J. Hendren (2031), Jason Schoolcraft (8073), Jack Kerns (9488), Jimmy Outlaw 9514).
RULES: Frank Durbino (9133), Arthur Shull (2843), Frank Foronda (8073), Raymond Yamrus (7318).
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Gary W. Barringer (9134).
5. Posts Which Have Not Turned In An Election Report: In accordance with Article II, Section 213 of the VFW National By-Laws, posts which have not turned in an election report for the coming year will not be allowed representation at the Department Convention, to include not being allowed to vote. All posts are urged to send in their election reports immediately to VFW National Headquarters, Attn: Admin Operations, 406 W. 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111.
6. Installation of Post Officers: Installing officers will see that the provisions of Section 217 of the National Constitution and By-Laws and Manual of Procedure are properly carried out and that all officers are members in good standing and qualified to hold office prior to installing Post Officers for the current year. Proof of eligibility must be on file with the Post Adjutant prior to installation.
The installing officer shall ascertain that a Post Election Report form has been mailed to National Headquarters prior to the installation. If a Post Election Report has not been forwarded to National Headquarters, the installing officer shall complete and forward such report at the time he installs the Post Officers. Attention is directed to see that the proper amount of dues the Post charges is reported to National Headquarters. Post Officers shall be installed into their respective offices at a regular or special meeting not less than twenty (20) days nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the opening of the Department Convention, but shall not assume their duties until the Department Commander is installed.
7. District Commanders' Credentials: District Commanders will insure that a copy of their VFW proof of eligibility is on file with the State Adjutant/Quartermaster prior to their installation on June 14, 2008.
8. National Convention: The 108th National Convention will be held in Orlando, Florida, from 16-21 August 2008. Hotel reservation instructions are included in this mass mailing. The North Carolina delegation will be staying in the Rosen Centre Hotel.
9. Visitors to Post Canteens: Posts are under no obligation to serve any persons in their Canteen, except for their own Post comrades and auxiliary members. However, Article 16, Section 9 of the Department By-Laws points out that Posts may (if they wish) also admit other VFW members, armed forces members, Auxiliary members, and their bona fide guests. A "bona fide guest" is a non-member who is signed into the post in a book, and has a sponsor member with them at all times. The word "Auxiliary" in that Section now pertains to Men's Auxiliary members as well as Ladies Auxiliary members. If a post normally allows entry and service to visiting VFW comrades or Ladies Auxiliary sisters, they should also allow entry and service to visiting Men's Auxiliary members. In order to prove that a visitor is a member of the VFW or one of its Auxiliaries, he/she should be required to show a valid membership card. Non-members/non-guests cannot be admitted to the canteen.
10. Otis N. BrownIBilIy Ray Cameron Scholarship Winners: The Department Scholarship Committee met in May 2008, and the following students were chosen for scholarships: Lauren Livingston for the Billy Ray Cameron Scholarship and Alicia Legrande for the Otis N. Brown Scholarship. Both scholarships are for $1000 per year for four continuous years.
11. All State Posts: The 2008 All State Post list was determined after close of business at VFW National Headquarters on 15 May 2008. In order to be considered for All State status, a post had to be over 100%, and have participated in the Voice of Democracy program, Patriot Pen program, Teacher of the Year program, and Buddy Poppy program. Additionally, they had to be in the top four in membership in their membership division. Membership divisions are 1 (50-100),2 (101-200), 3 (2011350), 4 (351-500), 5 (501-700) and 6 (701-up). If a post had a high membership total and did not achieve All State status, it is because they did not participate in one or more of the programs, as reported to the Department headquarters by the Department program chairmen. The following posts are designated All State Posts: Division 1 - Mebane 1920; Division 2 - Raeford 10, Indian Trail 2423, and Gibsonville 2972; Division 3 - Cary 7383 and Hope Mills 10630; Division 4 - Fayetteville 670 and Southern Pines 7318; Divisions 5 and 6 - none. Additionally, Districts 5.8.9, and 10 are designated as All State Districts.
12. Summer District Meetings: Incoming State Commander Flood has decided that all district meetings will be held during 2008-09 on two weekends, thereby giving the districts a choice of four dates. Dates for the SJ1ID1Iler district meetings will be 2, 3, 9, and 10 August . Each district will hold a school of instruction during the summer meeting to cover the subjects of the changed All State and All American programs, and recruiting techniques to be issued to the incoming district commanders at the annual state convention. Fall meetings will be on 15, 16,22, and 28 November. District Conventions will be on 25 or 26 April or 2 or 3 May.
13. DEPARTMENT ROSTER: THE 2008-2009 ROSTER WILL BE PRINTED NO LATER THAN JUL Y 15; THEREFORE, PLEASE HAVE ALL POST ELECTION REPORTS IN TO VFW NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS NO LATER THAN JULY 1.
BY ORDER OF:
JOHN W. SHELANDER, STATE COMMANDER
OFFICIAL:
M. BRUCE EDWARDS, DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT
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