VFW Washington Weekly - July 21, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 01:53 PM
by State Blogmaster
In This Issue:
1. FY2009 VA Funding Bill
2. House VA Committee Action
3. VA Outreach Hearing
4. SECDEF Recommends New Guard Chief
1. FY2009 VA Funding Bill: The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously cleared its version of the 2009 VA Funding Bill. The bill provides $72.7 billion in discretionary funding for military construction and Veterans Affairs. This is about $5 billion more than the current fiscal year, and is in line with the House Appropriations Committee's recommendations. It includes:
$47.7 billion in total VA discretionary funding.
$41.1 billion for VA health care.
$1.2 billion for VA construction projects, nearly double the president's request, and $1.1 billion for hospital maintenance and repairs.
$84 million more than the president's request for medical and prosthetic research.
$350 million to help certain higher income Category 8 veterans to begin enrolling in VA.
$250 million targeted to the care of rural veterans.
The bill now moves to the floor of the Senate for a vote.
Read more...
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Modifications to Program Reporting
Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 02:58 PM
by State Blogmaster
District Program Chairmen are cautioned that they should send their lists of participating posts in the Voice of Democracy, Patriot Pen, and Teacher of the Year programs to the Department Adjutant/Quartermaster, as well as to the Department Chairmen of those programs. The Department Program Chairmen are shown in paragraph 4 of General Order #1. The posts listing participation in these programs in their Community Service reports to Department Community Services Chairman Richard Zavesky are warned this is not sufficient to obtain credit for participation. The Department Adjutant/Quartermaster or the Department program chairmen must receive the actual student nominations for credit to be given in that program. Post Commanders should check to insure that District Chairmen are sending the lists of participating posts to both the Department Chairmen and the Department Adjutant/Quartermaster. Posts should send their Community Service reports twice annually to their District Community Services Chairman or their District Commander. The District Community Services Chairman should send their reports to Department Community Services Chairman Richard Zavesky (zaveskytax@aol.com) and to Department Adjutant/Quartermaster Bruce Edwards (vfwnc@msn.com) .
Program Chairpersons are listed at www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/officers
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Changes to All-State and All-American Competition
Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 02:55 PM
by State Blogmaster
Changes to Post All State Competition:
Posts are advised to study their 2008-2009 Membership & Programs, which were distributed to all District Commanders at the annual convention, as there have been several changes to the All State Competition. To be eligible for All State, a post must (1) be over 100% in membership, (2) be in the top four posts in its department (not national) division membership-wise, (3) have a nominee for the Voice of Democracy high school scholarship competition, (4) have a nominee for the middle school Patriot Pen competition, (5) have a nominee for at least one ofthe three teaching levels in the Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year competition, (6) have at least one EMT or Firefighter or Law Enforcement Officer of the Year nomination, (7)have at least 10% new members, (8) have a post representative at least 2 of the 3 District meetings, (9) have purchased at least 10 Buddy Poppies per comrade through the Department from National, and (10) have sent in 2 semi-annual Community Service Reports to District.
Changes to Post All American Competition:
Posts are advised to study their 2008-09 Membership & Programs, which were distributed to all District Commanders at the annual convention, as there have been several changes to the All American Competition. It is now based on programs. rather than membership. To be eligible for All American, a post must (1) have a nominee for the Voice of Democracy high school scholarship competition, (2) have a nominee for the middle school Patriot Pen competition, (3) have a nominee for at least one ofthe three teaching levels in the Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year competition, (4) have purchased at least 10 Buddy Poppies per comrade through the Department from National, (5) make a donation to National Military Services (Operation Uplink or Unmet Needs), and (6) have a post service officer.
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Vote and Get a Free Download
Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 03:59 PM
by State Blogmaster
(via
VFW.org)
The moment has arrived! Finalists have been chosen in the VFW Fly the Flag Photo Contest and voting has begun.
Vote for your favorite photo and we’ll send you a free download of country music artist Ricky Lee's popular song "A Soldier Like You."
The best of the best have been selected. Now it's your turn to vote for the patriotic photo you think should win. Voting makes you eligible to download a country song from Ricky Lee!
Be part of VFW's
2008 Fly the Flag campaign! Let everyone know you support America's defenders and will never forget their sacrifice for freedom.
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VA Announces On-Line Claims Applications
Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 03:41 PM
by State Blogmaster
(via
VA Press Release)
WASHINGTON (July 16, 2008) - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that on-line applications are now accepted from veterans, survivors and other claimants filing initial applications for disability compensation, pension, education, and vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits without the additional requirement to submit a signed paper copy of the application.
Effective immediately, VA will now process applications received through its on-line application website (VONAPP) without the claimant's signature. The electronic application will be sufficient authentication of the claimant's application for benefits. Normal development procedures and rules of evidence will still apply to all VONAPP applications.
VONAPP (
www.va.gov/onlineapps.htm) is a Web-based system that benefits both internal and external users. Veterans, survivors and other claimants seeking compensation, pension, education, or vocational rehabilitation benefits can apply electronically without the constraints of location, postage cost, and time delays in mail delivery.
VONAPP reduces the number of incomplete applications received by VA, decreasing the need for additional development by VA claims processors. The on-line application also provides a link to apply for VA health care benefits and much more.
Over 3.7 million veterans and beneficiaries receive compensation and pension benefits from VA and approximately 523,000 students receive education benefits. Approximately 90,000 disabled veterans participate in VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program.
For more information about VA benefits, go to VA's website at
www.va.gov or call our toll-free number at 1-800-827-1000.
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VFW Leader Newspaper Apr/May/Jun 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 09:30 AM
by State Blogmaster
Click the link to read the leader: (Must have Adobe Reader)
To view the June Leader, click: June 2008 Leader
An error was made on page 4 concerning the dates for the reception and dance at the Fall CofA. The Friday reception will be on the 3rd of October and the dance will be on the 4th of October
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POW/MIA Flag Presented to Vietnam Era POW
Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 07:19 AM
by State Blogmaster
National League of POW/MIA Families and VFW Honor Ex-POW
COL Quincy Collins Honored in Mooresville, NC
MOORESVILLE, NC - He was shot down over North Vietnam and spent the next 7 1/2 years as a prisoner of war.
"I blacked out after ejecting and woke up on the ground with four men in uniforms pointing guns at me", retired Air Force Colonel Quincy Collins shared with the crowd.
There were about 1,000 people in attendance at Mooresville Town Square to celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks, and music by Super Glide. Although the mood was festive, the opening ceremony honoring Col. Collins and all veterans was a reminder that we are still a country at war.
Colonel Collins explained what it was like to be a prisoner of war. He shared many parts of his experiences, reminding the crowd it’s the little things we take for granted that are important while being held prisoner.
"We said the pledge of allegiance every day before dinner, which was usually watered down soup of some kind", he said. "This was the highlight of our day and reminded us all America's eyes were watching us and we had to return with honor."
During the ceremony, Richard Warren owner of Pat's Coffee Shop in Mooresville spoke of Colonel Collins and his service while on active duty and his more recent works.
Mike Surles, (VFW Post 670) 2008 State POW/MIA Chairman for the VFW and State Coordinator for the National League of POW/MIA Families presented Colonel Collins with the League's POW/MIA flag.
"It's always an honor to be able to be in the presence of a returned POW and their families", Surles said. "Just because the uniform is taken off, doesn't mean we have to quit serving."
Colonel Collins was under escort by the local Patriot Guard Riders who ensured he was safe, secure, and on time for the event. There were about 15 riders that provided security and escort services.
The event went into celebration mode when the band Super Glide provided great music for all to enjoy. This was followed by fireworks at the YMCA after dark.
Surles described the event as “A great way to celebrate the service of our soldiers of today and yesterday, to remember that America is the home of the free because of the brave.”
More POW/MIA information and stories can be seen on Mikes' VFW POW/MIA blog at: www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/powmia
Click on Photo to Enlarge:
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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 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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