Department of North Carolina

General Order, 2008-2009 Series

Posted at 11:30 AM on Thursday, November 20, 2008 by State Blogmaster

 Department General Orders are available in PDF format. Click on the link for the GO you wish to see.

 To view General Order #1, click: HERE

 To view General Order #2, click: HERE

 To view General Order #3, click: HERE

 To view General Order #4, click: HERE

 To view General Order #5, click: HERE

Autumn 2008 NC District Meetings

Posted at 05:26 PM on Monday, November 17, 2008 by State Blogmaster

The schedule for the 2008 Autumn District Meetings has just been released. Keep watch for any changes that may occur. To view the Autumn Schedule, click: HERE

Reports and Photos for district meetings that are in are as follows (click the links):

District 8   www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/dist8

 

2008 North Carolina Veterans Parades and Ceremonies

Posted at 09:38 AM on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 by State Blogmaster in Special Photos

As photos are submitted of parades and ceremonies around North Carolina of Veteran's Day activities, they will be posted on the "Photos Album" Quick Link above.

Open the "2008 Veterans Day Activities" folder. 

Click Here:   http://vfwwebcom.org/albums/northcarolina/&task=viewfolder&f_id=51

Post's Postings:

Post 6088:  http://vfwwebcom.org/nc/post6088/81526/

If  you have photos you want to submit, please e-mail them to EASICREA@EARTHLINK.NET and please identify as much as you can.

U.S. Marine Corps Birthday

Posted at 10:49 AM on Monday, November 10, 2008 by State Blogmaster

VFW Commander-in-Chief's message regarding the Marine Corps birthday:

Semper Fi!
Happy Birthday, Marines!

On November 10, we celebrate the 233rd year of rich tradition and spirit of the U.S. Marine Corps. From the "Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli," our "Soldiers of the Sea" have gallantly served our great nation for 233 years. First to land and first to fight, the Corps has demonstrated battle after battle, the heroism and dedication of its Marines.

In 1921, Marine Corps Commandant, Major General John A. Lejeune, wrote "In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term 'Marine' has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

There is a special spirit and connection that exists for every man and women who have worn the uniform of the "Few and the Proud." The 2.1 million members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Auxiliaries proudly salute you today for your sacrifices and for your dedication to duty and service to country.

Glen Gardner
Commander-in-Chief
Veterans of Foreign Wars

---

Your NC State VFW Headquarters

Posted at 09:34 AM on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 by State Blogmaster in Special Photos

Many people drive by the State Headquarters on New Bern Avenue in Raleigh, NC but few stop in for a visit. The next time you drive by, stop and say hello and meet the personnel who are at the heart of our state activities. Click on the "Photo Album" under Quick Links

 

Posts and Districts, Claim Your Space

Posted at 10:04 AM on Monday, November 3, 2008 by State Blogmaster in Membership

Post and District Commanders,

As of 31 October 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.

Not counting United State cities, our state blog is viewed by over 300 cities throughout the world as well.

The following is a sample of readership for the months of August, September and October  2008:

	Page	Unique	First Time	Returning
	Loads	Visitors	Visitors	Visitors
Aug 2008	12,007	4,807	3.618	1,189
Sep 2008	11,588	4,914	3,750	1,164
Oct 2008	13,167	5,821	4,762	1,059
Daily Average	Aug 387	Sep 386	Oct 425

 Visitor data is based on "cookie" information.

Grassroots 2008 November Survey

Posted at 09:57 AM on Monday, November 3, 2008 by State Blogmaster

Last Month's Survey

Last month, [the VFW] asked "Do you think the Presidential candidates are talking enough about veterans' issues?"

Almost 300 people responded, with the majority—almost 94 percent—asserting that Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama are not spending enough time discussing their plans for veterans. They want to see more time spent discussing veteran health care and how they will care for those troops coming home.

While some recognize other issues, like the economy, have taken precedent, veterans’ affairs and other issues at home will need to be addressed before November.

• "They are just talking about how and when to use the Armed Forces, not how to take care of them for doing their job."
• "They talk about it, but they are not saying what they are going to do for us, e.g., like increase the pay or benefits for the vets."
• "Seems the economy is the big thing now. Once that is settled, they need to address these issues."
• "Veterans' issues are not bringing the troops home. But what are we going to do for the troops when we bring them home? The issues that we as veterans should be concerned with are that of benefits with teeth, like health care (long-term care for the wounded), job security, training, good record-keeping from the battlefield to the steps of home. Benefits for the widows and orphans of veterans. Our battle cry should be 'America's Veterans First.'
  

Click here to read more responses.

VFW NC State Golf Tournament Results (Click to Enlarge)

Posted at 11:46 AM on Saturday, November 1, 2008 by State Blogmaster

The NC VFW State Golf Tournament was held at the Sanford Golf Course just minutes form Post 5631.

Golfers began to arrive on Thursday; by Friday night, everyone had their chance to play the practice round. 

A large welcome to the Post and State Golf Tournament kicked off on Friday night with a buffet and a 5 piece blue grass band called Vintage Blue, that was enjoyed by all. 

There were 110 golfers, along with guest from Virginia and New York.  The State Commander Larry Flood brought in the State Trophy to be given to the winner and joined in on a round of golf Sunday.

Post 5631 Chaplain, Perry White, gave the invocation and had a moment of silence to recognize our POW/MIA’s and troops in harms way.  Bobby Brewer, chairperson of the Golf Tournament gave the last minute instructions’ and wished every one well before the start on Saturday.

A delicious dinner served on Saturday night, and Karaoke was the night’s entertainment.

Thanks for all that came to take part in this year’s tournament, recognized by most as “the best State Golf Tournament we’ve been to”.

Many thanks for all the volunteers of the Men’s and Ladies Aux. who made this tournament, everything it could be.

Ladies low score was Rita Ceiso of Post 5631

Super Senior Men’s, Bill Soucy of Post 7288

Senior Men’s, Danny Baker of Post 5631

Low Men’s score was Graig Sturdivant from Post 5631

Thank you all for coming, it was our pleasure to host the 2008 State Golf Tournament.

Raymond (Smiley) Pavlik, Commander of  Stanley McLeod Post 5631

Department Programs Links

Posted at 08:33 AM on Saturday, November 1, 2008 by State Blogmaster

North Carolina special program links can be found at the left under "DEPARTMENT LINKS". These links will take you to active special programs and individual points of contacts for those programs and forms the programs use (if available)

New Law Authorizes Veterans' Salutes during National Anthem

Posted at 12:29 PM on Thursday, October 30, 2008 by State Blogmaster

WASHINGTON (Oct. 30, 2008) -- Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.

"The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag."

The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform.

Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization's official head-gear.

The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.

The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.

Double Your Donation

Posted at 09:20 AM on Monday, October 27, 2008 by State Blogmaster

A patriotic friend of the VFW has offered to match—dollar for dollar—every donation to the VFW received by Veterans Day, November 11th. What an opportunity!

Your gift of $40 automatically becomes $80; $60 become $120 … and so on. Imagine how much you can do for our brave defenders!

VFW’s programs support America’s heroes with:

• Assistance receiving healthcare and benefits
• Emergency grants for basic necessities
• Free calls home from war zones
  

North Carolina VFW Leader Newspaper

Posted at 09:30 AM on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 by State Blogmaster in VFW Leader

Click the link to read the leader: (Must have Adobe Reader)

 To view the June Leader, click: June 2008 Leader

 

 To view the September Leader, click: Sept 2008 Leader

(Note: The 3 pages of advertisements in the mailed Leader are not posted.)

Share with My VFW WebCOM

Posted at 06:46 PM on Sunday, October 19, 2008 by State Blogmaster

My VFW WebCOM: VFW WebCOM Goes Social!

Posted at 04:14 PM on Friday, October 17, 2008 by State Blogmaster

The VFW WebCOM Network has gone social. We have launched our new My VFW WebCOM social networking site today.

Just go to My VFW WebCOM and sign up. After joining the site, you will be able to create and join groups, make friends, upload your photos and audio and video files and much more.

It's a new era in connectivity for VFW and Auxiliaries members and supporters of the organization.

We welcome you to stop by and see all the new features, take a look at some photos, upload your own and connect with new (and old) friends.

We hope you enjoy all the new features and welcome your feedback on this exciting new addition to your network. Click on over to http://my.vfwwebcom.org to get started now!

USPS Sets Holiday Mailing Deadlines for Military

Posted at 02:27 PM on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 by State Blogmaster

Washington, DC -Holiday gifts from home are a big morale boost for military service members stationed around the world. To help the families and friends of military personnel, the Postal Service is offering a discount on its largest Priority Mail Flat-Rate box.

Mail sent to overseas military addresses is charged only domestic mail prices. The domestic mail price for the largest Flat-Rate Priority Mail box is $12.95, but for packages to APO/FPO addresses overseas the price is reduced to only $10.95. Flat-Rate boxes are free at any Post Office, or can be ordered online at usps.com. Postage, labels and customs forms can be printed online any time using Click-N-Ship at www.usps.com/clicknship.

"Flat-Rate Priority Mail boxes offer the best bargain in holiday shipping," says Paul Vogel, managing director, Global Business and senior vice president. "The contents can be any weight for one low rate. If it fits, it ships."

The Postal Service continues to show its support 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 Priority Mail boxes, six Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, eight Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and eight customs forms with envelopes.

"The best support for the troops this holiday season is a gift that's on time, so mail before the deadline," Vogel advises.

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