Department of North Carolina

Dept of NC General Orders, 2009-2010 Series and District Meeting Schedules

Posted at 06:00 AM on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by State Blogmaster in 2009-2010 General Orders

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

 To view General Order #1 Part 1, click: HERE

 To view General Order #1 Part 2, click: HERE

  To view General Order #2 Sep 2009, click: HERE

  To view General Order #3 Oct 2009, click: HERE

 To view General Order #4 Nov 2009, click: HERE

  The corrected District Autumn Meeting Schedule is as follows:

Date/Day	Post	Location	Time		Department Reps
8 Nov, Sunday
Dist 17	4309	Brevard	1:00PM		Eddie Banther-Judge Advocate
					Doris Edwards-Past Dept Pres
14 Nov, Saturday
Dist 3	6651	Wilson	12:00:00 Noon		John Shelander, Past Dept Cdr
					Nancy White, Past Dept Pres
Dist 6	9100	Okaneechee	11:00 AM		Doug Seay-Sr Vice Cdr
		Steakhouse-Hillsboro			Janice Butterworth-Sr Vice Pres
Dist 7	10999	Raleigh	12:00:00 Noon		Bruce Edwards-QM
					Barbara Icard-Jr Vice Pres
Dist 10	2087	Greensboro	12:00:00 Noon		Jim Clark-Natl Mil Svcs
					Ann Yamrus-Secretary
Dist 11	1134	Winston-Salem	12:00:00 Noon		Saundra Clagett-Surgeon
					Lynn Jones, President
Dist 12	8989	Kannapolis	1:00 PM		William Sloan, Dept Cdr
					Ginger Amos-Chaplain
15 Nov, Sunday
Dist 1	6060	Elizabeth City	1:00 PM		Saundra Clagett-Surgeon
					Phyllis Harmon-Treasurer
Dist 2	2771	Kinston	12:30 PM		John Shelander, Past Dept Cdr
					Janice Butterworth-Sr Vice Pres
Dist 4	8986	Newport	12:00:00 Noon		Doug Seay-Sr Vice Cdr
					Farres Upton, Chief-of-Staff
Dist 5	2573	Wilmington	1:00 PM		Roy Meares-Past Dept Cdr
					Jean Clark-Past Pres
Dist 8	670	Fayetteville	1:00 PM		Jason Schoolcraft-Jr Vice Cdr
					Deborah Crowder-Past Pres
Dist 9	4203	Rockingham	1:00 PM		James Goins-Past Dept Cdr
					Penny Cacoulidis-Guard
Dist 13	5464	Monroe	2:00 PM		William Sloan, Dept Cdr
					Lynn Jones, President
Dist 14	1885	Glen Alpine	1:30 PM		David Joe Duncan-Past Dept Cdr
					Dorothy Whisnat-Past Pres
Dist 15	7946	Jefferson	2:00 PM		William J. Hendren-Past Dept Cdr
					Barbara Icard-Jr Vice Pres
Dist 16	13049	Mill Spring	1:00 PM		William Dohl-Past Dept Cdr
					Ginger Amos-Chaplain

2009 Veterans Day Proclamation

Posted at 09:23 AM on Monday, November 2, 2009 by State Blogmaster

We have a sacred trust with those who wear the uniform of the United States of America. From the Minutemen who stood watch over Lexington and Concord to the service members who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, American veterans deserve our deepest appreciation and respect. Our Nation’s servicemen and women are our best and brightest, enlisting in times of peace and war, serving with honor under the most difficult circumstances, and making sacrifices that many of us cannot begin to imagine. Today, we reflect upon the invaluable contributions of our country’s veterans and reaffirm our commitment to provide them and their families with the essential support they were promised and have earned.

Caring for our veterans is more than a way of thanking them for their service. It is an obligation to our fellow citizens who have risked their lives to defend our freedom. This selflessness binds our fates with theirs, and recognizing those who were willing to give their last full measure of devotion for us is a debt of honor for every American.

We also pay tribute to all who have worn the uniform and continue to serve their country as civilians. Many veterans act as coaches, teachers, and mentors in their communities, selflessly volunteering their time and expertise. They visit schools to tell our Nation’s students of their experiences and help counsel our troops returning from the theater of war.

These men and women possess an unwavering belief in the idea of America: no matter where you come from, what you look like, or who your parents are, this is a place where anything is possible. Our veterans continue to stand up for those timeless American ideals of liberty, self-determination, and equal opportunity.

On Veterans Day, we honor the heroes we have lost, and we rededicate ourselves to the next generation of veterans by supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as they return home from duty. Our grateful Nation must keep our solemn promises to these brave men and women and their families. They have given their unwavering devotion to the American people, and we must keep our covenant with them.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our servicemen and women have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation’s veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2009, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Holiday Mailing Deadlines for Military Delivery

Posted at 08:51 AM on Monday, November 2, 2009 by State Blogmaster

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

VFW Washington Weekly - October 30, 2009

Posted at 09:55 PM on Friday, October 30, 2009 by State Blogmaster

In This Issue:

1. President Signs Defense Bill

2. VFW Hosts DHS Secretary

3. House VA Committee Clears Bills

4. DNA Samples Needed for MIA Identifications

1. President Signs Defense Bill: The President signed the National Defense Authorization Act this week, which authorizes $550.2 billion for FY 2010 Department of Defense programs, and $130 billion to support overseas military operations. Some VFW-supported highlights include:

• No proposed Tricare fee increases.
• A 3.4% pay raise for active duty, Guard and Reserve members.
• Authorizing premium-based Tricare coverage for "gray area" Reserve retirees who are under age 60.
• Authorizing special compensation on behalf of caregivers of severely wounded warriors while on active duty.
• Requiring a medical examination before administrative separations of members affected by traumatic brain injury or PTSD.
• Protecting absentee voting rights for military members and families.
• Expanding active-duty Tricare eligibility for activating Guard/Reserve members and their families.

A detailed summary of the bill can be found at: http://armedservices.house.gov.

Read more Washington Weekly

State Commander Goes to the Races

Posted at 08:42 AM on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by State Blogmaster in Special Photos

NC State VFW Commander Bill Sloan along with his Chief of Staff, Ron Leif, met with the Virginia State Commander, Rex Faris to watch Ron Hornaday take the VFW sponsored truck to a 4th place win at the Martinsville Speedway in Virginia during the Camping World Truck-Kroger 200 race on Saturday, October 24, 2009.

4th Place brought in $16,330.00. The VFW truck started in #2 placing and slipped to the 4th place position.

Advanced Appropriations for VA Becomes Law

Posted at 01:10 PM on Friday, October 23, 2009 by State Blogmaster

WASHINGTON, October 22, 2009 — The president signed into law today (yesterday) legislation that will enable the Department of Veterans Affairs to know its health care budget a full year in advance.

"This is a huge victory for veterans," said Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., who has been advocating for years with other leading veterans' organizations for a new budgetary process that would fund the VA in a sufficient, timely and predictable manner.

The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act will ensure that medical services, facilities and research programs are not impacted by annual Capitol Hill budget battles that have resulted in the VA being funded late in 20 of the past 23 years.

"The advanced appropriations issue has always been about doing what's right to properly care for our nation's defenders," explained Tradewell. "The VA is the only federal agency that is singularly tasked to care for America's heroes. A budget known a full year in advance will enable them to plan for the hiring of critical medical and research staff, as well as forecast equipment and facility upgrades throughout their entire nationwide network.

"The VFW is proud of our House and Senate champions, and grateful to President Obama for his support of advanced appropriations when he was a senator, and for his signature today."

VA Extends Agent Orange Benefits to More Veterans

Posted at 05:45 PM on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 by State Blogmaster

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.

Duke University to Honor Fallen Alumni

Posted at 03:41 PM on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 by State Blogmaster

On Friday, October 23, 2009, Duke University will be holding a dedication ceremony for their war memorials to honor Duke alumni who lost their lives on active duty.

Veterans Administration Secretary Shinseki will be the guest speaker at the event. Duke University has invited all members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars to attend this event.

The dedication begins at 10:00am Friday morning at the Duke Chapel and will continue at the adjacent memorial court.  A reception will follow the dedication.  Business attire is the dress for the event.

 All comrades and sisters are encouraged to attend this event.  Contact Department Junior Vice Commander, Jason Schoolraft at (910) 642-7105 or jschoolcraft@embarqmail.com for further information.

Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Legislation Needs Your Help!

Posted at 09:39 AM on Monday, October 12, 2009 by State Blogmaster

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.

The Award Winning North Carolina "The VFW Leader" Newspaper

Posted at 10:30 AM on Thursday, October 8, 2009 by State Blogmaster in VFW Leader

 To all NC Members: If you do not get "The VFW Leader" in the mail, let me know. Your address may have been changed. In most cases, "The VFW Leader" will not be forwarded by the post office. E-mail me at:  blogmaster@nc.vfwwebmail.com 

Click the link to read the leader: (Must have Adobe Reader). It make a moment to load, depending on the size of the newspaper.

The pages of advertising have been deleted from the online edition.

 

 For a copy of the June 2009 "The VFW Leader", click: HERE

 For a copy of the September 2009 "The VFW Leader", click: HERE (11.3 MB)

Department of NC Holds Fall Council of Administration

Posted at 02:40 PM on Monday, October 5, 2009 by State Blogmaster

The Fall CofA was held on October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of October in Raleigh, NC. There were many meetings and classes of instruction held that benefited all posts and districts. At the Joint Meeting on the 3rd, the 2009 Poppy King and Queen were crowned, National representatives for both the VFW and the Ladies Auxiliary spoke before the session and All American awards were presented to Districts and Posts who had won the honor. More photos will be posted as they are received and processed. If you want a special photo e-mail the State Blog Master at BLOGMASTER@NC.VFWWEBMAIL.COM

Find more photos like this on My VFW WebCOM

Click the following link if your computer does not support the slideshow--  http://my.vfwwebcom.org/photo/albums/fall-2009-nc-council-of

 

Department of North Carolina 2009 Golf Tournament Winners Announced

Posted at 10:04 AM on Monday, October 5, 2009 by State Blogmaster

The Department of North Carolina's 2009 State Golf Tournament was held on the weekend of 19 and 20 September 2009.

The host post for this year was the Stanley McLeod VFW Post 5631 in Sanford, NC. The golf tournament Chairmen for this year was Bobby Brewer from Post 5631 and David Joe Duncan from Post 1160 is the State Golf Chairman. The tournament name was changed to "The Billy Ray Cameron Open" this year to help raise money for the Billy Ray Cameron Scholarship program.

The winners from eash class was:

Men's Division:  Graig Stuedivant from Post 5631

Ladies Division: Maria Thomas from Post 5631

Senior's Division: Woody Neal from Post 5352

Super Senior's Division: Bill Soncy from Post 7288

Click on the photos below to enlarge them.

2009-2010 North Carolina Membership Status

Posted at 06:04 AM on Saturday, October 3, 2009 by State Blogmaster in Membership

 We are in another membership year (1 July 2009), you can check the membership stats by just clicking : HERE

Members who are assigned to Post 15034 (Members at Large) click on this link:  www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/post15034

 

North Carolina Department Officers, District Commanders, and Committees are Announced

Posted at 09:13 AM on Thursday, October 1, 2009 by State Blogmaster in Officers and Schedules

Delegates at the 79th Annual North Carolina VFW convention elected William Sloan to head the Department for the 2009-2010 membership year. 

A complete list of Department Officers, District Commanders, and Department Committees and Committee Members is posted with General Order #1

 

VFW Applauds VA GI Bill Check Authorization

Posted at 07:52 AM on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by State Blogmaster

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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