VFW VA Post 9835 - Warrenton, VA

VFW Foundation Announces 2011 Burger King® Unmet Needs Fundraiser

Posted at 01:57 AM on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 by post9835

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation is proud to announce that for the fifth consecutive year, participating Burger King® Restaurants will be raising funds for the VFW’s Unmet Needs Program throughout the month of November through the annual Burger King® Unmet Needs Fundraiser. Over 1,200 Burger King® Restaurants have participated since 2007 and have raised over $1.3 million in support of the program. Burger King® customers are encouraged to donate $1 or more at participating locations across the country as the proceeds will help military families in need pay for essentials such as rent/mortgage, utilities, medical expenses, vehicle repairs and food.

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First Amendment Prevails at Houston VA National Cemetary

Posted at 01:36 AM on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 by post9835

The Veterans of Foreign Wars today(Friday) declared victory in a Federal Lawsuit ( Rainey v VA) filed over allegations of religious hostility and unlawful censorship by the VA and its director of the Houston National Cemetery. 

Federal District Judge Lynn N. Hughes signed a consent decree ordering the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to lift the ban on prayer and the word "God" at national cemeteries, to revoke national policies hostile to religion, and to reopen the Chapel which identity was previously changed to "meeting facility" at the Houston National Cemetery.  

Texas-based Liberty Institute filed suit on behalf of the VFW over allegations of religious hostility and unlawful censorship by the VA and its director of the Houston National Cemetery. Officials told the VFW they could not have prayer during the burial services of veterans unless the family requested it specifically in writing and submitted the prayer to VA officials for pre-approval.    

"The VFW is grateful that the government has restored the basic tenets recognized in the U.S. Constitution – which guarantees fundamental rights of religious expression and freedom of speech – to patriotic Americans who sacrifice everything to defend it.  This is indeed a victory." said VFW National Commander Richard DeNoyer.

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"This is My VFW" Membership Recruitment Video

Posted at 01:33 PM on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 by post9835

Membership recruitment video shot at the 112th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars August 27-September 1, 2011.  Our thanks to all who participated in the production.  Please share this video with all of your friends and veterans on your social networks.  And of course, if you have not yet joined the VFW, click here to join today!

VA News Highlights

Posted at 08:03 AM on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 by post9835

Several headlines from the Department of Veterans Affairs in recent days.  Click the links to read the full stories.

Statement from Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki on the American Jobs Act - Shinseki comments on the proposed Act which includes support for veteran jobs.

VA Announces Expansion of Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will expand its pilot for the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER), which enables sharing of Veterans’ health records.

VA Streamlines Online Applications for Health Benefits Renewal - Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has automated its online Health Benefits Renewal (10-10EZR) form as part of its ongoing effort to streamline access to benefits.

VA Posts Online List of Ships Associated with Presumptive Agent Orange Exposure - Veterans who served aboard U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships operating on the waters of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, may be eligible to receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation for 14 medical conditions associated with presumptive exposure to Agent Orange.

National Convention Wrap Up

Posted at 07:42 AM on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 by post9835

America’s largest organization of combat veterans has elected a Vietnam War veteran to head the 1.5 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

Richard L. DeNoyer, a resident of Middleton, Massachusetts, was elected VFW Commander-in-Chief on September 1, 2011, during the 112^th VFW National Convention, held August 27 – September 1, in San Antonio, Texas.

Click here to read DeNoyer's acceptance speech.

Also elected were John Hamilton, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, of St. Augustine, Florida, and William Thien, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, of Georgetown, Indiana.

Several major measures affecting the operation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars were also approved during the business sesssion.  Click here to read a summary by North Carolina VFW Member Ken Sellers.  For more information on convention events, visit the VFW.org Summary page.

And finally, watch the slideshow below for some random photos from the convention.

VFW Chides White House, Texas Governor for No-Show

Posted at 11:38 AM on Monday, August 22, 2011 by post9835

KANSAS CITY, Mo., August 22, 2011 - The White House will not be sending a representative to the Veterans of Foreign Wars 112th National Convention in San Antonio, Texas, drawing harsh criticism and a rebuke from the leadership of the nation's largest combat veteran's organization.

"The VFW has had a long-standing tradition of inviting the sitting president to address our convention.  We want to know where he stands on veterans' affairs, and we want those remarks made in public and on the record," said Richard L. Eubank, the national commander of the nearly 2 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries. 

"When the President is unable to attend, it has always been customary for the White House to choose a high-level administration official as an alternative speaker," Eubank continued. "It is an insult of the highest magnitude that for the first time in the history of the VFW, the White House has apparently decided that this great and iconic organization of combat veterans and all of its members are not worthy of its notice by not at least offering a first-tier speaker  from the administration."

Eubank, a Marine Corps retiree and Vietnam combat veteran from Eugene, Ore., was also critical of Texas Governor, Rick Perry; "The VFW also has a tradition of inviting the governor of the host state where its annual convention is being held to come and welcome and greet our convention delegates.  Although Governor Perry was similarly sent an invitation 3 months ago, apparently our invitation was deemed not important enough for the governor’s office to at least accept or decline the invitation.  Governor Perry's candidacy for president does not provide him an excuse for bad manners.  The White House and Governor Perry can rest assured that the 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries will remember this discourteous treatment for a very long time to come."

Annually, the VFW's National Convention plays host to a number of other speakers as well, including prominent members of the Cabinet, military and civic leaders, business leaders and a host of everyday people honored for their exemplary service.

VFW letter: the debt deal's done, now what?

Posted at 09:34 PM on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 by post9835

Dear VFW, Ladies Auxiliary and Supporters:

The president this afternoon signed congressional legislation to raise the federal debt limit and reduce government spending. The larger question is now how this all impacts veterans, service members, their families and survivors.

The measure passed by the Senate today and in the House yesterday will raise the $14.3 trillion debt limit by at least $2.1 trillion. An additional $500 billion could come in the fall, provided two-thirds of Congress approves. The final increase, expected early next year, would provide the Treasury enough borrowing power to pay its bills into 2013.

The deal also calls for sharp cuts in agency spending --- about $917 billion over the next decade --- starting with a $25 billion reduction in fiscal year 2012, which begins Oct. 1, with a second set of reductions coming later this year via a special committee charged with wringing at least $1.2 trillion more over the next decade. If the committee fails to act --- or if Congress does not adopt its recommendations by Dec. 23 --- government spending would be cut across the board by the same amount, with the reductions split 50:50 between security and non-security programs.

Either way, many DOD and VA programs and services could be negatively impacted, which would counteract everything the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. has worked hard to create over the past 112 years. The VFW and our supporters cannot let this happen.

On the VFW website is a list of 10 services and programs the organization believes are most vulnerable to being cut or curtailed in order to help pay for 10 years of war. The "10 for 10" list will form the basis of VFW's legislative efforts and calls to action to its membership and grassroots supporters. Now is the time to re-engage with your members of Congress.

Yours in Comradeship,

ROBERT E. WALLACE
Executive Director
VFW Washington Office

The American Veteran - July 2011

Posted at 11:27 PM on Monday, July 25, 2011 by post9835

(via The Pentagon Channel)

Posted at 02:41 PM on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 by post9835

Attorney General’s opinion clarifies tax exemption for disabled veterans

 

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has issued an opinion clarifying interpretation of new legislation granting a real estate tax exemption to veterans with a 100 percent, permanent and total, service-connected disability.  The legislation, enacted by the 2011General Assembly in response to a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2010, exempts real estate, including property held jointly by a husband and wife, from taxation provided the veteran meets the specified disability requirements.  The exemption applies to the building on the property and up to one acre of land.  The veteran must use the property as his or her principal residence. 

 

The Attorney General’s opinion, issued July 15, 2011, clarifies the term 100% disability to include veterans rated by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as individually unemployable due to a service-connected disability.  These veterans must be unable to secure or hold gainful employment due to their service-connected disability.  Additionally, they must have one service-connected disability ratable at 60 percent or more, or two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one disability ratable at 40 percent or more and with a combined rating of 70 percent or more.

 

The legislation also grants the exemption to the surviving spouse of an eligible veteran if the veteran died on or after January 1, 2011.  The spouse will lose the exemption if he or she remarries or does not occupy the property as his or her primary place of residence.  According to the Attorney General’s opinion, the way the law was written, the exemption is not retroactive and spouses will not be eligible if the veteran died prior to January 1, 2011.

 

The Attorney General’s opinion also stated that the exemption was not available if the real estate is in a revocable trust with the spouse or others or in an irrevocable trust, and that the exemption is not available to a surviving spouse of an eligible veteran if the spouse relocates.

 

Opinions issued by the Attorney General do not create new law.  However, they represent a legal analysis of current law based on a thorough review of existing law and relevant prior court decisions. To read this opinion from the Attorney General, visit http://www.vaag.com/Opinions%20and %20Legal%20Resources/ Opinions/2011opns/July11opndx.html.

 

To apply for the exemption, veterans should contact their local commissioner of the revenue or other designated local government official.

 

The Virginia Department of Veterans has 20 offices statewide that assist veterans and their families with applying for federal and state veterans benefits.  Visit www.virginiaforveterans for the location of a DVS office near you. 

VFW Joins in Houston National Cemetery Censorship Lawsuit

Posted at 11:11 PM on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 by post9835

KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 1, 2011 - The national commander of America's largest and oldest major combat veterans' organization is appalled over allegations of religious censorship at one of the nation’s national cemeteries, calling it a case of “bureaucracy running amok.” 

“This is a point in case of bureaucracy…or rather, a classic example of a bureaucrat running amok.  In spite of VA policy, the cemetery director is making up her own rules and has imposed hurtful, unilateral restrictions of her own choosing,” said Richard L. Eubank, the national commander of the 2.1 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries.   

Texas-based Liberty Institute has filed suit on behalf of the VFW, American Legion, and The National Memorial Ladies over allegations of religious hostility and unlawful censorship by the VA and its director of the Houston National Cemetery.  "They've told the VFW and the American Legion that they cannot have prayer during the burial services of our veterans, unless the family requests it in writing and submits the prayer for pre-approval," said Liberty Institute general counsel Jeff Mateer.

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Posted at 04:16 PM on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 by post9835

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Anne Atkins
(804) 371-0441

New legislation provides vital records to veterans at no cost, hunting licenses at reduced cost

RICHMOND —Two pieces of legislation passed unanimously by the 2011 General Assembly and signed into law by Governor McDonnell will provide veterans with copies of vital records at no cost and hunting licenses at a reduced cost.

Vital records at no cost

            Veterans and their survivors may receive a certified copy of vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, from the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records at no charge if the records will be used to obtain military service-connected benefits.  The legislation was patroned by Delegate Massie and Senator Northam.  To obtain more information, veterans or their survivors should contact the Division of Vital Records at (804) 662-6200.

Hunting licenses for disabled veterans at a discounted cost

            Beginning July 1, discounted hunting licenses will be available to disabled veterans. Resident veterans rated by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs as having a 70 percent service-connected disability may purchase an annual state resident basic hunting license at half price.  Veterans with a 70 percent service-connected disability residing out of state may purchase an annual non-resident basic hunting license at half price.  The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries already offers a lifetime hunting and fishing license and a life-time trapping license to disabled veterans at a reduced cost.  The new law was sponsored by Delegate Armstrong.  An application for the license is available on the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ website at www.dgif.virginia.gov.

            Although not part of the legislative package, earlier this year Governor McDonnell granted veterans free access to all state parks through the end of 2011.

Posted at 04:30 PM on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 by post9835

News Release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Anne Atkins
(804) 371-0441

In-state tuition residency requirement waived for veterans at public colleges and universities

RICHMOND—Legislation patroned by Delegates Anderson and Stolle and Senator Edwards during the 2011 General Assembly session will grant veterans in-state tuition rates at Virginia colleges and universities without waiting the normal one-year period.  “Coupled with their G.I. Bill benefits, this is a huge benefit for veterans that can save them thousands of dollars and help them kick-start their higher education,” commented Paul Galanti, a former Vietnam POW and Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

Ordinarily, to qualify for in-state tuition rates, students must have been domiciled in Virginia for at least one year prior to the school year.  To verify domicile, colleges typically review whether the student has lived continuously in Virginia for one year prior to the school year and, as applicable, paid income taxes, held a Virginia driver’s license and motor vehicle registration, registered to vote in Virginia, been employed, or owned property in the Commonwealth.

Under the new legislation, the one-year residency requirement will be waived for veterans and their dependents.  Once veterans establish proof of Virginia domicile, they will qualify for in-state tuition rates as of the next semester.

 Eligibility for in-state tuition rates is determined by the college or university during the enrollment process.  Veterans should contact their prospective college or university for additional information.

ATTENTION DESERT STORM VETERANS

Posted at 04:43 PM on Thursday, June 23, 2011 by post9835

There will be a special observance and commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of Desert Storm at The Brickyard 400 Race in Indianapolis, IN., on July 31, 2011.  The first 300 Desert Storm Veterans to respond to the contact information below can take part in the opening ceremonies for the race, and special recognition of the 20th Anniversary of Desert Storm.  During the ceremony, the 300 Veterans will stand on the track among the 43 race teams and drivers racing that day.  Veterans are asked to wear their Desert Storm Chocolate Chip Camouflage Uniforms if possible. Veterans will receive free admission to the race for themselves as well as one other guest. SPACE IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 300!

To reserve your spot, please contact VFW Life Member Scott C.Stump of Waynesville, NC., at: sawgunner1@illustratemylife.com or at (828)456-6412

Resolution and By-Laws proposals available

Posted at 03:40 PM on Thursday, June 2, 2011 by post9835

Department of Virginia VFW E-News

You can now review the National Resolutions and the By-Law Study Group’s proposed By-Law and Manual of Procedure amendments to be presented to the committee at the 112^th National Convention in San Antonio, by going to National VFW web site www.vfw.org and logging on as a member. If you need assistance in logging in please contact State Headquarters. Also the new Commanders Manual and QM Manual can be viewed on this site.

ALL STATE POSTS ANNOUNCED

Posted at 09:12 AM on Thursday, May 19, 2011 by post9835

Congratulations to the following Posts for making All-State for 2010-2011:

POST 9808 TEAM CAPTAIN	BATTLEFIELD, MECHANICSVILLE
POST 1503	GENERAL LEWIS B. (CHESTY) PULLER, DALE CITY
POST 2239	ROBERT E. LEE, COLONIAL HEIGHTS
POST 3150	JOHN LYON, ARLINGTON
POST 4667	FRANCIS MARION, MARION
POST 7726	GRAYSON, INDEPENDENCE
POST 7589	FRANCIS CANNON, MANASSAS
POST 9478	STERLING, STERLING
POST 9835	ROBERT E. LAING MEMORIAL, WARRENTON
POST 2719	WYTHE COUNTY, WYTHEVILLE
POST 824	DOUGLAS W. HOGGE/ALENN M. TATE MEMORIAL, GRAFTON
POST 3160	OCEAN VIEW, NORFOLK
POST 4809	TIDEWATER, NORFOLK
POST 1994	ABINGDON MEMORIAL, ABINGDON
POST 8947	LOUISA COUNTY, LOUISA

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