VFW WI Post 8337

2009 Veterans Day Proclamation

Posted at 09:12 AM on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by Past Commander VFW Post 8337

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 08:47 AM on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by Past Commander VFW Post 8337

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

King, Union Grove and Spooner to Host WDVA Veterans Day Events November 11th

Posted at 04:07 PM on Sunday, November 1, 2009 by Past Commander VFW Post 8337

(KING) – The Wisconsin Veterans Home at King will host their 2009 Veterans Day Program on Wednesday, November 11th in the Marden Memorial Center at 10:30 a.m. to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. The morning program will include vocals from the Waupaca High School Choir under the direction of Kristen Sporakowski; the posting of colors by the Wisconsin Veterans Home King Honor Guard and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Military Funeral Honors Team; Waupaca High School Band students, Katie Sroka and Alex Weise will play Taps; and the featured speaker of the morning program will be Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs Member Dan Naylor.

Mr. Naylor was appointed to the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs in January 2008 for a six year term ending May 1, 2013. He currently serves as the Chair of the Long Term Care Committee. Mr. Naylor is a Vietnam era veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1971 – 1973, primarily at Fort Hood, Texas, as a Military Police Officer and Correctional Specialist. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. In 1974 Mr. Naylor assisted in the development of Vets House in Madison – one of the first Vets Centers for Vietnam Veterans in the Nation and helped create and direct Post Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment services for veterans in northern Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan under contract with the Veterans Administration. Over the last 30 years he has been involved in Veterans activities throughout the state including supporting the establishment of Veterans Courts and the Old Glory Honor Flight Program for WWII veterans.

Mr. Naylor is a member of the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America and AMVETS. He received a master’s degree in Public Administration from UW-Oshkosh and is owner of White Pine Consulting Service. Dan and his wife Mary live in the Town of Farmington in Waupaca County and have three children – two of whom are veterans having served in Iraq. "It’s encouraging to see the involvement of the schools and the emphasis directed toward our young people with the Veterans Day Program that is being planned," said Naylor.

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary John�@A. Scocos added, "I encourage all citizens, young and aged, to honor veterans not just this day, but throughout the year and join the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King for this special tribute."

The Wisconsin Veterans Home is located at N2665 County Road QQ in King, two miles south of the City of Waupaca, which is located just off U.S. Highway 10, midway between Stevens Point and Appleton. For further information on this program, please contact the Wisconsin Veterans Home at 715-258-4247.

The WDVA will also be hosting a Veterans Day ceremony at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spooner at 1:00 p.m. and at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove at 11:00 a.m.

VFW Washington Weekly - October 30, 2009

Posted at 09:50 PM on Friday, October 30, 2009 by Past Commander VFW Post 8337

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

Businesses Salute Veterans, Service Members, in November

Posted at 07:10 AM on Friday, October 30, 2009 by Past Commander VFW Post 8337

The American Veteran - October Edition

Posted at 11:38 AM on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by Past Commander VFW Post 8337

(via The Pentagon Channel)

Advanced Appropriations for VA Becomes Law

Posted at 01:02 PM on Friday, October 23, 2009 by Past Commander VFW Post 8337

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."

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